
Growing microgreens is different than growing sprouts, but both offer fresh flavor and crunch to salads, sandwiches, tacos, eggs and so much more. Here’s how they’re different and how to grow microgreens even if you have a small space.
What is the Difference Between Sprouts and Microgreens?
While both are sprouts and microgreens are young plants eaten after about a week of growth, however, sprouts are grown in the dark, while microgreens are not. Sprouts are eaten in the whole form, while microgreens are clipped off and eaten after leaves have developed. Also, sprouts don’t tend to last as long, while growing your own microgreens allows you to let them live in the tray until harvest.
The main difference is that sprouts are germinated legumes and seeds, while microgreens are edible vegetables and herbs in the young stage and therefore, very nutrient-dense.
Despite their differences, they are both delicious, easy to grow and said to be incredibly healthy.
There are many setups for growing microgreens, but typically they are grown in dirt-filled trays. An alternative option is to grow them on germination seed mats.
Growing microgreens is a great option for people with limited space since you can grow them in trays that fit your space.
5 Supplies Needed for Growing Microgreens
1. A packet of seeds of your choice (broccoli, cabbage, radish, arugula, beets, kale, collards, peas, herbs)
2. A germination mat to grow microgreens
3. A food-safe tray to hold the seed mat and water
4. A cover for the tray (only for the first 24-48 hours, until germination)
5. A sunny window to grow in once the seeds have germinated
6 Steps for Growing Microgreens
1. Place your germination mat in a food-safe tray with sides (to hold water), such as a glass Pyrex dish or a repurposed plastic food container.
2. Saturate the growing pad with water for one hour, allowing the germination mat to become completely soaked with water. After one hour, pour away excess water that did not soak into the pad.
3. Evenly sprinkle a packet of seeds onto the mat. The amount of seeds needed will depend on the size of your mat. For example, I use a 10-ounce packet of arugula seeds for a 10-inch by 10-inch square growing mat. Some seeds, such as pea seeds, will benefit from soaking overnight before sprinkling them onto the seed mat.
4. Once the seeds are evenly distributed onto the seed mat, cover with a clear plastic cover, such as plastic wrap or other food-safe material. This will keep the moisture in and the seeds damp. Place the tray out of the sunlight, in a dark space until they germinate. Depending on the seed, this will only take 24 to 48 hours.
5. Once the seeds have germinated, remove the plastic cover and place the tray in a sun-filled window to grow.
6. From this point on, you’ll have to continually keep the mat moist, adding water every other day or so and turn the tray so that the microgreens grow straight up and not far over to one side as the seeds grow toward the sunlight.
How Do You Harvest Microgreens?
Once the true leaves have grown on the microgreens, you are ready to harvest and enjoy. This growing process will take about seven to fourteen days, depending on the type of plant you’re growing.
To harvest, use clean, sharp sheers to clip away as many microgreens as you need. Allow the greens to keep growing in the tray until you’ve enjoyed them all.
Rinse before eating and enjoy!
Growing Microgreens Notes
- Wash tray and all supplies used for watering and harvesting.
- Recommended supplies from FarmerYou. Save 10% with code: SPRINGPLANTING
- For more information on how to grow sprouts in a jar or how to grow your own garden, check out Small-Scale Homesteading, written by Stephanie Thurow and Michelle Bruhn.
This article about growing microgreens was written for Hobby Farms magazine. Click here to subscribe.