A Step-By-Step Guide for Growing Microgreens Indoors

Microgreens are a great method to add a fresh and nutritious element to your meals. Not only that, but you can grow them anywhere, even indoors, during the winter months. Microgreens are packed with nutrients and vitamins, making them a healthy addition to your diet. To grow microgreens indoors, you need a seed tray, growing medium (soil or soilless), and seeds.

A Step-By-Step Guide for Growing Microgreens Indoors

Why Grow Microgreens Indoors?

Growing microgreens is a great way to get fresh, healthy greens all year round.
You can control the environment. You can control the temperature, humidity, and light levels when you grow microgreens indoors. This allows you to grow microgreens year-round, regardless of the weather outside.
You don’t need a lot of space. This makes them perfect for apartments or homes with limited outdoor space.
Indoor growing protects your plants from pests and diseases. By keeping your plants indoors, you can avoid problems with pests and diseases that can occur outdoors.

How Much Time Does It Take to Grow Microgreens Indoors?

Microgreens are ordinary vegetables harvested at little more than the seedling stage, soon after the first adult leaves have developed when they’re about one to three inches (3-8cm) tall. This makes them very speedy crops because they are ready just 7 to 21 days after sowing great news for impatient gardeners.

Supplies Needed to Grow Microgreens Indoors

Seeds
Drinking water
Growing medium or mat
Growing containers or trays
A small kitchen scale or measuring cups
A spray bottle and a pitcher
A sharp knife or scissors

Tips to Grow Microgreens Indoors

Choose the right type of container. Microgreens need good drainage, so a container with drainage holes is essential. You can use a recycled plastic container or an old box.
Fill your container with potting mix or seed-starting mix. Do not use garden soil, as it will be too heavy and compact for your microgreens.
Sow your seeds thinly and evenly over the surface of the potting mix. Make sure to read the packet instructions, as some seeds need to be covered with soil while others do not.
Water lightly and keep the soil moist but not soggy; too much water will cause the roots to rot. A misting bottle is ideal for watering microgreens.
Place your container in a sunny spot and wait for your greens to germinate. Once they have sprouted, thin out any overcrowded seedlings if necessary.

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Growing Medium to Grow Microgreens Indoors

The most important decision is what kind of growing medium to use. Some growers swear by potting soil; others prefer soilless medium, like coconut coir. Microgreens are typically grown in soil, but any growing medium that can hold water and provide drainage will work.

If you’re growing your microgreens indoors, you may want to use a soilless growing medium like coco coir or vermiculite to avoid the risk of mold and mildew. You can also purchase pre-made mixes specifically designed for microgreens. When selecting a growing medium, choose one that is sterile and free of chemicals or pesticides.

Instructions to Growing Microgreens Indoors for Profit

Choose the right container. Microgreens can be grown in any container as long as it has drainage holes.
Fill the container with potting mix or soil that has been amended with compost.
Sow the seeds thinly and evenly over the soil’s surface.
Water the seeds gently with a spray bottle.
Place the container in a sunny location but without direct sunlight.
Keep the soil moist but not soggy by watering it when needed with a spray bottle.

What Can Be Grown as A Microgreen?

Microgreens are a type of vegetable that are harvested when they are young, immature plants. They are usually grown from seeds and can be grown indoors or outdoors.
Different microgreens can be grown, including Arugula, Radish, Beet, Kohlarbi, Broccoli, Cabbage, Kale, and Radishes.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Growing Microgreens Indoors

Secure a location – Clean the area where the microgreens will be grown and ensure the surface is free from overspray and drainage holes.
Prepare the grow tray – If re-using pots or containers, ensure they are sterilized and dry. Fill the tray with an inch or so of moist (but not wet) growing medium, and then level the soil by dragging or pressing a piece of cardboard over the soil’s surface.
Prepare and sow seeds – Seeds that benefit from soaking (usually large seeds or seeds or seeds with hard hulls) should be soaked overnight or for a few hours before sowing. Spread the seeds evenly over the entire surface of the soil, and sprinkle them with a little soil/growing medium.
Press the seeds into the soil – Pressing them into the soil helps them contact good soil, allowing them to absorb more moisture and encouraging germination and growth. Using trays of the same size, it is possible to stack them on top of each other to apply pressure to the entire surface of the soil.
Cover and Wait – The humidity dome tray must be covered, while stackable trays can be stacked to create a humidity dome effect. Many seeds don’t need light to germinate—they need moisture—so stacking trays isn’t a problem. Some growers will initially cover the tray with a plastic bag to encourage germination.
Water as needed – Trays will want to be washed with a spray bottle at least once daily on an open or sunny windowsill. It is important to keep the seeds moist but not wet until they germinate. If the seeds have germinated, spraying once or twice daily is recommended.
Harvest and Enjoy – Once the microgreens are a few inches tall and develop a set of leaves, they are ready to harvest. Using sharp scissors, cut the plant stems just above the soil line. If they must be washed, dry them in a salad spinner or paper towel.

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Is It Safe to Grow Microgreens Indoors?

Yes, it is safe to grow microgreens indoors. Keep your growing area clean and free of debris. Use a sterile potting mix and clean containers.

Conclusion

Microgreens are tiny greens that pack a big flavor. They are harvested when just a few inches tall and can be used as a garnish, salad ingredient, or as an addition to other dishes. Microgreens are easy to grow and only require a few simple supplies.

A Step-By-Step Guide for Growing Microgreens Indoors