Best Microgreens Growing Guide
The microgreen craze hit the United States and soon other countries around the world. They became extremely popular because they are so easy to grow. They require very little maintenance and can tolerate a variety of growing conditions. They are fast growing, some varieties can grow up to six feet per year, which makes them excellent for anyone interested in a quick return to green carpet.
The best way to grow microgreens is to create an environment where they are constantly exposed to full sunlight, but without soil. This can be accomplished by placing trays on the bottom of the container. When the plant is young, it will need to be placed directly into the trays without touching the bottom of the container. Over time the microgreen seeds will break away from the roots. After they have reached the required size, remove the tray and place the plant in a rotted compost pile or in an unheated garage.
An important point to remember about growing microgreens is that they cannot be stored for more than a few days without losing their flavor. Once the leaves begin to die they will not re-flower, so it is necessary to remove the seeds before the new season starts. When choosing hydroponic microgreens, choose seeds that are high in moisture content. These seeds will remain on the seed tray throughout the growing season, so do not select plants with low moisture.
Once the microgreens are ready, make sure they are covered with the appropriate seed matting. Some seeds are better than others, so experiment with different types of mats and fertilizers until you find the ones that provide the best growing conditions. You should check the nutritional values of each type of fertilizer and experiment with various amounts until you find the right amounts for your plant. As with any type of growing, it is important to remember that you will need to replenish your nutrients once a day. Do not let your trays to dry completely since seeds will fall off eventually. When you are ready to replant your seedlings, use your favorite grow lights and remove the trays.
Microgreen seed mixes can be found at most garden centers and some discount stores. There are also a wide range of on-line resources where you can search for specific varieties of microgreens. The disadvantage to growing microgreens is that, like most green vegetables, they have a short shelf life due to the need to germinate seeds. If you live in an area with cool weather and not too much rain, then this would be a great choice for you as your first vegetable.
A method of growing microgreens without soil is by using hydroponic growing medium. This can either be purchased or made at home with the help of hydroponics equipment. With hydroponic growing medium, nutrients are delivered directly to the root system, rather than needing to go through the roots of the plants. This allows the gardener to plant quickly and move on to other crops without having to wait for the sprouts to appear.
As the popularity of microgreens continues to grow, so will methods for growing them without soil. However, as with all new techniques, you must learn the basics of microgreens before you begin planting. You may choose to purchase a ready-made kit or work with a “do-it-yourself” guide to growing microgreens. There are also many great gardening publications out there that can help you get started. You will want to start with a plan and a little research; then you will be ready to begin growing microgreens.