{"id":1029,"date":"2023-05-04T15:22:05","date_gmt":"2023-05-04T22:22:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/?p=1029"},"modified":"2023-06-27T12:09:02","modified_gmt":"2023-06-27T19:09:02","slug":"how-to-grow-microgreens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-microgreens\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Grow Microgreens &#8211; A Beginner&#8217;s Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-layzr=\"https:\/\/www.gardeningeats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/How-to-Grow-Microgreens.png\" alt=\"microgreens plant growing in garden\" title=\"\"><br \/>\nMicrogreens, which are known botanically as Various, are a type of vegetable that can easily be grown at home. Continue reading to learn the basics of growing microgreens as well as common mistakes to avoid along the way.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-microgreens\/#Best_Time_to_Plant_Microgreens\" title=\"Best Time to Plant Microgreens\">Best Time to Plant Microgreens<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-microgreens\/#How_to_Plant_Microgreens_the_Right_Way\" title=\"How to Plant Microgreens the Right Way\">How to Plant Microgreens the Right Way<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-microgreens\/#How_Much_Sunlight_is_Needed_to_Grow_Microgreens\" title=\"How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Microgreens\">How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Microgreens<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-microgreens\/#How_Much_to_Water_Microgreens\" title=\"How Much to Water Microgreens\">How Much to Water Microgreens<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-microgreens\/#How_Long_Does_it_Take_Microgreens_to_Germinate_and_Grow\" title=\"How Long Does it Take Microgreens to Germinate and Grow?\">How Long Does it Take Microgreens to Germinate and Grow?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-microgreens\/#When_to_Harvest_Microgreens\" title=\"When to Harvest Microgreens\">When to Harvest Microgreens<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-microgreens\/#What_Can_Microgreens_Be_Used_For\" title=\"What Can Microgreens Be Used For?\">What Can Microgreens Be Used For?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-microgreens\/#Can_Microgreens_Grow_in_Pots_and_Containers\" title=\"Can Microgreens Grow in Pots and Containers?\">Can Microgreens Grow in Pots and Containers?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-microgreens\/#Are_Microgreens_Safe_for_Bees\" title=\"Are Microgreens Safe for Bees?\">Are Microgreens Safe for Bees?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_Time_to_Plant_Microgreens\"><\/span>Best Time to Plant Microgreens<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>This will depend largely on your local climate, but as a rule of thumb, begin to plant the microgreen seeds in a thin layer on top of the soil. This is the best time to ensure that the seedlings survive the weather.<\/p>\n<p>To check when microgreens are most likely to thrive in your area, see the <a href=\"https:\/\/planthardiness.ars.usda.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map<\/a>. If you live outside the US, do a quick search for &#8216;plant hardiness zone + [city]&#8217;.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Plant_Microgreens_the_Right_Way\"><\/span>How to Plant Microgreens the Right Way<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>There are a number of things to consider that will help you avoid some of the common mistakes of growing microgreens in your home garden. <\/p>\n<p>Often overlooked, your soil can have a huge impact on how well your microgreens grow. Generally, your soil should be moist and well-draining. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.esf.edu\/pubprog\/brochure\/soilph\/soilph.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Soil PH levels<\/a> should be around 6.0 to 7.0.<\/p>\n<p>1&#8243; apart in rows 18&#8243; apart. seeds can be sown densely. The seeds should be sowed at a depth of about 1-2&#8243;. For each plant, be sure to sow at least a few seeds to ensure that at least one of them will germinate.<\/p>\n<p>Begin thinning your microgreen seedlings not applicable, as they are harvested before thinning is needed.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_Sunlight_is_Needed_to_Grow_Microgreens\"><\/span>How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Microgreens<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The amount of sunlight is another key to a successful harvest. Too much sunlight will dry out your microgreens. Not enough sunlight will stunt your its growth or even kill it.<\/p>\n<p>Ideally, your microgreens should be getting indirect light or under grow lights<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_to_Water_Microgreens\"><\/span>How Much to Water Microgreens<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>As you&#8217;ve figured by now, a lot can have an impact on how well your microgreens do, and the amount of water is no different.<\/p>\n<p>Ideally, the soil should be damp to touch; not soggy or bone dry. If the leaves on your microgreens begin to change colors or start to look droopy, you need to adjust how much water you&#8217;re giving it.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, if you give it too much or too little water, you can kill it, so it&#8217;s best to just keep an eye on it and water as needed.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Long_Does_it_Take_Microgreens_to_Germinate_and_Grow\"><\/span>How Long Does it Take Microgreens to Germinate and Grow?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Now the fun part begins and you get to watch your microgreens grow.<\/p>\n<p>It takes approximately 3-7 days to germinate, and a total of 7-14 days from seed to harvest.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_to_Harvest_Microgreens\"><\/span>When to Harvest Microgreens<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The best time to harvest your microgreens is when the first set of true leaves appears.<\/p>\n<p>Microgreens can grow up to about 1-3&#8243; tall.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Can_Microgreens_Be_Used_For\"><\/span>What Can Microgreens Be Used For?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Food Use:<\/strong> great for salads, sandwiches, and garnishing.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Flavor Profile:<\/strong> varies by variety, from mild to peppery and sweet to bitter.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_Microgreens_Grow_in_Pots_and_Containers\"><\/span>Can Microgreens Grow in Pots and Containers?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, use a shallow tray or container with drainage holes. This can help control weeds and keep your plant from growing out of control.<\/p>\n<p>It also gives you the flexibility to move your microgreens around if you need to adjust sunlight or bring it indoors to avoid harsh weather conditions.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_Microgreens_Safe_for_Bees\"><\/span>Are Microgreens Safe for Bees?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, microgreens are safe for bees. <\/p>\n<p>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/usa\/sustainable-agriculture\/save-the-bees\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GreenPeace.org<\/a>, bees pollinate human food crops that make up about 90% of the world&#8217;s nutrition.<\/p>\n<p>Given their importance in our ecosystem and food supply, I feel it is important to note that growing microgreens is bee-friendly.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Microgreens, which are known botanically as Various, are a type of vegetable that can easily be grown at home. Continue reading to learn the basics of growing microgreens as well as common mistakes to avoid along the way. Best Time to Plant Microgreens This will depend largely on your local climate, but as a rule of thumb, begin to plant the microgreen seeds in a thin layer on top of the soil. This is the best time to ensure that the seedlings survive the weather. To check when microgreens are most likely to thrive in your area, see the USDA <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":972,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18,232],"tags":[22,198],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1029"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1029"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1029\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1163,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1029\/revisions\/1163"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/972"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1029"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1029"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1029"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}