When sowing microgreen seeds, it is best to distribute them densely but evenly across the growing medium. This ensures optimal use of space while allowing each seedling enough room to grow and access essential resources, such as light and water. A dense arrangement also aids in reducing weed growth and maximizing the overall yield of your microgreens.
What You'll Learn
Gather the Necessary Supplies
Before you start sowing your microgreen seeds, gather all the necessary supplies to make sure you’re prepared!
The type of container that you choose for your microgreens is important because it will affect the amount of space between each seed. Choose containers with ample drainage so that excess water can drain off easily. You’ll also need to consider the types of seeds that you plan on using when choosing a container as some may require deeper depths than others.
In addition to containers and soil, you’ll also need a fine mesh strainer, scissors, and measuring spoons or cups. These tools will help ensure proper seeding density and even distribution of your microgreens across the surface area of the container. If you plan to use light-sensitive varieties such as cress or kale sprouts, then be sure to pick up a tray cover or other opaque material as well.
When selecting your seeds for sowing, look for those certified organic by an accredited agency like OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute). This ensures that they contain no harmful chemicals or contaminants and are safe to eat. Additionally, inspect the seeds carefully before purchasing them – check for any discoloration or deterioration in color which could indicate poor quality or age.
Finally, make sure that whatever supplies you purchase are easy enough to store and transport if needed – lightweight materials such as plastic trays are best since they won’t take up too much space when storing away after use.
With these items in hand, you’re now ready to begin sowing your microgreen seeds densely but evenly!
Prepare the Soil
Now that you’ve gathered the necessary supplies to sow your microgreens, it’s time to prepare the soil.
The soil mix you use is important for optimal growth and should be light and airy, so a mixture of compost or potting soil with some sand works well.
Additionally, you’ll want to test the pH level of your soil and adjust accordingly; most microgreen varieties prefer a slightly acidic pH of around 6.0-6.5.
With these in mind, you can ensure that your microgreens get off to a great start!
Soil Mix
Soil’s the key to lush, vibrant microgreens – it’s the foundation of their success! For optimal growth, you should create a nutrient-rich mix that has good soil drainage. This will ensure that your microgreens are never sitting in water and developing root rot.
The best way to achieve this is by blending together two parts potting soil with one part compost or aged manure, and one part perlite or vermiculite for increased drainage. Be sure to avoid using garden soil or topsoil as these can be too heavy for proper root development.
Once you have your mix ready, it’s time to sow your seeds densely but evenly over the surface of the soil. Doing this ensures that light penetration and air circulation are both maximized during the germination process.
pH Level
Once you’ve created your nutrient-rich mix, it’s important to make sure that the pH level is balanced and in the right range for optimal growth. The ideal pH level for microgreens is between 6.0 and 7.0; any lower or higher can cause nutrient deficiencies, impacting the quality of your crop.
Here are a few tips to consider when aiming for the perfect pH balance:
- Use a soil testing kit to get an accurate reading of your soil’s current pH levels.
- If needed, add lime or sulfur to adjust the acidity levels as appropriate.
- Check your soil regularly as you grow your microgreens; adjusting the pH levels as necessary throughout their development will ensure that they reach peak flavor and nutrition potentials!
Sow the Seeds
When it’s time to sow the seeds, sprinkle them evenly and densely – but not too thickly! This will help ensure optimal germination time and light requirements for the microgreens. To achieve this, use a seed spreader or your fingers to distribute them across the soil surface.
Make sure there are no clumps of seeds that could block light penetration and air circulation. You don’t want to overcrowd the area with too many seeds either – this can lead to uneven growth patterns and even disease.
If you’re planting larger varieties of microgreens like sunflowers or peas, space each seed about 1/4 inch apart from one another. For smaller varieties such as radish or broccoli, space each seed about 1/8 inch apart from one another. No matter the variety, make sure they are spread out in an even layer across the soil surface.
Ensure you’re providing enough water for your microgreens after sowing; without adequate moisture, germination won’t occur properly. Use a spray bottle to lightly mist over top of your tray once daily until sprouts appear above the soil’s surface (this should take anywhere between 2-14 days depending on variety).
