How to grow microgreens at home

Microgreens have grown in popularity in recent years. Due to the content of many vitamins, it is especially appreciated by adherents of a healthy lifestyle. However, in supermarkets, prices for microgreens are quite high. In order not to overpay once again, we suggest growing it at home. Here’s how.

What is microgreen

Microgreens are young sprouts of various herbs and vegetables that are eaten immediately after the appearance of the first small leaves. Microgreens are especially popular because there are many times more benefits in them than in adult plants. OIt lowers cholesterol levels, has a beneficial effect on the digestive system, and is also more easily absorbed by the body.

How to choose microgreen seeds

Before buying seeds, you need to pay attention to so that chemicals are not used in their production – this information is indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging. Usually, seeds for growing microgreens are packaged in fairly voluminous packages. You can find them both in gardening stores and in eco-shops and health food stores. In the market, experts recommend a more careful approach to the choice of seeds. For the first time, it is better to take a small amount for testing.

How to grow microgreens

To grow microgreens at home, you do not need much effort and work. The most popular crops for growing are arugula, mustard, lentils, green peas, beets, radishes, kohlrabi, spinach, sorrel and others.

To get started you need prepare seeds. Large ones are recommended to soak for several hours or overnight, so that the sprouts subsequently come out faster. For example, peas and mung beans will take 12 to 18 hours, alfalfa 1-2 hours, and arugula can be planted without soaking.

Secondly, prepare a container. It can be a container, a jar, a box, a pot. Pour some moist garden soil or seedling soil into it in a layer about 3-4 cm thick. Sow the seeds, moisten them with a spray bottle and sprinkle with soil.

Place the container in a warm and bright place. If there is not enough light in the room, buy a special LED seedling lamp.

Watch out so that the soil does not dry out, and water the seeds as needed. If you see that weeds have appeared in the soil, pull them out.

When the greens reach the desired height (this will happen in 1-3 weeks, depending on the crop), cut it with scissors under the root and serve.

Method two: on cotton wool

Microgreens can also be grown on cotton wool. For this you will need a bowl with a thick bottom. Put pre-soaked cotton wool in it.

Put the seeds in a glass of water for a couple of minutes, then use a teaspoon to evenly distribute them over the cotton – they should be at a small distance from each other.

Cover the container with a film or glass lid and place in a warm and bright place. Remove the film when shoots appear. Spray the seeds twice a day with a spray bottle.

It is enough to eat 30-50 g of microgreens only fresh per day. Greens can both decorate dishes and add to salads, smoothies, mashed soups. Store microgreens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.