How to Grow Microgreens at Home Without Soil: DIY, Ideas, Tips, and Techniques

Microgreens are plants harvested after their first set of leaves has developed. It takes less than 2 weeks from when microgreens are seeded until they’re harvested. Growing microgreens at home without soil can be a fun and rewarding experience. Microgreens can also be grown hydroponically, growing plants in water without soil.

How to Grow Microgreens at Home without Soil

Can You Grow Microgreens with Just Water?

Yes, you can grow microgreens with just water. All you need is a container filled with water and some rocks or gravel to support the plants. You can also use an aquarium with a lid to create a mini greenhouse. Place the container in a sunny place and wait for the microgreens to sprout. Depending on the type of microgreen, it will take anywhere from 7-10 days for the greens to appear.

Benefits of Growing Microgreens without Soil

Microgreens don’t need as much water as plants grown in soil. This means you can save water when growing microgreens, which benefits the environment and your wallet.
Microgreens can be grown in a smaller space than plants grown in soil. This makes them ideal for living in apartments or other small spaces.
Microgreens don’t need fertilizer, so there is no risk of polluting the environment with harmful chemicals.
Microgreens can be harvested sooner than plants grown in soil so that you can enjoy them sooner.
Hydroponic microgreens can be grown indoors, which means you can grow them year-round regardless of the weather outside.
Hydroponic systems do not use soil; they are much cleaner and less likely to harbor pests and diseases.
It allows you to control the nutrient levels in the water, which means your plants will always have access to the nutrients they need to thrive.

Can I Grow Microgreens on Paper Towels?

Yes, you can grow microgreens on paper towels. You only need a few sheets of paper towel, water, and seeds. You can find microgreen seeds online or at your local garden center. To get started, soak the paper towels in water until they are saturated. Then, spread the wet paper towels on a flat surface and sprinkle the microgreen seeds evenly over them.

Make sure to leave some space between the seeds, so they have room to grow. Place the seeded paper towels in a sunny spot and keep them moist. In 7-10 days, you should see the first signs of growth. Once the microgreens are about 1-3 inches tall, they are ready to harvest.

Why Grow Your Microgreens Hydroponically?

These are a type of vegetable harvested when the plant is young, typically after just 7-14 days. They are packed with nutrients and have a delicate flavor often used in salads, sandwiches, and other dishes. Microgreens can easily grow at home without soil and can be grown year-round.
When you grow hydroponically, you have complete control over the environment in which your plants are growing. This means that you can create the perfect conditions for your plants to thrive without worrying about factors like temperature, humidity, or light levels.
Hydroponics is a very efficient way to use water, as the roots are constantly submerged in the nutrient solution and only absorb what they need. There is very little evaporation or runoff, so you can be sure that your plants are getting the moisture they need without wasting any water.
The lack of soil means roots can develop quickly and evenly, resulting in healthier plants.

In case you missed it: How to Grow Chia Microgreens: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

List of Materials Needed to Grow Microgreens without Soil

Growing Trays: Microgreen seeds, Lights, Growing medium, pH test kit or strips, A spray bottle
Nutrients

Ways to Grow Microgreens without Soil

One common method for growing microgreens without soil is to use a hydroponic system. Hydroponic systems do not use soil, instead relying on a nutrient-rich water solution to provide all the necessary nutrients for the plants. This can be an effective way to grow microgreens, but it requires more initial investment and setup than growing microgreens in soil.

Another option for growing microgreens without soil is to use an aeroponic system. Aeroponic systems also do not use any soil but instead mist the roots of the plants with a nutrient-rich solution. This method can be very effective, but it also requires more initial investment and setup than growing microgreens in soil.

Finally, it is also possible to place the seeds of the desired microgreen onto a moistened paper towel or piece of cloth. The towel or cloth should then be placed in a container or tray and misted with water to keep it moist. This method is simple and inexpensive, but it does require more attention than growing microgreens in the soil since the towels or cloths will need to be monitored closely.

Which Microgreens Grow Best Hydroponically?

Wide microgreen varieties work well in a hydroponic growing environment. Here are some examples:

Amaranth	Tatsoi
Basil	Orach
Broccoli	Borage
Chia	Beet
Curly Cress	Parsley
Kale	Peas
Mustard	Red pak choi
Radish	Swiss chard
Turnip

In case you missed it: A Step-By-Step Guide for Growing Microgreens Indoors

Step-by-step Process to Grow Microgreens without Soil

Choose your microgreen seeds. Different microgreen seeds are available, so choose the ones you like best.
Prepare your growing medium. Using hydroponics, you’ll need to fill a container with water and add a nutrient solution. Using aeroponics, you’ll need to set up a misting system.
Sow the seeds in your growing medium. Ensure the seeds are evenly spaced and not too close together.
Keep the seeds moist. Water them regularly so they don’t dry out.
Wait for the seeds to germinate. This usually takes 7-10 days.
Once the seedlings have sprouted, begin fertilizing them with a liquid fertilizer every week or two weeks.
Harvest the microgreens when they reach 1-3 inches in height. Then, cut them at the base of the stem with scissors or a sharp knife.

Conclusion

The good news is that microgreens can also be grown without soil. They can be grown on other soilless mediums like coconut coir or rock wool. But we find the easiest method to grow microgreens without using soil is paper towels.

How to Grow Microgreens at Home Without Soil: DIY, Ideas, Tips, and Techniques