How to Grow Microgreens

Microgreens are young tender seedlings of dark leafy green vegetable plants harvested when they are just one to two inches high. They are packed with intense flavor making them the perfect garnish for your salads and entrees. They also have a much higher nutritional content compared to the mature leaves of the same plants. You can grow micro-greens from any small seed such as alfalfa, clover, broccoli, arugula, cabbage, cress, radish, onion, garlic, kale, turnip, mustard greens, collards, bok choy, cress, etc.

Here is how to successfully grow delicious and nutritious microgreens:

1. Using a 10” X 20” nursery flat (with holes), fill with 2 inches of organic potting mix. Use a drain pan underneath.

2. Place a second empty 10” X 20” nursery flat on top of the potting mix and press down to compact creating a flat, even surface.

3. Lightly pre-moisten the soil with a gentle shower from a watering can. Pour off any excess water that collects in the drain pan after watering.

4. Scatter ¼ cup of micro green seeds evenly distributing them throughout the tray. You can use a mild or spicy micro mix from Hippocrates Health Institute or the seed supplier of your choice.

5. Place a paper towel over the top of the tray.

6. Place a second empty 10” X 20” nursery flat on top of the paper towel and press down to compact the soil again. Remove the empty tray but, leave the paper towel on for the first three days.

7. Water well with a gentle shower from a watering can.

8. Place the tray on a sunny, south-facing windowsill or under grow lights. Expect the seeds to germinate in about three days.

9. Keep the soil consistently moist by watering every day. Pour off any excess water that collects in the drain pan after watering.

10. When their first true leaves unfurl (about 7 days after germination) harvest by cutting the microgreens right above the soil line using a pair of scissors.