Written by: Marge Vorndam, Colorado Master Gardener Emeritus, Class of 1997

Fall is here, and I am sure that you are harvesting and preserving the fruits of our summer gardening efforts now. Soon, those projects will wrap up for the season. To keep the growing fun going into Winter and beyond, why not begin another interesting gardening project?  You may have seen them at the Farmer’s Market or your local grocers for sale, but did you know how simple growing microgreens can be?

Deb Hibbert demonstrates using large growing trays

Covered sprouting setup using the larger trays

I met Veteran Master Gardener Deborah Hibbert at the Colorado State Fair.  She presented a seminar about how to begin producing your microgreen grow.  It’s something that I’ve been interested in doing, so Deb’s presentation allowed me to learn the steps.  She also gave me a small starter kit for my first try.

Deb’s Gift and my first Attempt

Why microgreens as a hobby? Deb explained that they grow quickly, and most microgreens can be harvested in ten days.  Microgreens are young plants grown from various garden and salad greens seeds to approximately 2 to 3 inches tall. They are harvested by cutting above the soil when the first true plant leaves begin to develop.

In the beginning stages of growth, from seed to first true leaves, microgreens have been shown to contain far more nutrients than the adult forms of the same plant.  Also, Deb says that the flavors of the greens are stronger than that of the mature plants. For beginners, she recommends trying salad mixes. Those greens can be also used in place of lettuce or added to soups, and so on. Try wheat seeds for juice smoothies. That was Deb’s first foray into growing microgreens.

The equipment that you will need does not have to be elaborate. Photos here are taken from a butter-sized plastic tub with an opaque cover.

You can use larger seeding trays or even grow them in a greenhouse to sell yourself. The kit came with a coir disk loaded into the tub. It is expanded by adding water (distilled is recommended at this stage). Slightly pat it down before adding your chosen type(s) of seeds. Organic seeds can be purchased, along with other supplies from internet stores (see References) or locally.  Thickly sprinkle the seeds on the top of the expanded coir disk.

Coir mat with heavy application of seeds

Lightly spray your seeds and the underside of the plastic cover before placing the cover over the tub.  Let the seeds in the covered tub sit for 3 to 5 days (depending on the seed type) in a warm location until there are a good percentage of sprouted seeds visible.

Sprouting seeds at two days growth

Keep the seeds and emerging sprouts lightly sprayed twice daily to ensure a humid environment as they grow.

Covered seeds to preserve moisture

After most seeds have sprouted, remove the top, and move the seeds in the container to a lighted area – Indirect sunlight on a windowsill is ideal, but grow lights such as T5 fluorescents or LED growing spectrum bulbs will work just fine.

Plants at approximately six days

At ten days, your sprouts should be displaying their first set of true leaves, the leaves that develop right after the first cotyledon leaves have grown.

Not quite ready to harvest. First set of leaves just developing.

Now is the time for harvest. Cut your microgreens above the soil with a sharp knife or kitchen shears and enjoy! The cut should be high enough to avoid harvesting the growing medium on roots along with your plants. Some seed types may require a few more days to be harvestable quality.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind.  Foremost may be the pH of the water that you use. A pH of around 6 is ideal for growth.  pH Testing kits are available in hardware stores or from online suppliers, as is the pH Down adjustment solution that is used to change the pH.

Generally, pH in potable water is too high. Second, there is the chance that your growth might develop a bit of fuzzy mold. Again, the suppliers can help you with that or make your solution of 1:4 hydrogen peroxide:water and use a Q-tip to treat the mold location.  There are also other growing substrates for the project. You can use potting soil, vermiculite, sand, felt such as BioStrate, and so on.  It is also possible to use the mat from a dehydrator, which is reusable for your next round.

So, that’s the bare bones of the information you need to begin.  See the excellent resources that follow for supplies and more information about this intriguing hobby.

References and Supplies:

Local Nurseries and Gardening Retailers
Johnny Seeds at http://johnnyseeds.com/vegetables/microgreens/
And https://www.johnnyseeds.com/growers-library/vegetables/microgreens/micro-greens-comparison-chart.html?fdid=microgreens

True Leaf Market at https://www.trueleafmarket.com/collections/microgreens-kits-and-supplies

Chef’s Garden at https://www.chefs-garden.com/blog/march-2018/miracles-of-microgreens-benefits-and-much-more

Growing microgreens on a dehydrator mat – Recyclable medium

What is Unique about growing microgreens? https://herbsathome.co/the-beginners-guide-to-start-growing-microgreens/#what-is-unique-about-growing-microgreens%3F

A Step-By-Step Guide for Growing Microgreens at Home
https://extension.psu.edu/a-step-by-step-guide-for-growing-microgreens-at-home

How to Grow Microgreens without Soil
https://www.gardeningchannel.com/grow-microgreens-without-soil/