Looking to grow nutrient-packed microgreens in your home? This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of the process, from setup to harvest. As a microgreens specialist, I’ll share professional techniques that ensure successful yields every time.
What You’ll Need
Essential Equipment
- Shallow growing trays (1-2 inches deep) with drainage holes
- Bottom tray without holes for watering
- Organic potting soil or specialized microgreen mix
- Seeds (beginners should start with radish, pea, or sunflower)
- Spray bottle
- Sharp scissors or microgreen harvesting knife
- Digital scale (optional but recommended)
- Clear dome cover (optional)
Optional but Recommended
- Growing lights (LED or fluorescent)
- Small fan for air circulation
- Heat mat for temperature control
- pH meter
- Soil thermometer
Step 1: Preparing Your Growing Space
Setting Up the Perfect Environment
- Choose a location with:
- Stable temperature (65-75°F)
- Good air circulation
- Easy access to water
- Protection from drafts
- Clean your workspace:
- Sanitize all equipment with food-grade hydrogen peroxide
- Ensure surfaces are clean and dry
- Set up shelving if using multiple trays
Step 2: Soil Preparation
Getting the Medium Right
- Fill your tray with soil:
- Leave ½ inch at top
- Level soil surface gently
- Don’t compress too much
- Pre-moisten soil:
- Use spray bottle or gentle watering
- Soil should be damp but not waterlogged
- Ensure even moisture distribution
Step 3: Seed Selection and Sowing
Calculating Seed Density
- For small seeds (radish, amaranth): 1-1.5 oz per 10×20 tray
- For medium seeds (broccoli, kale): 2-2.5 oz per 10×20 tray
- For large seeds (pea, sunflower): 3-4 oz per 10×20 tray
Sowing Process
- Measure seeds by weight
- Distribute evenly across soil surface
- Ensure good seed-to-soil contact
- Mist lightly with water
Step 4: The Blackout Period
Creating Optimal Germination Conditions
- Cover tray with blackout dome or dark material
- Maintain temperature between 65-75°F
- Check moisture daily
- Watch for initial sprouting (2-3 days for most varieties)
Stack Weight (Optional)
- Place 5-10 pounds of weight on top
- Helps strengthen stems
- Improves seed-to-soil contact
- Remove weight when sprouts begin lifting it
Step 5: Light Exposure
Transitioning to Light
- Remove cover when sprouts are 1-2 inches tall
- Introduce light gradually:
- Natural light: Place in indirect sunlight
- Artificial light: Position 4-6 inches above plants
- Run lights 12-16 hours daily
Light Requirements
- LED growing lights: 100-150 μmol/m²/s
- Fluorescent lights: Place 4-6 inches above plants
- Natural light: Bright, indirect exposure
Step 6: Ongoing Care
Daily Maintenance
- Watering:
- Bottom water when soil feels dry
- Maintain consistent moisture
- Avoid overhead watering to prevent mold
- Air Circulation:
- Use small fan for gentle air movement
- Run fan during daylight hours
- Keep air moving but not directly on plants
- Temperature Control:
- Maintain 65-75°F
- Monitor with soil thermometer
- Adjust environment as needed
Step 7: Harvesting
Perfect Timing
- Most varieties ready in 7-14 days
- Harvest when first true leaves emerge
- Best flavor at 2-3 inches tall
Harvesting Technique
- Ensure plants are dry
- Cut just above soil level
- Use sharp, clean scissors
- Harvest entire tray at once
- Store immediately
Step 8: Storage and Packaging
Proper Storage Methods
- Clean harvested microgreens:
- No washing needed if grown cleanly
- If washing, use food-grade sanitizer
- Storage conditions:
- Store at 35-40°F
- Use breathable containers
- Keep dry and clean
- Use within 7-10 days
Common Problems and Solutions
Mold Issues
- Prevention:
- Maintain good air circulation
- Avoid overwatering
- Keep proper spacing
- Treatment:
- Remove affected areas
- Increase air flow
- Reduce humidity
Poor Germination
- Causes:
- Old seeds
- Incorrect temperature
- Improper moisture
- Solutions:
- Use fresh seeds
- Monitor temperature
- Maintain consistent moisture
Advanced Tips for Scaling Up
Production Planning
- Maintain detailed records:
- Seeding dates
- Harvest dates
- Yield weights
- Growth observations
- Succession planting:
- Start new trays every 3-4 days
- Calculate needs based on usage
- Plan for seasonal changes
Yield Expectations
- Average yields per 10×20 tray:
- Small seeds: 8-12 oz
- Medium seeds: 12-16 oz
- Large seeds: 16-24 oz
Remember, successful microgreen growing is about consistency and attention to detail. Start small, perfect your technique, and scale up gradually. With practice, you’ll be growing restaurant-quality microgreens in your own home.