Once sprouts have emerged, decrease watering frequency to every other day or when needed as determined by feel of soil moisture beneath finger tips.
Once established, provide indirect sunlight with temperatures ranging from 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit (15-21 Celsius) for best results – this will keep them growing strong! If necessary, supplement natural light with fluorescent lights placed directly above trays so plants receive 8 hours of light per day while indoors — just be sure to rotate trays every few days so all sides get equal exposure!
Water the Seeds
After sowing your seeds, be sure to give them a good drink of water to kickstart their growth and ensure they get all the nutrients they need.
Watering frequency is key for microgreens – you don’t want to oversaturate them, but they also need enough water that the soil stays moist. The best way to do this is with a gentle misting every day or two, depending on how dry the soil is; if it’s still damp from the last watering, wait an extra day before giving them more water.
For optimal drainage solutions, use a pot with holes in the bottom so excess moisture can escape and not drown your plants.
When watering your microgreens, try not to disturb the soil too much as this will affect their evenness when growing. A spray bottle works well here since it won’t move around any of those tiny little seeds you just planted! Make sure you’re providing enough water without flooding them – again, if there’s standing water after watering then cut back on how much you’re giving them next time around.
Keep an eye out for signs that your microgreens may need extra hydration; wilted leaves are usually an indication that it’s been too long since their last drink! If they look like they could use some moisture then give them a light misting; this should perk up your greens in no time!
Additionally, make sure that you aren’t over-watering – if there are pools of standing liquid after watering then either reduce how much liquid or add some sort of drainage solution such as gravel at the bottom of your pot to help soak up some excess moisture.
Microgreens need regular hydration in order to stay healthy and grow properly. Finding a balance between soaking and drying out is essential for ensuring optimal growth while avoiding moldy roots or rot from over-watering. Keep track of how often you’re giving your microgreens a drink – aim for consistent daily watering unless otherwise indicated by their current state – and remember that drainage solutions can go a long way in helping control excess liquid build-up!
Place the Trays in the Right Location
You need to find the right place for your microgreens trays in order to ensure they’ll thrive and grow. It’s important that the location provides light and air circulation. However, you’ll also want to consider the following factors:
Lighting Conditions
- Look for a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day – this will provide enough energy for photosynthesis. If natural light isn’t available, artificial lighting can be used instead.
- Make sure there’s no extra heat from any sources such as radiators or heaters nearby. This could cause the plants to dry out too quickly or become stressed from too much light exposure.
Temperature Control
- The temperature of the area should remain consistent – ideally between 65-75°F (18-24°C). If it gets too cold or hot, it can slow down growth or even kill seedlings.
- Try to keep humidity levels high by misting the trays regularly with water if needed. This will help protect against wilting and dehydration.
These two elements are crucial for optimal microgreen growth, so take the time to find a suitable location before sowing your seeds! With proper care and attention, you’ll have delicious homegrown greens in no time!
Harvest the Microgreens
Once your microgreens have grown to the desired size, it’s time to harvest them! It is important to monitor the rate of growth in order to determine the optimal harvesting timing. If you wait too long, you may end up with bitter tasting greens that aren’t tender anymore. However, if you harvest too quickly, your greens will be small and unimpressive.
With some practice and patience, you’ll get a feel for when to reap the rewards of your hard work. When it comes time to harvest, start by using scissors or kitchen shears to snip off the tops of each plant at soil level. Make sure not to pull out any roots as this disturbs the growing bed and can damage future crops. You want a clean cut so that you don’t accidentally leave behind any stems or leaves that could lead to rotting in later harvests.
After cutting off all of your greens, transfer them gently into a bowl or container while being mindful not to bruise them in transit. Once all your microgreens are harvested, inspect them carefully for unwanted pests or debris before washing them thoroughly under cold running water.
When washing microgreens, it’s best practice not to use detergent as this can strip away essential nutrients from the plants, leaving them tasteless and dull looking upon consumption. Once washed and inspected, pat dry with paper towels or a salad spinner before storing – they’re now ready for use!
On average, microgreens will last up 3-5 days when stored properly depending on what type of crop was harvested and how fresh they were picked prior to storage. Wrap lightly in damp paper towels (or store unwashed) inside an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready for use!
