As the modern world is continuing its rapid growth, more people are confined to living spaces within concrete constructions with limited area. This has diminished the possibility of growing plants as the lack of space and time has made it difficult for them to try out such things. Ever since the introduction of microgreens in some of the eateries in California back in the 1980s, it has gradually gained popularity all around the world. The nutritious benefits coupled with the simplicity of growing these small plants have made severe contributions to the widespread acceptance of microgreens.
The space requirement for these tiny plants adds to their advantage as they can be grown on sunny windowsills. In reality, microgreens have really opened a pathway for people living in urban cities to start growing nutritious plants in a cost-effective way. Why Should You Start Growing Microgreens? It is exactly the question which is answered through this article.
What are Microgreens?
So what exactly do we mean by microgreens? In fact, it is the first thing we need answers for. Microgreens are seedlings of vegetables and herbs which is being taken for usage at a stage when they attain a height of 1 to 3 inches. They are harvested using scissors soon after their seed leaves transform into actual leaves. They will be ready for harvest in 1 to 3 weeks depending upon the type of plants being used.
Many of the microgreens variety can be used for culinary purposes within 12 to 15 days and when it comes to nutritious benefits, it packs a punch. Some of the studies have even concluded that microgreens have improved levels of vitamins and carotenoids than mature plants. On average, it tends to have five times the nutritional value of its older counterparts. They even have similar flavours as that of their bigger versions and this has played a huge role in gaining major acceptance in the culinary world.
Microgreens are sometimes confused with sprouts. Even though both are seedlings, sprouts are harvested just after the seeds start growing. It’s been taken for use before the leaves tend to develop. They do have several other differences like the medium which is being used for their growth. Microgreens are normally grown in soil, they are consumed fresh with leaves and stem, without the roots. Sprouts on the other hand are typically grown without the soil and the whole plant is eaten with roots.
Seeds Used for Microgreen Farming
Different varieties of vegetable plants, herbs and even edible flowers can be used for microgreens. Some of these variants are more favoured than others. People who grow microgreens for the first time usually go with some of the varieties like cabbage, broccoli, chia, sunflower, cauliflower, amaranth, basil, lettuce, spinach and so on. The flavours of microgreen plants tend to vary with the type of plants being selected for this purpose. It can range from mild flavours and can even rise up to intense. Microgreens can be used as a dietary nutritive supplement for your body instead of using mature plants and vegetation, which have comparatively low nutritive value.
How to grow Microgreens?
Microgreens require some of the basic factors like sunlight and moisture to aid their growth. If you are planning to grow them indoors, a sunny windowsill is the main thing to have. The seeds are usually sown in soil or artificially constituted substances like potting soil which are used as substitutes. Seeds which are grown into tiny plants will be harvested within a few weeks. Some of the requirements for starting the growth of microgreens are as follows,
- Microgreen Seeds
- Plant growing tray with sufficient drainage holes
- Tray without any drainage holes
- Potting soil
- Bottle for spraying water
Make use of the shallow gardening tray with drainage holes and add the potting soil. One thing which you should keep in mind is that the soil should be kept at a depth of one and a half inches. Using your hand gently pat the soil and make sure that there are no lumps in the soil. Slowly sprinkle the seeds over the soil and cover these with a thin layer of soil just enough to cover these seeds.
The other main thing to be noted here is the instructions given on the back of the seed cover. Some of the seeds have to be soaked overnight and washed before being sown in the soil. There are some big seeds which do not need a layer of soil on top, instead, they should be gently patted onto the soil.
Now it’s the turn of the spray bottle. Spray the water in order for the soil to absorb the required moisture for the seeds to germinate. Water which is supplied in the form of a mist won’t make any disturbances to the soil. Cover the tray with paper towels and keep it in the second tray without any holes. This will help to keep the draining water within the tray. Place the tray on a south-facing windowsill which is likely to receive more sunlight when compared to all other directions. Keep in mind that the north-facing windows would receive the least sunlight and hence it is not the preferred option.
When to Harvest Microgreens?
The kind of seeds which is being used determines the harvesting time of microgreens. In most cases, the microgreens will be ready for harvest within two to three weeks from planting when they attain a height of two to three inches from the ground. Be alert and ready for the first set of true leaves, as it would give a clear indication that the microgreens are ready to be harvested. Make use of scissors for carefully cutting the stem just above the soil, this helps us in avoiding the roots. It’s been touted that early mornings and late evenings are the best time in harvesting microgreens. This is because at these times of the day, microgreens tend to have more freshness and they look more healthy.
Benefits of growing Microgreens
Microgreens are considered to be one of the smallest yet most nutritious plants we could have. The pros of growing microgreens far outweigh the cons and hence it’s gaining increased popularity all throughout the world. Imagine a scenario where you could simply have to take a couple of steps within the home in accessing the most nutritious plants there is. Check out in detail some of the benefits of growing microgreens at your home.
- Fast growth, early harvest and easy availability
It takes only a few weeks for the microgreens to become mature for harvest. These small plants are easier to grow in confined spaces. Compared to fully grown plants it would have more flavour and hence would be ideal for culinary preparations. The time requirement in constituting a microgreen is what makes it quite special from any other plant form. If you tend to go for mature leaves and plants, they can be preserved for some time in refrigerators. While in the case of microgreens, since they are available in your home, you can choose when to harvest them just before you choose to have them.
- Easy to maintain
Microgreens are fairly easy to maintain when compared to other plant forms. Exposure to sunlight from the windowsill and water supplied in the form of mist through water sprayers are the two main no-negotiables for these plant forms. The usage of potting soil rich in nutrients does the rest and microgreens would be ready for harvest within a month.
- High nutrient value
The nutritional value of the plant decreases as it matures. Microgreens are scientifically established highly nutritious plant forms rich in vitamins, anti-oxidants, minerals and more. Some studies have even revealed that micrograms have four to five times the beneficial nutritive components than mature plants. Including these small plants along with salads or having them soon after harvest would enable us to get significant nutritive intake.
- Improved health benefits
Intake of nutrient-rich microgreens can have the added advantage of improved health benefits. It’s been believed that including microgreens in your diet can help in reducing cholesterol levels and thereby reduce the chance of heart-related problems. Some of the studies have also stated that microgreens can even help to reduce the chance of getting some cancers. One of the other benefits which have been causing a positive impact is with the people who suffer from diabetes. Alzheimer’s and kidney diseases are the other areas which can reap helpful benefits from the use of microgreens.
Even though you can have up to three harvests from a single seedbed, it would be ideal to go for a fresh seedbed after the first harvest. This is because, after each harvest, the flavour and the nutrient value of the microgreens depreciate considerably from the previous harvest. Also, it’s been advised to have these seedlings soon after the harvest, as they would be fresh after cutting from the seedbed. If it’s been kept for some time after the harvest, microgreens would lose their freshness and gradually becomes less productive. The reasons for growing microgreens in your home are clearly evident in this changing world. Prepare yourself to include these tiny plants in your home and reap the benefits of microgreens in your life.
