The Brussels Sprouts belong to a member of the cruciferous vegetable family, including Cabbage, Kale, and Broccoli. Microgreens are easy to grow at home and can be done simply from seeds in containers.
The Benefits of Growing Brussels Sprouts Microgreens
They may be small; Brussels sprouts microgreens pack powerful nutrition. They are one of the nutrient-dense foods available. Some key nutrients found in Brussels sprouts microgreens include vitamins A, C, and K, folate, and iron.
Equipment Needed to Grow Brussels Sprouts Microgreens
- A container or pot with drainage holes in the bottom. A recycled plastic container or an old Tupperware container works well.
- Potting mix specifically for starting seeds. You can find this at your local garden center.
- Brussels sprout seeds. You can find these at your local garden center or online.
- A spray bottle filled with water.
- A sunny windowsill or grow light (if you don’t have a sunny windowsill).
A Step-by-Step Guide for Growing Brussels Sprouts Microgreens
Requirements
- A pot or container with drainage holes
- A soil-less growing medium like vermiculite or coco coir
- Brussels sprout seeds
- Water
- Fill your pot or container with the soil-less growing medium and moisten it with water.
- Sow your Brussels sprout seeds on top of the moistened growing medium, making sure to space them evenly. You can sow them by sprinkling them on top of the surface or by making small indents and dropping a few seeds in each one.
- Once you have sown your seeds, lightly mist them with water and cover your pot or container with a lid or plastic wrap to create a humid environment for germination. Use about 1/4 teaspoon of seeds per square inch of planting space for best results. Gently sprinkle the seeds over the soil’s surface and lightly press them in with your fingers.
- Cover the seedlings with a thin layer of vermiculite or fine sand and mist them with water. This will help keep the soil moist and prevent the seeds from washing away when you water them.
- Check on your seeds daily, misting them lightly with water if the growing medium dries. After 5-7 days, sprouts emerge from the soil. You can remove the lid or plastic wrap and provide more airflow to prevent damping off disease.
- Care for your microgreens by watering them when the growing medium dries out and providing adequate airflow. After 2-3 weeks, your microgreens will be ready to harvest.
In case you missed it: A Step-by-Step Guide for Growing Mustard Microgreens: DIY in Simple Way from Seeds in Containers
Growing Brussels Sprouts Microgreens Without Soil
Hydroponics or soilless farming is a method of growing plants in a water-based solution. Nutrients are added to the water, and the plants are grown in a container with their roots suspended in the solution. Growing microgreens without soil is a great way to get started with hydroponics because it is simple and does not require any special equipment.
The first step is to fill your container with water. You can use tap water, but it is best to use filtered water to avoid any build-up of minerals in the solution. Once your container is filled, add the nutrient solution according to the manufacturer’s directions. Next, soak your Brussels sprout seeds in water for 24 hours before planting. This will help them to germinate more quickly. After soaking, drain the seeds and place them on a paper towel to dry.
Once the seeds are dry, you can plant them in your container. You can scatter them on top of the water or plant them in small pots filled with hydroton clay pellets. Hydroton clay pellets are lightweight and hold moisture well, making them ideal for growing microgreens. To keep your Brussels Sprouts microgreens healthy, give them plenty of light. Place your container in a sunny spot or under grow lights. Check the nutrient solution level every few days and add more if necessary.
Tips for Growing Brussels Sprouts Microgreens
- A shallower container will not allow the roots to develop properly and could result in stunted growth. A recycled plastic container or an egg carton turned upside down works well.
- Fill your container with a quality potting mix or seed-starting mix. Do not use garden soil as it is too heavy and can compact, preventing proper drainage.
- Cover the container with plastic wrap or a lid to create a humid environment for germination. Please place it in a warm location out of direct sunlight.
- Water the plants regularly, and fertilize them once they start growing.
- Gently press the Brussels Sprouts seeds into the soil but do not cover them with additional soil, as they need light to germinate.
- Fill your container with potting or seed starting mix and dampen it with water. You want the mix to be moist but not soggy.
- Place the container in a bright spot from direct sunlight and moisten the soil by watering it regularly.
- Water the soil evenly but do not saturate it as this can cause problems with fungal diseases. A fine mist sprayer is ideal for watering microgreens.
- Place your container in a sunny location from direct sunlight until the seeds germinate.
Harvesting Brussels Sprouts Microgreens
It is very easy to harvest Brussels sprout microgreens. You can do it by snipping them off at the base with a sharp knife or scissors. You can also cut them above the soil line if you prefer. Harvesting them when they are about 2-3 inches tall is best.
If you are growing Brussels sprout microgreens indoors, you must provide them with extra light for about 8-10 hours per day. This can be done using grow lights or placing them near a sunny window. Once you have harvested your Brussels Sprouts microgreens, store them in a container or plastic bag in the refrigerator for two weeks.
In case you missed it: A Step-by-Step Guide for Growing Kohlrabi Microgreens: DIY in Simple Way from Seeds in Containers
Conclusion
Brussels sprouts microgreens are a fast, easy, and rewarding crop to grow at home. All you need is some basic equipment and a little patience, and you can harvest your fresh microgreens in just a few weeks. Brussels sprouts microgreens are a nutritious and flavorful addition to any meal.
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