Growing microgreens have become a trend in recent years. The idea behind growing them is to eat fresh vegetables throughout the year. They are also great for cooking or garnishing dishes. Microgreens are sprouts that are harvested before they reach full size. They are usually grown from seeds, such as lettuce, radish, broccoli, kale, and arugula. Fresh microgreens are nutritious and delicious additions to salads, sandwiches, soups, and other dishes. They also add color and texture to dishes. Microgreens are packed with nutrients and antioxidants as much as those of mature plants and mature leaves or full-sized plants. They have concentrated nutrient content. There is a wide variety of microgreens available. Some are grown specifically as a salad green while others are used throughout the year. Microgreen varieties of flavor profiles include nutty flavor, fresh flavor, a hint of sweetness, peppery flavor, spicy flavor, anise flavor, mild flavor, sweet flavor, intense flavor, etc based on the greens. Here are some of the most common varieties of microgreens: Arugula, Basil, Beetroot, Broccoli microgreens, Cabbage microgreens, Chard, Collard greens, Dandelion, Eggplant, Kale, Lettuce, Mustard Greens, Onions, Parsley, Pea shoots, Radish microgreen, Rocket, Pak Choi, Bok choy, Sunflower seed, Green Daikon radish, Spinach, Snow peas, Sunflower microgreens, Swiss Chard, Watercress, Yarrow, Zucchini, Beet microgreens, Chinese cabbage, Buckwheat microgreen. Grow microgreens indoors using a hydroponic system. This method allows you to grow plants without soil. Hydroponics uses nutrient-rich water instead of soil. It requires less space than traditional gardening methods and is more sustainable because it doesnt use pesticides or fertilizers. You can start your indoor garden with a few simple supplies. How to grow microgreens in water 1. Fill your container with water and set it aside. 2. Take another shallow container with mesh and place it on the container with water. 3. Sprinkle the microgreen seeds over the surface of the mesh. 4. Cover the container with plastic wrap and place it somewhere warm like an oven away from direct sunlight. 5. Let the seeds germinate for 24 hours. Germination rates differ for different greens. 6. After 24 hours, remove the plastic wrap and check on the seedlings every day. 7. Keep the containers in a sunny area and mist regularly. 8. Once the plants begin to flower, harvest by cutting off the stems below the first true leaf. 9. Store the microgreens in the refrigerator for up to one week. 10. To continue growing, repeat steps 3 through 9. 11. For best results, keep the temperature between 65F and 75F during the day and 55F at night. 12. If you want to try this outside, plant the seeds directly in the ground. 13. Use a tarp or other shade cloth to protect the young plants from wind and rain. 14. Mist frequently and mulch around the base of the plants. 15. Harvest when the plants reach approximately 2 inches tall with a sharp knife or scissors. 16. Continue harvesting until the plants stop producing new growth. 17. Discard any wilted or yellowed leaves. 18. Eat raw or cook like regular salad greens. 19. Try adding microgreens to soups, stir-fries, salads, sandwiches, wraps, and pasta. How to Grow Microgreens In Soil Growing microgreens is easy! All you need is some good quality soil, a little sunshine, and patience. Start by choosing a spot where you can get plenty of sunlight. It can be grown under grow light as well. Mix three parts compost and one part vermiculite. Make sure there are no clumps or lumps of either material. Pour the mix into a shallow container or seed tray and fill it with soil. Water thoroughly so that the soil is moist but not saturated. Sprinkle the seeds on the soil surface. Cover them with another layer of soil. Keep the soil damp but not wet. Cover the container with clear plastic bags or sheets to maintain humidity. Check daily to make sure the soil stays moist. Keep the containers in a place with good air circulation. When the seeds sprout, remove the plastic. Remove weeds and thin out the plants to leave only the strongest ones. Continue watering and feeding the plants. Harvest when the plants reach 1-2 inches tall. Store in the fridge if you dont eat them right away. Benefits of microgreens The benefits of microgreens include: they contain high levels of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, potassium, phosphorus, copper, manganese, and selenium. They also contain antioxidants, which help fight free radicals, reduce inflammation, and improves heart health. These baby greens are also known to boost immunity. Studies have shown that eating just one serving of microgreens per day may increase immune system function by 30%. They have as many nutrients as their mature counterparts. The phytonutrient health benefits of growing microgreens include vitamins A, B, C, vitamin D, E, K, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, molybdenum, fluoride, and iodine. These nutrients help maintain healthy skin, hair, nails, bone health, and eye health. They also provide antioxidants that protect against cancer, heart disease, and other chronic diseases. These baby greens are also known to boost immunity. Studies have shown that eating just one serving of microgreens per day may increase immune system function by 30%. They have as many nutrients as their mature counterparts. Here are the top reasons why people love growing their microgreens: 1. They add color and nutrition to your diet. 2. You can enjoy a variety of aromatic flavor. 3. They are healthy and nutritious. 4. They require very little space. 5. It's fun to watch them grow and they are fun food. 6. They're easy to grow. 7. They can be used in many ways. 8. You can harvest them at any time. 9. They keep well in the refrigerator. 10. They can be frozen. 11. They can be dried. 12. They can be juiced. 13. They can be added to smoothies. 14. The tender shoots can be used as substitute salad ingredients. 15. They can be used to make pesto. 16. They can be used for cooking. 17. These green leaves can be used on sandwiches. 18. They can be used with dips. 19. They can be used instead of flowers for decoration. 20. They are more nutritious than their mature plant counterparts. Next step Gardener services Maintenance gardener Setup gardener Balcony gardener Vegetable gardener Flower gardener Virtual garden consultation Landscaping services Landscape design Landscape garden maintenance Online nursery Organic pesticides and fertilizers Plant media Organic seeds Extra reading Complete guide to microgreens How to grow carrots at home? How to grow spinach in home? Vegetable seed online Herbs that you can grow at home Happy Gardening! Dr. Vandana K.
