In today’s busy world, eating healthy and getting the nutrition we need can be challenging. The pharmaceutical industry has been booming due to so many of us putting off taking care of ourselves to take care of others. I decided I wanted to grow microgreens at home to take back some of my family’s health and put it in our hands.
Growing microgreens is an effective way of packing a lot of nutrition into everyday meals. We sprinkle them on eggs, salads, sandwiches, and meats and even incorporate them into our shakes.
Read on to learn how you can grow these powerful greens in the comfort of your own home.
What are Microgreens?
Essentially, microgreens are the seedlings of some of our favorite edible plants.
These tiny but mighty seedlings pack quite a punch. They are packed with phytonutrients. These natural compounds, found in food, are the essential nutrients needed to promote good health.
Moreover, research suggests they contain high levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Because their nutritional content is so concentrated, you can eat a little of these greens for a massive impact. Some early research claims that one cup of microgreens equals forty cups of vegetables.
In addition, microgreens have also been shown to lower blood pressure, support gut health, and reduce the risks of certain cancers.
The best part? These highly nutritious plants can be grown at home on a windowsill in small trays.
Which Microgreens Should You Grow?
There are so many microgreens you can choose to grow. Ideally, you want to ease yourself into the world of microgreens.
For instance, wheatgrass has a distinct flavor that may not be the best choice for a beginner.
Broccoli, radish, and sunflower are excellent choices, to begin with.
Types of Microgreens:
Broccoli: Broccoli microgreens are a fast and easy seed to grow at home. The seeds will emerge after two days and are usually ready to harvest five days later.
Moreover, they have a high sulforaphane content. Sulforaphane has been shown to reduce the ability of cancerous cells to multiply.
These powerful greens contain vitamins A, B, C, and E and minerals such as calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, and zinc.
Radish: Radish is another excellent choice for growing microgreens at home, and their color alone is worth the growth.
Radish microgreens are also a fast growth. Sprouts emerge after two days, and the “greens” will be ready to harvest within a week.
Additionally, radish microgreens are high in vitamins A, B, C, E, and K. You will get an excellent boost to your calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, and zinc.
Sunflower: Sunflower microgreens make a great addition to your at-home growing. They grow quickly and taste delicious!
Moreover, sunflower microgreens are high in vitamins A, B Complex, C, E, K; Sunflower microgreens provide minerals including calcium, iron, potassium, selenium, zinc, magnesium, and phosphorus.
Where to Buy Seeds
When buying your seeds, you want to look for a vendor that offers organic and non-GMO seeds. I have purchased my seeds from True Leaf Market and have been pleased with the product.
Radish microgreens growing under grow lights.
Radish microgreens are a delicious addition to meals such as this honey chicken and rice.
Growing Your own Microgreens
Growing microgreens is simple. Follow the steps below, and you will enjoy your microgreens within ten days!
Materials Needed:
-potting soil
-2 seed trays
-water
-microgreen seeds
-grow light (optional)
Step 1: First, you will need a sturdy, high-quality seed tray. You do not want to use something too flimsy.
The tray will be heavy once the soil is added. We want to avoid any spills that can put your greens in jeopardy.
Step 2: Fill 1/4 of the way up your tray with water. Tap water is fine.
Step 3: Fill the tray to the top using high-quality potting soil. You want to ensure you have filled the tray because it will make it easier to harvest your microgreens.
Step 4: Using another tray, stamp down the potting soil, so it’s compact. Don’t go overboard here; a firm tamp-down is all needed.
Step 5: Pour out around a 1/2 cup of seeds. You will want to spread them evenly on top of the soil. Now, depending on the size of your tray, you may want to use fewer seeds. This part does not have to be an exact science. You simply don’t want your seeds to be too crowded are too spread out. A nice, evenly placed seeding is all you need.
Step 6: Using a sprayer, give your seeds a thorough soaking.
Step 7: Place another tray on top of your tray and place a heavy book on top. Place your tray in a warm, dark spot. In 2-3 days, you will have your first sprouts.
Step 8: After three days in the dark, it’s time to check on your seeds. They should be about 1″ to 2″ tall by now. It’s time to give them some light to help them green up and grow. You can place them on a windowsill (south is best) or under a grow light.
Step 9: Finally, once your microgreens develop their first true leaves, it’s time to harvest and enjoy! You can use a scissor to cut off the stem. The greens taste delicious on salads, sandwiches, meats, or mixed in shakes.
Final Thoughts
Growing microgreens at home is an excellent introduction to growing your own produce. They are easy to grow and so nutritious for you as well. It helps keep the winter blues away and gives me something to look forward to. Plus, the taste is spectacular. Let us know in the comment section your favorite way to enjoy your greens.
