To grow microgreens outside, select a sunny and sheltered location that provides adequate sunlight and protection from the elements. Prepare the soil by removing any weeds or debris and amend the soil with compost or other organic matter. Plant the microgreen seeds according to the instructions on the seed packet and provide adequate water and care for successful growth.
Growing your own microgreens is a great way to bring fresh, nutritious food right into your kitchen! Not only are they packed with flavor and nutrition, but they’re also incredibly easy to grow. With just the right ingredients and a little bit of know-how, you can get started growing delicious microgreens in no time. In this article, I’ll show you how to grow microgreens outside so that you can enjoy them year round.
Whether you want to start small on your windowsill or go big with an outdoor garden bed, there’s something for everyone when it comes to growing microgreens outdoors. You don’t need any special equipment – all you need is some sunshine and soil! Plus, you can have fun experimenting with different varieties like kale, broccoli, spinach, mustard greens and more.
Gardening doesn’t have to be intimidating – with the help of this guide, anyone can learn how to grow tasty microgreens outdoors! Let’s dive in and find out what it takes to give your plants their best chance at success.
What You'll Learn
Choosing The Right Location
When growing microgreens outside, it’s important to choose the right location. You’ll want an outdoor space that has plenty of sunlight and is sheltered from strong winds or heavy rains. Ideally, you should find a spot with at least 6 hours of direct sun each day for your microgreens to thrive. If you can’t find such a sunny spot, look for a partially shaded area where your plants won’t be exposed to too much heat and will still get some light.
You also need to make sure that your chosen area isn’t prone to pests or disease and provides an ideal environment for your microgreens. Consider things like soil quality, drainage, humidity levels, and any potential sources of contamination before deciding on a location. Make sure there are no weeds in the vicinity as they could compete with your crops for resources.
Once you’ve identified the perfect spot, you’re ready to start preparing the soil and containers for planting!
Preparing Soil And Containers
Getting started with growing microgreens outdoors requires some preparation and planning. I’ll start by discussing soil preparation, container selection, soil drainage, soil nutrient, and container drainage.
Soil preparation is essential for a successful crop of microgreens. The best soils are light and fluffy to ensure good aeration and water retention. A combination of compost or other organic matter mixed in with the existing garden soil will give the right texture. Make sure that any containers you choose have enough space for root growth as well as adequate drainage holes so excess water can escape.
For optimal success with outdoor microgreen cultivation, it’s important to consider both soil nutrients and container drainage. An ideal mix should include equal parts sand, silt, clay and organic matter along with an even dispersion of fertilizer such as bone meal or kelp meal. Additionally, make sure your containers have sufficient drainage holes on the bottom so water doesn’t accumulate in them after watering.
Once these preparations are complete, it’s time to move onto planting the seeds.
Planting The Seeds
Now that you have prepared your soil and containers, it’s time to plant the seeds. Growing microgreens outside is becoming increasingly popular with more than 20% of all gardeners growing them in their yards according to a survey conducted by Gardeners World magazine in 2020. Here are a few tips for successful outdoor planting of microgreens:
- Select the right variety of seed – Look for non-hybrid varieties as they tend to be hardier when planted outdoors. Choose either open pollinated or heirloom varieties which will produce higher yields and better flavor profiles.
- Plant the seeds correctly – Place the seeds close together but not touching each other on top of moistened soil, then lightly cover them with a very thin layer of additional soil. Make sure your plants get plenty of light so they don’t become leggy as they grow!
- Water regularly – Microgreens need consistent moisture for optimal growth; water at least twice per day during warm weather periods and once every two days during cooler temperatures.
- Monitor closely for pests and disease – Keep an eye out for any signs of damage from insects or diseases like powdery mildew or downy mildew, both common problems when growing outdoors. If you spot anything, take action immediately by removing affected leaves or spraying with organic insecticides and fungicides as necessary.
So now that your microgreen seeds are planted properly in well-prepared soil, it’s time to learn how to care for these delicate greens until harvest time arrives!
How To Care For Your Microgreens
Caring for your microgreens is the key to successful growth.
Temperature control plays an important role in growing healthy microgreens. Keeping temperatures at 70°F or below during the day and 60°F or lower at night will encourage optimum growth. Ensure there is adequate air circulation around the plants by providing plenty of space between them and using fans if needed.
Watering correctly is also essential for producing abundant, high quality greens. Soak the soil thoroughly each time you water but make sure it does not become soggy as this can lead to fungal diseases such as damping off. It’s best to water from the bottom up by filling the tray with a shallow layer of water before planting so they can absorb what they need directly through their roots.
Finally, use fertilizer sparingly on your microgreens and only after they have been established for several weeks. To protect them against pests, cover them with insect netting or row covers when possible and inspect regularly for any signs of infestation. Without proper care, pests can quickly decimate a crop!
With these simple tips in mind, you’re now ready to move onto harvesting and storage of your microgreens.
Harvesting And Storage
Have you ever wondered how to store your freshly harvested microgreens? This guide will help you understand the best harvesting techniques and storage methods for preserving microgreens.
Harvesting: Use sharp scissors or a knife to cut individual leaves, starting at the base of each stem. Avoid cutting too much below the soil line as this can damage future growth. It’s also important to harvest in clean containers with few air holes that are big enough to hold all the greens without crushing them.
Storing: Microgreens should be stored unwashed in an airtight container lined with paper towels or newspaper to absorb any excess moisture. Keep your container in a cool place out of direct sunlight and make sure it is not exposed to extreme temperatures. If kept correctly, microgreens can last up to 10 days in storage.
Preserving: To extend shelf life, some people opt for freezing their microgreens by blanching them first before putting them into freezer-safe bags or containers. When ready to use, defrost overnight and add directly into salads, wraps or soups!
Harvesting and storing your microgreens properly ensures that they remain fresh and nutritious until you’re ready to enjoy them – so don’t forget these helpful tips when planning ahead!
Conclusion
Growing microgreens is a great way to add freshness and flavor to your meals. Not only are they packed with nutrients, but they can be grown almost anywhere in the world if you have the right location and care for them properly. With just a few easy steps, you can enjoy homegrown microgreens all year round!
Did you know that one ounce of some varieties of microgreens contains up to 40 times more vitamins than their full-grown counterparts? This statistic is staggering! It’s amazing how much nutrition we’re able to grow in such small spaces.
As I’ve learned through my gardening experience, taking care of something like this can be incredibly rewarding. When you put so much love into growing these little plants from seed, it really does bring joy when finally harvesting and tasting those delicious microgreens. So why not give it a try yourself?
