Growing microgreens is a great way to add fresh, nutritious greens to your diet. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
What are microgreens?
Microgreens are young, nutrient-dense versions of leafy greens, herbs, and other vegetables. They’re harvested within 1-3 weeks of germination, when the plants are still in the seedling stage.
Benefits:
- High in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
- Rich in flavor and texture
- Easy to grow indoors, year-round
- Can be harvested in as little as 7-10 days
How to grow microgreens:
- Choose your seeds: Select microgreen varieties like broccoli, kale, radish, or arugula.
- Prepare your container: Use a shallow container (about 1-2 inches deep) with drainage holes.
- Soil and seeds: Fill the container with a thin layer of soil, and sow seeds evenly.
- Water and provide light: Water gently, and provide indirect light (fluorescent or LED grow lights work well).
- Maintain temperature and humidity: Keep the temperature between 65-75°F (18-24°C) and maintain humidity.
- Harvest: Use scissors to cut the microgreens just above the soil line, usually within 1-3 weeks.
Tips and Variations:
- Use a microgreen growing kit for convenience.
- Experiment with different seeds to find your favorite flavors and textures.
- Add microgreens to salads, sandwiches, or use as a garnish.