The Beginner’s Guide to Growing Microgreens Indoors

Introduction

Growing microgreens indoors is a fun, easy, and rewarding way to enjoy fresh, nutrient-packed greens year-round. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a complete beginner, microgreens are a great place to start your indoor gardening journey. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to successfully grow microgreens indoors, from selecting the right supplies to harvesting your first crop.

Why Grow Microgreens Indoors?

Before we dive into the specifics of growing microgreens indoors, let’s talk about why you might want to give it a try. Here are just a few reasons:

• Fresh, nutrient-dense greens year-round: By growing microgreens indoors, you can enjoy fresh, healthy greens no matter the weather or season outside.
• Save money on groceries: Microgreens can be expensive to buy at the store, but growing your own can save you money in the long run.
• Reduce your environmental impact: Indoor gardening eliminates the need for transportation and packaging, reducing your carbon footprint.
• Enjoy a fun, rewarding hobby: Growing microgreens indoors is a great way to connect with nature and enjoy a sense of accomplishment, even if you don’t have outdoor space.

Supplies You’ll Need

To get started growing microgreens indoors, you’ll need a few key supplies:

• Growing trays: You’ll need shallow trays with drainage holes to hold your growing medium and seeds. 1020 microgreen trays are a popular choice.
• Growing medium: A sterile, lightweight growing medium like coconut coir or a seed starting mix works well for microgreens.
• Seeds: Choose high-quality, untreated seeds from a reputable supplier. Some easy varieties for beginners include broccoli, radish, and sunflower.
• Lighting: If you don’t have a sunny windowsill, you’ll need a grow light to provide your microgreens with enough light to thrive.
• Water: A spray bottle or watering can with a fine nozzle will help you keep your microgreens moist without overwatering.

Step-by-Step Growing Instructions

Now that you have your supplies, let’s walk through the step-by-step process of growing microgreens indoors:

1. Fill your trays with growing medium: Fill your growing trays with an inch or two of moistened growing medium, making sure it’s level and evenly distributed.
2. Sow your seeds: Sprinkle your microgreen seeds evenly over the surface of the growing medium, pressing them gently into the surface.
3. Cover and water: Cover your seeds with a thin layer of growing medium or a humidity dome, then mist the surface with water until it’s evenly moist.
4. Place under lights: If you’re using a grow light, place your trays under the light and set it to be on for 12-16 hours per day. If you’re using a sunny windowsill, make sure your trays receive at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day.
5. Water and monitor: Mist your microgreens once or twice a day to keep the growing medium moist but not waterlogged. Keep an eye out for any signs of mold or disease.
6. Harvest and enjoy: Once your microgreens have developed their first set of true leaves (usually within 1-2 weeks), they’re ready to harvest. Simply snip them off at the base with clean scissors, rinse, and enjoy!

Tips for Success

Here are a few additional tips to help you successfully grow microgreens indoors:

• Start with easy varieties like broccoli, radish, or sunflower to build your confidence and skills.
• Experiment with different seed densities and growing media to find what works best for you.
• Use a fan to provide gentle air circulation and prevent mold growth.
• Harvest your microgreens promptly to prevent them from getting too tall or tough.
• Have fun and don’t be afraid to make mistakes – even experienced gardeners have mishaps sometimes!

Conclusion

Growing microgreens indoors is a simple, rewarding way to enjoy fresh, healthy greens year-round. By following the steps and tips outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to harvesting your first crop of homegrown microgreens. And remember, if you need any supplies or advice along the way, Skye Mountain is here to help. Happy growing!