No products in the cart.
What Are Microgreens and How Are They Grown?
Let’s talk microgreens. You’ve likely spotted those colorful, crisp little greens—the ones that pack a punch in both flavor and nutrition—on plates at restaurants or in those tiny plastic clamshells at the grocery store. But what are microgreens and how are they grown, exactly? Think of them as the “overachievers” of the plant world: edible young greens harvested shortly after germinated seeds pop their very first leaves, also known as cotyledons. These little wonders stand just 1–3 inches tall, yet outperform mature greens in vibrancy, taste, and, yes—nutrient levels. Unlike basic sprouts, microgreens are cultivated in a growing medium like soil, coco coir, or specialized fiber mats. When you’re harvesting microgreens, only the portion above the root makes it to your plate (no roots attached!), setting them apart from both sprouts and your familiar baby greens. The result? A richer color, bolder taste, and that gourmet texture your local chef adores.
Why Are Microgreens So Popular?
So, why this microgreen craze? The answer isn’t just, “they’re cute” (though, honestly, they are). Their astounding speed to maturity, easy care, and nutrient density have roped in everyone from top-tier chefs to home gardeners—and plenty of health-food lovers in between. Here’s one huge plus: you can easily grow microgreens indoors, whatever the weather, using nothing more than a windowsill or a modest grow light. Trust me, we’ve helped clients in city apartments and rural kitchens grow broccoli microgreens with close to zero garden space. Whether you’re topping sandwiches with spicy mustard microgreens or tossing a burst of fresh greens in your smoothie, these tiny seeds fit almost any lifestyle or flavor profile. The best part? They’re accessible to absolutely everyone.
Benefits of Growing Microgreens
Fast Growing & Easy to Harvest
If you’re after quick wins, this is for you. Microgreens go from tiny seeds to harvest in just 7–14 days—lightning-fast compared to waiting months for your mature greens to show up. Whether you’re sowing herb seeds like basil, or robust sprouting seeds like peas, you’ll have fresh green goodness before you know it.
Space-Saving: Ideal for Small Homes or Apartments
Not everyone has a backyard. (Heck, some of us are lucky to have a fire escape!) Fortunately, microgreens take up next to no space. Tuck a tray on a shelf, a countertop, or any spot with sunshine (or a grow light), and poof—your mini garden is ready.
Year-Round Growing Potential
You don’t have to moonlight as a meteorologist to win at homegrown greens. Growing microgreens indoors under steady light and cozy temperatures means you’re enjoying a taste of summer even in December. Eat your heart out, snowstorms.
Nutrition Packed Into Small Leaves
No joke, science backs it up: these edible young greens can offer 4 to 40 times the nutrient concentration of their grown-up siblings. Vitamins, carotenoids, vital minerals—packed inside leaves barely bigger than your thumbnail.
Cost-Saving Compared to Store-Bought Greens
Have you seen the price of packaged microgreens at the supermarket? For a fraction of that cost, a small stash of seeds and a decent growing medium turns into a bounty of fresh greens week after week.
Stress-Relieving Hobby for All Skill Levels
Here’s a secret: one of our favorite “de-stress” rituals is planting—watching a tray of germinated seeds turn into lush microgreens is oddly soothing. Minimal prep, forgiving process, and the reward is both visual and edible.
Common Questions About Microgreens
Are Microgreens the Same as Sprouts?
Nope, and it’s not just a technicality. Sprouting seeds are grown in water; you eat the whole thing, root-to-tip. Microgreens are cultivated in a medium (think soil, coir, mat), and you harvest only the leafy part—leaving the roots behind.
Can Microgreens Regrow After Cutting?
Generally, no. Most microgreens grow for just a single round. Once you’ve finished harvesting microgreens, it’s time to reset and plant fresh seeds.
Are Microgreens Safe to Eat Raw?
Absolutely! When they’re grown with clean water and in a safe environment, you’re good to go. Salads, grain bowls, sandwiches—they’re made to be enjoyed raw (and you’ll taste the difference).
How Long Do Microgreens Last After Harvest?
If you keep your greens dry and chill, most will last 7–10 days in the fridge. Our advice? Eat ‘em soon for that supreme flavor and crisp texture.
