How to Grow Microgreens - Microgreens Growing Kit Guide

If this is your first time growing microgreens, welcome!  We’re glad you chose Sow Right Seeds to walk you through the process. Microgreens are an easy and fun way to grow a crop of nutrient-dense food.  Within a matter of days, you will be enjoying the flavor of these small but mighty seeds.

• Lightly press 1/2 cup of soil mix into each tray. 
• Soak seeds in a bowl of cool water (if soaking time is listed on the seed packet).
• Sprinkle microgreens seeds densely on the top of the soil mixture. 
• Mist seeds with water from a spray bottle until the soil is damp but not soggy.
• Write the variety name on the lid, cover the tray, and keep away from light for a few days. This is the blackout period referred to on the seed packet.
• Keep the soil moist but not overly wet. Check daily and mist as needed. 
• Once seeds have sprouted, remove the cover and expose the seedlings to direct or indirect light depending on the specific seed packet instructions. The light during this growth period is essential for microgreens. The bright greens and reds in microgreens develop during the photosynthesis process. While these colors are beautiful, they are also very nutritious.
• Rotate the tray as needed if seedlings start bending toward the light.
• Continue keeping the seeds moist until ready to harvest.

When seedlings are about 2 inches tall, they will be ready to harvest. At this point, the seed leaves (cotyledons) will be fully grown and the first set of true leaves will be growing.

Use scissors to cut the greens just above the soil. Then rinse in cool water. Use immediately or place in the fridge and consume within a few days.

Microgreens can be added to a variety of dishes. Try them in salads, smoothies, and pesto for a fresh burst of nutrition. Sprinkle them on pizza, sandwiches, baked potatoes, eggs, grain bowls, and cooked vegetables to add lovely color and texture.  There are so many ways to enjoy their delicious and healthy benefits that you may want to start a new tray every week to always have a fresh supply.

Microgreens are plant seedlings. Their growth stage is between sprouts and baby greens. The seed leaves (cotyledonary leaves) are fully developed, and the first set of true leaves have appeared. 

The compact size of microgreens packs a punch in flavor and nutrition. These small plants contain higher concentrations of phytochemicals and nutrients than the same plants in their mature stage. Microgreens can average 5 times the amount of vitamins compared to the same mature plants. Some of the concentrated vitamins you will find in microgreens are vitamins C, E, and K. Carotenoids in the cotyledons are turned into vitamin A in the body.  Increasing nutrient uptake in the body keeps the immune system functioning, builds healthy bones, regulates blood cholesterol, helps organs function optimally, and contributes to healthy vision.

Besides the health benefits, there are other reasons to grow your own microgreens.

• Easy - Microgreens are so easy to grow! Anyone can have a successful harvest.
• Time - They take very little time from planting to harvest. You’ll be rewarded with a harvest in as little as 12 days.
• Water - Microgreens use very little water, especially when compared to traditional gardening. 
• Light - Lower amounts of light are needed, which means they can be grown indoors in a variety of locations.
• Space - You won’t need a big garden plot to grow nutritious microgreens. You can even store your trays in a cupboard during the blackout period to keep them out of the way.
• Fun - They are a fun and delicious way to increase your vegetable consumption.
• Shelf-life - Since they deteriorate rapidly after harvest, you will get the freshest flavor and most nutrients by growing your own microgreens. 

If you’re looking for nutritional benefits, try growing cabbage or beets. The beautiful colors of these microgreens tend to have higher levels of vitamin K and carotenoids. Do you want to add some visual interest and texture to your plate? Try sunflowers and peas. For an intense flavor, give arugula and cress a try.   

At Sow Right Seeds, we love gardening, and we are committed to helping you have a successful growing experience. Our seeds have a high germination rate, and by following the steps in our growing guides, you will get to reap the benefits of growing fresh, healthy microgreens in your own home.  Start growing a tray today and experience the fresh flavor for yourself!