Are you trying to grow MICROGREENS AT HOME but not sure how to begin? READ ON!
Correct way to sow microgreen seeds
BEGINNERS GUIDE TO SOWING MICRO-GREENS CORRECTLY
- Prepare sowing medium – Microgreens don’t need soil to grow. Use coir growing mats, hydroponic system or just a regular container filled with damp cocopeat. Germinated seedlings get their energy from sunlight to perform photosynthesis. The leaves are packed with nutrition from the this germination process.
- Sow seeds – The seeds should be spread thickly leaving little to no gap as young seedlings will be harvested. The root system does not need to expand.
- Watering – The growing medium needs to stay damp, not wet. Misting daily 3-4 times in hot weather is required. The seeds should not dry out.
- Blackout – This is an optional step aimed at producing taller seedlings or seeds that require darkness to germinate. Cover the sown seeds with a paper, plastic lid or anything that stays for 3-4 days before uncovering. This mimics the process of natural soil cover.
- Sunlight- Microgreens must grow outdoors in sunlight for maximum nutrition benefits.
- Growth – Rotate the container daily to promote even growth.
- Harvest – They are ready to be consumed when the first set of true leaves emerge. Cut off and wash. Use as required.
KEY TIPS FOR GROWING MICRO-GREENS
- Use a container made of breathable material like thick fabric, grow-bag or one with drainage.
- Standing water kills seedlings.
- If seedlings are too lanky, they need sunlight.
- If seedlings are dying, check for fungal damage due to standing water.
- If microgreens seedlings are yellowing, you are overwatering.
- Always sow seeds thickly.
- Soil and fertiliser are not required for growing microgreens.
- Commercial seeds that are GMO, coated or treated are NOT SUITABLE for growing microgreens.
- Seeds harvested at home are good for growing microgreens.
BUY MICRO-GREENS SEEDS FROM AMAZON INDIA
Do microgreens need a blackout period?
BLACKOUT period is not mandatory but helps in the growth of taller stems.
It imitates soil cover and helps few tough seeds germinate.
DO MICROGREENS
RE-GROW?
NO. You need to sow a fresh batch of seeds for each harvest.
You cannot harvest micro-greens twice from the same seeds.
Find answers to all your common queries regarding growing
micro-greens at home.
WHICH VEGETABLE OR HERB SEEDS ARE USED TO GROW MICROGREENS?
As as beginner gardener, you can start by growing SPINACH, RADISH, SUNFLOWER, BROCCOLI, MUSTARD, BEETROOT seeds to grow microgreens. They sprout easily and grow quickly.
SOW & GROW MICRO-GREENS SEEDS
How to grow microgreens at home without a kit?
YES! You don’t need special equipment to grow microgreens. Just a container, soil-less medium and seeds.
Can you grow microgreens indoors?
NO. They need sunlight to grow leaves full of nutrition.
Best microgreens seeds for beginners
Start with seeds that germinate quickly – sunflowers, radish, mustard, spinach.
How long do microgreens take to grow?
Typically microgreens take 7-14 days to be ready to harvest.
Do microgreens require sunlight?
YES! Microgreens require sunlight for healthy growth. The leaves become nutrient-dense with the availaibility of sunlight while growing.
Can microgreens grow without soil?
YES. Soil-less mediums like cocopeat, coir-mats can be used to grow microgreens.
How often should microgreens be watered?
Water them everyday or mist few times a day to keep them hydrated. They do not need standing water, it will kill them.
Can microgreens be grown from grocery store seeds?
Seeds used for growing microgreens should be non-GMO, non-coated and marked safe for growing microgreens. Treated seeds should not be used. Avoid hybrid seeds.
How dense should microgreens seeds be sown?
Microgreens are sown thickly covering the growing medium as tender seedlings are harvested and they do not need space to expand roots.
MICRO-GREENS CARE & HARVEST
When should microgreens be uncovered?
As soon as they start germinating, allow them to soak in the sunlight.
Prevent leggy microgreens
Tall seedlings are desirable but leggy seedlings acn fall over. Grow in full sunlight and keep rotating.
When to harvest microgreens
Harvest microgreens when you see the first set of true leaves in about 14 days.
Why are my microgreens falling over?
They are not getting proper sunlight and stretching for it.
Why are my microgreen leaves yellow?
You are watering them too much. Seedlings don’t need to be soaked all the time.
Why did microgreens turn moldy? How to prevent damping off?
Check for standing water. Drainage is essential for growing seedlings.
Why are microgreens not germinating?
Some seeds need to be soaked before sowing. You can also try the blackout method for encouraging germination.
What is the difference between MICROGREENS and SPROUTS?
MICROGREENS are the harvested first set of true leaves along with cotyledon leaves and the stems, to be consumed.
- Microgreens take 14-20 days to be ready for harvest.
- The seeds and roots are not consumed.
- They need a growing medium.
SPROUTS are germinated seed with a grown roots and just a bit of germination of the seeds.
- The leaves are not meant to grow before consumption.
- Sprouts grow faster than microgreens and are ready in 2-3 days.
- Sprout seeds are consumed whole.
- Sprouts are not grown by keeping the seeds damp without any growing medium.
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