Do you want to try your hand at growing something new? Have you ever thought about taking up microgreens as a hobby? If so, then why not try it out with mason jars! Mason jar farming is an easy and exciting way to grow delicious microgreens in the comfort of your own home. The best part is that anyone can do it – from seasoned gardeners to complete beginners. In this article, we’ll tell you all you need to know about how to get started with growing micro greens in mason jars.
First things first, let’s talk about what microgreens are exactly. Microgreens are tiny versions of larger vegetables such as kale or broccoli, only much more flavorful due to their concentrated nutrient content. They’re typically used as garnishes for salads and other dishes but they also make great additions to smoothies and sandwiches too. Not only are they nutritious and tasty, but they’re super quick and easy to grow in mason jars!
Once you’ve got your supplies ready, all that’s left is getting down to business. Growing microgreens in mason jars requires some basic knowledge of soil, light and water requirements but don’t worry – we’ll take you through everything step by step so even if you’re starting from scratch, you won’t be overwhelmed! Keep reading on for tips on how to successfully start your journey into growing healthy microgreen snacks right at home using nothing more than a few simple mason jars.
What You'll Learn
Benefits Of Growing Microgreens In Mason Jars
Microgreens are a great way to add nutrition and flavor to everyday meals. Growing them in mason jars is an easy and cost-effective method for getting the freshest microgreens possible. Mason jar microgreens have many benefits, from their nutritional value to being able to be grown indoors or outdoors all year round.
The first benefit of growing microgreens in mason jars is that they require minimal space since you can stack multiple jars on top of each other. Additionally, these containers are much more affordable than large raised beds or pots which makes it easier for anyone to give this type of gardening a try. The second benefit is that the soil does not need to be changed as often because the plants will only use up what nutrients are available within the jar before needing new soil added back into it. This also helps you save money by avoiding purchasing bags of compost every few weeks.
Finally, when you grow your own microgreens at home with mason jars, you know exactly what has gone into them; no hidden ingredients or chemicals! Plus, with all the different types of microgreens out there, ranging from broccoli and kale to radish and arugula, there’s something for everyone’s palate and nutritional needs. From their rich source of vitamins and minerals like calcium and potassium found in microgreens nutrition facts, plus their high levels of antioxidants – it’s clear why so many people swear by growing their own jar microgreens! With all these advantages, it’s easy to see why cultivating your own mason jar microgreens is such a popular choice among gardeners.
Supplies Needed For Growing Microgreens In Mason Jars
Growing microgreens in mason jars is an easy and affordable way to start a garden. Before beginning, it’s important to have the right supplies on hand. Here are some of the items you’ll need:
- Microgreen seeds
- Mason jar lids
- Potting soil
To get started, you’ll also want to gather all your gardening tools—a watering can, gloves, and grow lights if needed. Depending on what type of microgreens you plan on growing, potting mix or compost may be necessary as well.
Now that you know what supplies you need for success with growing microgreens in mason jars, next up we will explore how to put everything together in a step-by-step guide.
Step-By-Step Guide To Growing Microgreens In Mason Jars
Growing microgreens in mason jars is a great way to bring the garden indoors. With a few simple steps, you can have your own fresh supply of flavorful and nutritious greens growing right on your kitchen counter. To get started, let’s take a look at each step below.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Select a soil mix for planting microgreens that drains well and contains organic matter such as compost or peat moss. |
| 2 | Fill mason jar with an inch of soil mix, moisten lightly and add seeds. Cover top of jar with plastic wrap or cheesecloth and secure it with string or elastic band. This will keep moisture inside while allowing air circulation. |
| 3 | Place jar in sunny spot away from direct sunlight and mist seedlings every day until they are ready to be harvested (usually within 10-14 days). Monitor germination rate daily by checking if any sprouts have emerged yet. |
Finally, watch your microgreen crop start to grow! Keep track of their progress over time so you know when they’re ready to harvest – usually around two weeks after planting them. By following this guide, you’ll find yourself enjoying the taste and benefits of homegrown microgreens before you know it!
Troubleshooting Common Issues With Growing Microgreens In Mason Jars
Now that you have a better understanding of the steps needed to successfully grow microgreens in mason jars, let’s discuss some common issues and how to troubleshoot them:
- Damping-off: This is a fungal disease caused by several different organisms. The best way to avoid this issue is to ensure your soil is sterile before planting and keep it moist but not over-watered.
- Soil Temperature: Keeping your soil at an optimal temperature will help encourage healthy growth for your microgreens. A good range to aim for is between 55°F – 70°F (12°C – 21°C).
- Nutrient Deficiencies: If you notice any yellowing or stunted growth, there could be nutrient deficiencies present in the soil. To fix this, add fertilizer or compost as needed.
- Light Requirements: Microgreens need plenty of light for photosynthesis. Make sure they are getting 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day or use artificial lights if necessary.
- Overwatering: Too much water can lead to root rot, so make sure you only give your plants enough moisture to keep the soil damp without being overly wet.
These are just a few examples of potential problems that may arise when growing microgreens in mason jars, but with proper care and attention they can be easily avoided! With these tips in mind, you should be well on your way towards harvesting and enjoying your homegrown microgreens soon.
Harvesting And Enjoying Your Homegrown Microgreens
Harvesting and enjoying your homegrown microgreens is like unlocking a hidden garden. A seemingly mundane mason jar can be transformed into an oasis of flavorful, nutrient-packed greens. With the right care and attention you can reap the rewards of this delightful harvest in no time!
To start harvesting your microgreens, simply snip them off with scissors above the soil line. Once you’ve harvested them, rinse them to remove any dirt or debris from their leaves. Then, it’s time to enjoy all that hard work! Microgreens are incredibly versatile and make for delicious additions to salads, sandwiches, soups, and more. Plus, they add incredible flavor and texture as well as vital nutrients such as antioxidants and vitamins. Want to take things up a notch? Try out some unique recipes specifically designed for microgreen dishes like pesto pasta or avocado toast with radish sprouts.
Homegrown microgreens are an excellent way to flavor up meals while also ensuring that you’re getting plenty of healthy nutrition at the same time. The next time you need something new and exciting on your plate give growing your own microgreens in mason jars a try – you won’t regret it!
Conclusion
In conclusion, growing microgreens in mason jars is a fun and rewarding activity that anyone can do. Not only will you save money by not having to buy expensive store-bought microgreens but you’ll also have the satisfaction of being able to enjoy your very own freshly harvested produce! With just a few supplies and some basic knowledge, you can be on your way to becoming an urban gardening master. Plus, if you ever run into any issues while trying to grow your microgreens, there are always ways to troubleshoot so that you don’t give up on this amazing hobby. So go ahead and get creative with it – who knows what kind of delicious greens I’ll be eating soon?
