Practical Skills for a Changing Climate

In this edition of the Practical Skills for a Changing Climate newsletter, our volunteer, Donnie Weisse, teaches you how to grow microgreens indoors.

By: Donnie Weisse

Microgreens are young plants that fall somewhere between a sprout and a baby green. Besides being an excellent way for beginners to hone their gardening skills, microgreens are rich with nutrients and well worth the little time and effort they require to grow.

Donnie Weisse studies Sustainable Food and Farming at the University of Massachusetts Stockbridge School of Agriculture.

What You Need

Seeds, trays, soil, light, and a spray bottle.

Ingredients and Their Roles

Seeds: Since they’re just young plants, you don’t need to buy special seeds to grow microgreens. Arugula, broccoli, and beet seeds are popular, but I recommend that beginners try a mix. You can order them online from High Mowing or Johnny’s.
Trays/containers: Three total. One shallow tray with holes (your growing tray—cardboard, tin foil, or plastic) and two trays without holes.
Soil: I recommend potting soil with some compost mixed in, but anything will work: peat moss, hemp mats, coconut coir, etc. I’ve even seen people use paper towels! (This I do not recommend).
Light: Microgreens need six to eight hours of sunlight, so find a good windowsill. Otherwise, they’ll need at least 12 hours under a grow light (Like this one I found).
Spray bottle

Source: GAP Gardens

The Process

Step 1: Set up your trays. The tray with holes is your planting tray, so place that on top of the tray without holes (the reservoir).
Step 2: Fill the planting tray evenly with 1-1½ in. of soil.
Step 3: Sow seeds and spray water. Sprinkle your seeds densely without too much overlap, and spray the planting tray with water. You want the soil damp but not soggy—remember, adding water is much easier than removing it!
Step 4: Blackout! Place the third tray without holes on top of your planting tray and let sit for at least 48 hours. Feel free to drape a towel over the top as well—the blackout period is meant to mimic the first days of germination when a seed is completely covered by soil.
Step 5: Move to sunlight. After a few days of germinating in the darkness, your seeds should be about 1 inch tall and ready to take on the world.
Step 6: Water, air, wait. Depending on the species, your microgreens need about two weeks before being ready for harvest. In the meantime, use a fan or open a window occasionally to allow airflow and prevent mold.
Step 7: Harvest! Once the “true leaves” appear (usually when the plants are 3-4 inches tall), cut about an inch above the soil with scissors or a knife. Don’t cut too low—this hinders regrowth.