How do microgreens work?
Microgreens sometimes called “vegetable confetti,” are occasionally mistaken for sprouts, the germination of seeds consumed from root to shoot. Microgreens, on the other hand, are a variety of edible young greens cut with scissors when the plants are up to 2 inches tall and less than a month after germination. The initial group of genuine leaves, the stem, and the cotyledons (or seed leaves) are all edible.
What are the most effective seeds?
Although certain kinds are more suitable, salad greens, leafy vegetables, herbs, and even edible flowers can be cultivated as microgreens. Beginners sometimes begin by developing a single kind of seed, such as buckwheat, mustard, chia, sunflower, or one of the microgreens that are among the simplest to grow: broccoli, cauliflower, or cabbage. (You may quickly cultivate several seeds in various pots, then after harvesting, blend your microgreens.)
Additionally, you may get seeds for salad mixtures and carefully curated microgreen mixtures, which pair greens with comparable development rates, complementary tastes, and stunning coloration, including reds, purples, and greens. They are also excellent for novices because they were developed with grower success in mind.
Microgreens can also be cultivated outside in the garden, in the shade, if your environment is suited. Like other delicate seedlings, they must be shielded from harsh weather conditions, drying winds, and ravenous garden pests.
How do I start?
Start with a small, clean container and a warm, sunny windowsill (direct sunlight from a south-facing window is excellent). Evident fruit or salad boxes, disposable pie plates, and plastic takeout containers are all suitable. If the container you’ve chosen lacks integrated drainage, drill a few drainage holes in the bottom. Next, get ready to plant:
- Check the seed packaging for any further instructions by reading it.
- Add a layer of moistened potting soil or mix to the bottom of the container, about an inch thick. Without over-compressing the earth, flatten and level it with your hand or a small piece of cardboard.
- Sprinkle seeds over the soil in an even layer. Using your hand or the cardboard, gently press it into the ground.
- Add a thin layer of soil over the seeds. Mist water on the surface to dampen it. If you’d rather, you can skip this step and wait until the seeds have sprouted before covering the container with a plastic wrap or clear lid.
- Use the mister once or twice daily to keep the soil moist but not wet while you wait for sprouts to appear, which usually takes three to seven days.
- When seeds have sprouted, remove the cover (if applicable) and keep misting the plants once or twice daily.