Microgreens such as kale, arugula, and spinach can tolerate colder temperatures compared to other varieties. These cold-tolerant microgreens can still grow and flourish even in lower temperatures, making them suitable options for growers who have cooler growing environments or want to extend their growing season into colder months.
What You'll Learn
Microgreens That Tolerate Colder Temperatures
You may be interested in growing microgreens that tolerate colder temperatures.
Kale, arugula, and spinach are all examples of microgreens that do well when it’s a bit chilly outside.
These superfoods are easy to grow indoors, so you can enjoy them year-round!
Kale
Kale’s heartiness and earthy flavor make it a great choice for colder temperatures. It’s a hardy variety of cabbage, with thick, curly leaves that are easy to grow.
Foraging techniques can be used to find wild kale in the winter months when other vegetables may not be available. Companion planting with other cold-tolerant plants such as broccoli or cauliflower can help protect the kale from extreme cold weather conditions.
Kale is rich in vitamins A, C, and K and also contains minerals like magnesium and iron, making it very nutritious. It’s high in fiber and low in calories yet provides plenty of satiating power due to its dense texture.
When cooked properly, kale has a subtle sweetness that pairs well with other cold-weather ingredients such as potatoes or root vegetables. Whether you’re looking for an ingredient for your dinner table or something to add to your winter garden, kale’s definitely worth considering!
Arugula
Arugula’s peppery taste and crisp texture bring a freshness to any meal, making it a great addition to salads or soups. It is known for its ability to tolerate colder temperatures, allowing growers to harvest the plant throughout the winter months. The flavor profile of arugula can vary depending on how cold the temperature is; when grown in cooler temperatures, it’ll have a more intense peppery flavor compared to when it’s grown in warmer climates.
It also has hints of bitter and nutty notes that give dishes an added depth of flavor. Arugula is easy to grow and harvest, making it an ideal microgreen for people looking for something with a unique flavor that can handle colder temperatures.
Spinach
You’ll love the flavor and nutrition that spinach can bring to your dishes! Harvesting spinach is simple, with mature leaves being able to be harvested when they’re between three to five inches long.
When harvesting, use scissors or a sharp knife and cut the leaves off at their base. Once you’ve harvested the leaves, store them in a plastic bag with some moisture in it, such as a damp paper towel.
This will extend the shelf life of your spinach for up to two weeks if stored correctly.
Reasons Why These Microgreens Prefer Cooler Temperatures
Cooler temperatures are key for kale, arugula, and spinach’s success. These microgreens thrive in cooler climates due to several factors:
- Soil fertility: Cooler temperatures allow the soil to retain more of its nutrients, which is essential for healthy growth. Additionally, warmer soils can cause rapid loss of these nutrients through evaporation. Furthermore, cooler temperatures promote microbial activity in the soil that helps break down organic matter and aid in nutrient absorption.
- Harvest timing: Warmer weather causes these microgreens to grow faster, but they lack flavor and nutrition compared to those grown in cooler climates. This is because the plant does not have enough time to develop its full flavor or nutritional content before it is harvested. By harvesting them at the right temperature, you can ensure that your microgreens reach their full potential and provide maximum nutrition and taste.
- Pest Control: Cooler temperatures can help reduce the presence of pests like aphids and other insects that can damage your crops. The colder climate also discourages diseases that can affect your crop, helping you avoid costly losses due to infestations or infections from disease-causing organisms like fungi or bacteria.
These are just a few reasons why kale, arugula, and spinach prefer cooler temperatures when growing as microgreens. With proper care and maintenance of your growing environment, you can enjoy fresh greens all year round without sacrificing quality or taste!
Tips for Growing Microgreens in Cooler Temperatures
Growing microgreens in cooler temperatures doesn’t have to be difficult! To start, make sure you select the right soil for your microgreens. Soil that’s light and well aerated will provide plenty of oxygen to the roots and allow for good drainage. Additionally, incorporating some compost or organic matter into the mix will help hold moisture and provide additional nutrients for growth.
Temperature control is key when growing microgreens in cooler temperatures. For optimal growth, aim to keep temperatures between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and slightly cooler at night. A cool basement or garage space may work as an ideal environment if it has proper ventilation and light source. If not, consider investing in an indoor grow system with climate controls so you can adjust the temperature accordingly without having to worry about fluctuating outdoor conditions.
It’s also important to check on your plants daily since they’re delicate little sprouts that need consistent care from planting through harvest time. Make sure you water them regularly with room temperature filtered water—not cold tap water—to ensure optimal root development. You should also monitor humidity levels since too much moisture can cause mold or mildew issues which could destroy your crop altogether!
Lastly, don’t forget to rotate your containers around every few days so all sides of the greens get even exposure from natural light sources like windowsills or artificial lights depending on where you’re growing them indoors.
With a bit of patience and proper care, you’ll soon have a bountiful crop of delicious kale, arugula, spinach—or whatever type of microgreen you choose—in no time!
Recipe Ideas for Using These Microgreens
With a bounty of microgreens, you can easily create delicious dishes that’ll tantalize your taste buds! Here are some recipe ideas for using kale, arugula, and spinach microgreens:
- For a light and healthy lunch or dinner salad, mix together the microgreens with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, crumbled feta cheese, and top with your favorite vinaigrette.
- If you’re looking for something more hearty, try adding some cooked quinoa to the mix. You can also toss in some chickpeas or roasted vegetables to make it a complete meal.
- Microgreens are also great additions to smoothies! Toss in a handful of spinach microgreens into your morning smoothie along with other fruits and veggies for an added nutrient boost. Or create an afternoon pick-me-up with kale microgreens by blending them with coconut water and mint leaves for a refreshing green smoothie.
Try experimenting with different combinations to find what works best for you! With endless possibilities, you won’t run out of ideas anytime soon.
