Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

Microgreen Seeds
Organic Soil
Spray Bottle
Containers
Soilless Mix

7 Steps on How to Grow Microgreens Indoors

Microgreens offer a diverse range of flavors and nutrients. Some that can be grown at home include sunflower, radish, broccoli and pea. Let’s walk you through the process of growing these at home.

Choose a container that is at least 1-2 inches deep. This depth is ideal for most microgreens, providing ample space for root development.
Make sure your container has adequate drainage holes at the bottom. This helps prevent waterlogging.
Place your container on a drainage tray to collect excess water and prevent water from pooling on the surface.
Recycled plastic containers are a great, eco-friendly and affordable option. They are lightweight, durable and easy to clean.

Good to Know

Excess water can lead to root rot and fungal diseases, harming and stunting the growth of your microgreens.

For optimal growth, find a sunny spot - a windowsill that receives 4-6 hours of indirect sunlight can work well.
If you don't have access to sufficient natural light, grow lights are a great alternative.
Position the grow light about 6 inches above your microgreens to provide the optimal light intensity.
As your microgreens grow taller, you may need to adjust the height of the light accordingly.
To ensure even growth, rotate your microgreens regularly so that all sides receive equal light exposure.

During the growing process, keep the room’s temperature between 60-75°F. This temperature range promotes optimal growth and development.
Maintain consistent moisture in the organic soil.
Consider bottom watering, where you add water to a tray or saucer below the container. This allows the soil to absorb moisture from the bottom up, reducing the risk of over-watering the leaves.
If you notice mold on your microgreens, remove the affected plants immediately to prevent the spread of mold to other plants.
Microgreens are typically harvested when they reach a height of 1-3 inches, which usually takes 7-21 days.

The best time to harvest your microgreens is when the first set of true leaves appears. These leaves are the first set that emerges from a microgreen seedling, distinct from the initial seed leaves.
Use a pair of clean scissors or a sharp knife to cut the microgreens at the base of the stems.
Rinse the harvested microgreens lightly with cold water to remove any dirt.
Store freshly harvested microgreens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Caution

Use clean, sanitized scissors or a knife to harvest your microgreens.

How to Grow Microgreens Without Soil

Choose a shallow plastic tray. Wet two paper towels and make them damp but not dripping.
Layer the paper towel at the bottom of the tray.
Evenly scatter your chosen microgreen seeds on top of the damp paper towel. Don't overcrowd them.
Place the second damp paper towel on top of the seeds. This creates a moist environment for germination.
Position the tray in a warm location with indirect sunlight. A kitchen counter or windowsill is ideal.
Check the paper towels daily. If they start to dry out, mist them lightly with water from your spray bottle.
Within a few days, you should see tiny sprouts emerging from the seeds. Once the sprouts have grown a bit taller, remove the top of the paper towel. This allows the microgreens to grow upwards towards the light.
Keep the paper towels slightly moist by misting them with water as needed.
Your microgreens are ready to harvest when they reach your desired height, usually around 1-2 inches. Use scissors to snip them at the base.

Good to Know

For faster germination, cover the container with a plastic dome or plastic wrap. This helps maintain humidity.

Growing microgreens indoors is an enjoyable, beneficial and relatively simple process. By following the steps on how to grow microgreens indoors and with a little effort and patience, you can enjoy growing your own nutritious tiny greens.

FAQ’s

1) How do you grow microgreens at home without soil?

To grow microgreens without soil, use a tray or container with drainage holes.

Place a biodegradable growing mat (hemp or jute) inside. Moisten the mat with water or a diluted nutrient solution. Sprinkle seeds evenly, cover them with a tray or plastic dome and keep them in a dark place for germination. Once sprouted, move to a sunny spot, mist daily and harvest when 1-3 inches tall.

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