What You Need to Grow Microgreens at Home
Essential Supplies Checklist
Here’s your go-to shopping list:
- Microgreen or herb seeds—try different types!
- Two shallow growing trays (one with drainage holes, one solid to catch excess water)
- Your choice of growing medium: soil, coco coir, or fiber mat.
- Light source: a sunny window, or a basic LED grow light works wonders.
- Spray bottle for gentle watering.
- Scissors, preferably dedicated, for snipping greens.
Choosing a Growing Medium
You’ll want something that retains moisture but drains well. Coco coir, peat mixes, or sustainable fiber mats all work wonders. And if you’re new to this, go for starter blends—they’re basically “foolproof” for growing microgreens.
Best Light Sources
Aim for the sunniest spot you can muster. No luck? No stress. A simple full-spectrum LED light works magic. Shoot for 6–8 hours of solid lighting for those juicy, fresh greens.
Temperature & Humidity Considerations
Keep things comfortably between 65–70°F, and humidity in the 40–60% zone. Crank up a fan if it’s getting muggy; airflow helps prevent any nasty mold surprises in your growing medium.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Grow Microgreens
Step 1: Prepare Your Growing Trays
Nest your trays, one inside the other. Add an inch or two of moistened growing medium to the top tray, and smooth it flat—no need to pack it down.
Step 2: Sow the Seeds Evenly
Scatter your chosen tiny seeds or sprouting seeds (evenly, if possible). Gently press them into the surface—don’t bury them. For big seeds like peas, give them a head start with an overnight soak.
Step 3: Mist and Initiate the Blackout Period
Mist the tray just enough to moisten everything. Cover it up for 2–4 days—darkness encourages those germinated seeds to really push upward.
Step 4: Transition to Light and Daily Care
Once you see green shoots emerging, remove the lid and move the tray into light (window or LED). Mist daily and make sure to keep the growing medium evenly moist—but not soggy.
Step 5: Harvesting Your Microgreens
In 7–14 days, when your greens are 2–3″ tall and leafy, cut them with sharp scissors just above the substrate. That’s your culinary canvas—ready to enjoy.
Step 6: Cleaning Up and Replanting
Clear away spent roots and substrate, compost what you can, and give trays a good wash. Start over with new medium and seeds, and you’re back in business!
Top Microgreens to Grow for Beginners
- Radish: Spicy, colorful, and grows super fast.
- Broccoli microgreens: Mild and nutrient-rich—sometimes called the “superfood microgreen.”
- Pea Shoots: Sweet, chunky, and fun to grow.
- Mustard microgreens: For those who love a peppery bite (trust us, these surprise a lot of folks!).
- Sunflower: Nutty flavor and hearty texture—great for beginners.
Using Microgreens in Everyday Meals
Easy Meal Ideas
Honestly, the sky’s the limit. Add them to omelets at breakfast, stack on sandwiches at lunch, swirl into soups, blend with smoothies, or pile onto pizza and grilled meats. When in doubt, just scatter some baby greens or fresh greens wherever you want a pop of color and flavor.
Preserving Flavor & Texture
For best flavor and crunch, store your harvest in a paper towel-lined container in the fridge. Don’t seal them too tightly. Use within a week—if they even last that long!
Final Thoughts: Is Growing Microgreens Worth It?
Honestly? Absolutely. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a single kitchen shelf, growing microgreens indoors is hands-down one of the quickest, most rewarding ways to enjoy truly fresh greens. It’s affordable, flexible, and perfect for folks with packed schedules or budding green thumbs. Plus, watching those tiny seeds grow day by day is surprisingly satisfying. Why not give it a shot? Worst case, you end up with a tray full of gorgeous, tasty greens—oh, the tragedy!
From Seed to Harvest—We’ve Got Your Back
At RangeLine Group, we’re dedicated to helping you boost productivity and keep your fields in top shape with reliable, field-tested parts that matter most. Whether you’re planting, harvesting, or managing soil health, our essentials—like tough disc blades (from Notched to Soil Warrior), precision fertilizer applicator shanks, rugged planter parts, and efficient grain drill components—are built for busy seasons. For those getting into conservation or cover cropping, explore our strip-till and manure injection parts engineered for success. With RangeLine Group, you get practical expertise and the right components to make every acre count, season after season.
