How to Grow Microgreens in Your Kitchen Garden
A delicious and relatively cheap alternative to fresh vegetables, microgreens can be grown in your kitchen garden and still have the same nutritional value as they would if you were to grow them in your soil. The key to growing this green is to ensure that it gets an ample amount of sunlight and moisture – just like your other vegetables. The beauty of micro greens is that they do not require a lot of maintenance. In fact, you will find that they grow best when they are planted in a well drained and rich soil that is slightly acidic in nature. Once you have got the microgreens prepared for planting, there is really no need to worry about them because after they get planted, they pretty much take care of themselves.
You might think that planting a new vegetable in your kitchen garden would be an arduous task, but surprisingly, it does not have to be. Microgreens are a much easier plant to grow than most annuals because they are quite small, which makes them ideal for growing indoors. Best of all, they can be given an initial trial by planting one or two in your chosen outdoor spot. Before long, you will find that your microgreens kitchen garden will be blooming with healthy, beautiful looking leaves.
Of course, you need to ensure that the spot where you are planting your microgreens is an ideal place for them to grow. This means that the area receives a great deal of sunlight, has good drainage as well as being free from weeds and other plants that may prove to be detrimental to the health of your microgreens. If you are growing microgreens kitchen garden seeds, you need to ensure that you plant them on top of moist but cool soil. This is because moisture dries out the seeds, meaning that they are not able to germinate fully.
Once you have ensured that the soil in your chosen spot is suitable, you need to choose what type of microgreen seeds you are growing. There are a number of different types of micro greens that can be grown ranging from those that grow on the underside of the leaves to those that grow in clumps. The type of microgreens you choose also depends on the growing conditions you have found for your garden. For example, those that grow on the underside of the leaves do well in containers, but are less likely to sprout if grown in the same conditions as those that grow in clumps.
Many people prefer to plant their microgreens in pots as they are less likely to suffer from weeds. However, it is also possible to grow your micro greens in a mixture of soil and potting mix. It is advisable to test both the soil and the potting mix in order to determine the right amounts of fertilizer to add. With patience, it is possible to grow a very healthy garden full of bright green vegetables.
The great thing about microgreens is that they contain no gluten, so you are able to enjoy eating them without worrying about any adverse reactions. Another benefit of growing your own microgreens is that they are not considered a health food to avoid. Therefore, they make an ideal gift for loved ones who have special dietary requirements. Should you buy a gift for a friend with Celiac disease, it is very easy to find gluten-free foods and gifts that are suitable for them.
Most seeds used to cultivate microgreens require approximately one square meter of unirrigated soil in order to germinate. You should ensure that you leave sufficient space between each row so that new microgreens do not end up competing with existing seeds. Many people find that it is easiest to sow the seeds in a two-inch spacing, but this may depend on the available space in your garden. You may also want to consider a raised bed or tarp to ensure ideal growing conditions for your microgreens.
Once you have sprouted your microgreens, it is important to maintain them properly so that their roots can continue to grow strong. This is done by ensuring that you fertilize your plants thoroughly and that you water them only when the soil is dry. Fertilizing your plants will ensure that they reach their maximum potential for growth, and misting them with water when the soil is moist will help to prevent them from splashing against each other. In addition to fertilizing and mowing your plants regularly, it is also important to refrain from over-fertilizing them, and instead, spraying them lightly with a garden hose to ensure that they get enough moisture.