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What Are Microgreens?
Microgreens are near-perfect seedlings of your favorite full-grown vegetables and herbs. (Think something between sprouts and baby greens.) Packed with nutrients and flavor, they adorn plates at gourmet restaurants. As far as taste, they range from delicate to intense, sweet to spicy… their flavors resemble what you would expect from the full-grown plant. Foodies and chefs love the array of colors and textures they come in, too, and they’re a great way to keep growing plants when it’s cold outside.
Why and How to Grow Microgreens
Why? Two words: Instant gratification. You’re harvesting these little guys when they’re only 1½ to 2 inches tall, so you’re getting them on your plate a couple of weeks after sowing. Plus, the only way they’d be any easier to grow is if they’d sow themselves. In addition, researchers with the University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the U.S. Department of Agriculture say many microgreens contain four to 40 times more nutrients—vitamins C, E, K and beta carotene—than their mature counterparts.
In general, they need a few inches of clean soil, four to six hours of sunlight and a hit of mist from a spray bottle every day to keep them happy. Grow them almost anywhere—on a windowsill, countertop or container. If you’re wondering where to get seeds, note that any seed can be grown as a microgreen, but some packaged mixes are suited for sprouting and provide a blend of popular varieties or the plants have similar germination rates.
Planting and Harvesting Microgreens
First, select a sunny location—one that gets four to six hours of sunlight a day. A south-facing window is best. Next, choose a proper planting vessel: a shallow plastic tray, a disposable pie plate or a to-go container. Provide adequate drainage by poking small holes in the bottom.
Then, fill your vessel with 2 inches of clean potting medium and smooth until level. Scatter seeds and lightly press into soil. Use a packaged mix so the greens will be ready to harvest at the same time or grow a single crop. Spread a fine ¹/8 -in. layer of soil on top. Keep soil consistently moist by watering daily with mist from a spray bottle.
Last, snip your microgreens with scissors when they’re 1 to 2 inches tall. Stagger planting to harvest weekly.
How Should I Serve Microgreens?
Microgreens are delicate, so eat them raw and within a few days of harvesting. After snipping, gently rinse and pat dry with a paper towel. Top soups and salads, fill sandwiches or use microgreens to garnish appetizers or main dishes. You could even add them to pizza!
Best Types of Microgreens to Grow
If you’re just getting started, here are a few beginner-friendly picks.
