Learning to grow microgreens!

And just like that, I am learning to grow microgreens.

What are micro microgreens?

Think of growing the little seeds into seedlings and eating them at that stage. You are eating them while they are just “micro”.

Now you don’t just plant one or two seeds at a time in a little cell thing you get from wally world.

You plant them in a big flat and grow them by the hundreds!

The picture above is a tray of microgreens. You can see this is ready to harvest. It is a 10X20 tray. It is packed with little seedlings.

OK, that leading edge looks sparse. Why? Because we have already been snacking on them. These are broccoli micro greens.

We are also growing peas and sunflowers, and I will plant cantaloupe this afternoon!

So if you know me, I go into research mode when I start a project like this.

So without further ado, what have I learned while I am learning to grow microgreens?

Why do we eat microgreens?

So why microgreens? What makes these baby plants so special? Why do we eat them at this stage?

Nutrients are a massive thing for me. Some studies show that microgreens have up to 9X the amount of nutrients than an adult plant!

My theory is that if I eat a nutrient-dense veggie, I don’t have to eat as many. Or better yet, get my kids to eat as many as possible. But my kids do like to snack on these microgreens. Have I mentioned all my kids are adults?

Growing microgreens is less hassle than traditional gardening.

I have a garden. It is a constant battle between me and the elements, not to mention the pesky little squirrels!

Microgreens are usually grown inside. Yes, you can grow them outside, but most people who grow them do so in controlled environments.

What does that mean?

For starters, no squirrels or snails eating your produce!

No pesticides!

You don’t have to worry about the elements. Next time we have a hail or tornado warning, there is no mad dash to protect the plants. Or worry about a late freeze.

I have grow lights and have ordered small clip-on fans.

It’s a quick process.

Gardening takes months from planting to harvest. You must patiently wait for your plants to grow and/or produce. I have tomatoes that I planted two months ago. They have big beautiful green tomatoes on them. I am very impatiently waiting for them to turn red. I can almost taste that first BLT!

Microgreens, on the other hand, are ready to go in as little as a week. Most are harvested in less than 21 days!

That is definitely the way to go if you don’t have patience!

It takes up less space.

Gardening is a significant footprint in most cases.

Microgreens, on the other hand, can be grown on one shelf in a corner of your home.

Want just one tray? Grow it on your windowsill!

Learning to grow microgreens is adaptable to your surroundings!

Ready to jump on the microgreen bandwagon?

I heard someone on Instagram say that microgreens and hydroponics are the farming of the future.

You know what? That kind of farming I can handle!

Where do I sign up?

In the meantime, does anyone need any broccoli microgreens? I have enough to share!