Hydroponic MicroGreen Trays – How They Work to Provide the Perfect Indoor Environment For Indoor Vegetable Growing
Hydroponics has made it easier than ever to grow and harvest a variety of vegetables with its hydroponic microgreen growing trays. Microgreen vegetables are known as nightshade vegetables because they don’t have any green leaves or foliage. They are part of the cucurbitaceae family. The two most popular ways of growing microgreens inside trays are with hydroponic methods and with soil-based growing systems. In hydroponic methods, the tiny micro green seeds are planted on a hydroponic bed which contains an artificial medium, water, and nutrients so that the seeds can germinate on this medium. The nutrient solution is slowly added throughout the day to ensure that everything is constantly moist.
Some common varieties of nightshade vegetables that can be grown indoors with hydroponic methods include; spinach, kale, beet tops, squash, carrots, asparagus, and summer squash. These vegetables do not require holes for growing; therefore, they don’t require a trellis system. You can use your choice of growing medium to ensure that the vegetables get the right amount of moisture and nutrients. However, these vegetables do well with some variety of growing mediums. When you are planting them in the hydroponic tray, make sure that you have enough ventilation and drainage holes within the growing tray itself.
Soil-based microgreen trays require holes for seeds to be planted in. If the seeds do not get enough moisture and nutrients, they may not germinate. You must place your seedlings in a shallow dish of water, but keep in mind that they should not completely drown. Once the seedlings have been placed in water, you will need to cover the tray to prevent excess moisture from seeping into the growing medium.
Most hydroponic system designs utilize a mesh netting to provide a tight fit over the growing medium. If using soil-based microgreen trays, remember that you should always sterilize your equipment before starting each plant’s growing cycle. Sterilizing is easy to do and does not require special skills. All you need to do is soak the growing medium in water for five minutes and then use a sanitizer solution to kill any germs.
Many indoor growing enthusiasts choose to use hydroponic microgreen trays because they require less maintenance than their oil-based counterparts. You won’t have to worry about rotting bulbs or being forced to constantly re-pot plants. The only requirement for these systems is adequate light and air circulation. Plants are able to absorb all the nutrients they need without being subject to extreme temperatures or suffering from other growing challenges.
Hydroponic farmers can choose from two types of tray structures. Tube trays allow you to direct where light and nutrients are going. Since you are always trying to get the best results, tube trays usually prove to be the most successful when it comes to growing microgreens. Some gardeners prefer to build an artificial sky to provide natural sunlight.
Growers who use hydroponic methods to grow microgreens often rely on air to help germinate seeds. When seeds are germinating, they will need extra light. This is where air circulation comes in. If you live in a colder climate where the winters can freeze up the soil, you can also try to provide some extra artificial sunlight during the growing season.
The most important thing to remember about growing microgreens is that you have to take good care of your crops. This includes ensuring proper spacing and proper fertilization and watering. Proper lighting and air circulation are essential factors in the success of this type of gardening. Without these, your seeds won’t survive. Microgreen seed trays are a very convenient way to grow seeds without having to do anything more than provide adequate lighting. Now that you know how they work, you should be ready to start growing your very own microgreens!