Microgreens, also known as herb gardens, sprouts of green leaves and sometimes seeds of herbs that can be used in the same way as vegetables. As with other types of sprouts, micro greens require very little care and maintenance. They have been growing in popularity as a quick and easy way to add new green vegetables to your diet. The first thing you must keep in mind is that while they are generally low in calories, their nutritional content may vary. Because they grow quickly and easily, the nutritional content for many varieties can be disappointing. That’s why you need to choose carefully.

What you need to look for are microgreens that contain high concentrations of nutrients like antioxidants, vitamins, iron, zinc, copper, manganese and phosphorus. These nutrients are what make up a complete food and your body needs them in greater quantities than other types of vegetables. In fact, eating microgreens properly and consistently will provide you with all the nutrients your body needs, if you ensure that the sprouts are consumed daily. You should also look for sprouts that are free from chemicals and pesticides.

Do they contain all nine nutrients we need? The good news is that you can buy sprouts that contain all nine of the nutrients we need. In fact, some companies are growing sprouts that contain all nine of the nutrients we want in a single package. This is called multi-nutritional supplements.

Can you grow growing microgreens indoors? Growing any kind of vegetable requires a certain amount of sunlight and nurturing. But sprouts like alfalfa or Swiss chard don’t really need much tending to. Most indoor growing systems are just large fans that circulate the air. The water temperature is set for a specific amount of time and then the sprouts are watered. Many people like to place an aquarium pump on their counter top to circulate the water.

Are they easy to take care of? They are usually grown in containers indoors and then transferred to a terrace or balcony when needed. Most of the sprouts need less water than most other vegetables.

Do they taste better? When choosing sprouts, try to find one that has a neutral flavor. That way you know it’s not packed with chemicals. Some have bitter flavors. If you’re going to buy fresh sprouts, look for ones that say they were freeze-dried to maintain their crispness.

Are microgreens cost effective? At the time of this writing, no. There are so many other ways to grow your own vegetables that it would be impossible to give an overview. But, if you want to save money on food, this might be worth trying out.

For most people, though, cost isn’t an object when choosing a method for growing their own vegetables. If you want fresh sprouts, you’ll probably go for either hydroponics or indoor soil. But, even then, you may not always have the time to devote to it. You can do the best you can at saving money by growing your own veggies, but sometimes you’ll just need to pick up a few extra dollars in your wallet.

That’s when you may find yourself considering sprouts as an option. They aren’t as expensive as you might think. In fact, you can get a starter kit for under $100. That’s what prompted you to start looking into the topic in the first place. Even if you don’t spend much money, there are a number of advantages. They are fast growing, some can be eaten within 48 hours, you don’t have to wait for summer to enjoy them and they are often free.

How can you determine if what you’re looking for is a good choice for your family? It’s a good idea to learn more about the benefits and disadvantages of various growing methods. Once you understand how they work, you’ll be better able to decide if microgreens cost effective. There is some information that’s more accurate than others. Some experts claim that indoor grown produce has more nutritional value than outdoor sprouts. Others say that while the lack of sunlight is a disadvantage for indoor gardens, it isn’t necessarily true for outdoor crops.

Microgreens are ideal because they contain very little water, contain no pesticides or herbicides, and they are natural. You won’t find artificial fertilizers or soil additives, neither will you find added vitamins. The sprouts themselves are full of high quality nutrients. In fact, if you read the list of ingredients, you’ll likely find that they come from sprouted seeds and not vegetables.

That’s not to say that they are cheap. Many people find that they are more expensive than some low-cost alternatives such as lettuce. However, the majority of people who buy them find that they are inexpensive and worth the extra money. If you’re trying to decide if what you are buying are microgreens cost effective, I would encourage you to take a closer look at their nutritional content and compare them to your usual grocery store produce.