Instruction to Cultivate Microgreens Inside Home
Embark on a rewarding journey of growing microgreens indoors with our step-by-step guide, complete with light recommendations to ensure a bountiful harvest.
## Getting Started with Microgreens Indoors
The first step to growing microgreens indoors is to choose suitable seeds. Popular choices include sunflower, radish, broccoli, and pea shoots. For the best results, opt for seeds specifically labeled for microgreens, as they are untreated and safe for consumption.
Next, select a suitable growing medium. Soil is preferred for its nutrients, but coconut coir or reusable silicone grow mats offer cleaner alternatives and are great for multiple harvests. Ensure your medium is free from contaminants for healthy growth.
Prepare the tray using shallow trays with drainage holes (or trays without holes if using water-absorbent mats). Alternatively, ice cube trays or silicone mats can be used for small batches.
Sow seeds evenly across the moistened medium, gently pressing them into the medium and covering with another tray or a light layer of medium for 2–3 days to help germination. Once sprouted, water less frequently but keep the medium consistently moist without overwatering to avoid mold.
## Provide Light and Warmth
Maintain a temperature between 18°C (64°F) and 24°C (75°F) for optimal growth. If natural light is insufficient, use grow lights for 12–16 hours daily. Full-spectrum LED grow lights are highly recommended as they provide the right wavelengths for photosynthesis and promote even growth. Position lights 4–12 inches above the microgreens, adjusting as plants grow to avoid stretching or burning.
## Recommended Indoor Grow Lights
Many gardeners and indoor farmers use versatile grow lights designed for both microgreens and houseplants. For example, the Vego Garden grow light has been tested successfully for microgreens, ensuring strong, upward growth and healthy harvests.
## Harvesting
Most microgreens are ready to harvest in 10–14 days, once they have developed their first set of true leaves. Use clean scissors to cut just above the soil or mat.
## Tips for Success
Ensure good air circulation to prevent mold and disease. Keep trays and tools clean to avoid contamination. Experiment with different seed varieties and growing mediums to find what works best for your taste and space.
## Summary Table
| Step | Details/Recommendation | |--------------------|------------------------------------------------------------| | Seeds | Sunflower, radish, broccoli, pea shoots | | Growing Medium | Soil, coconut coir, or silicone/hydro mat | | Tray | Shallow, with drainage, or ice cube trays | | Light | Full-spectrum LED, 12–16 hours, 4–12 inches above plants | | Temperature | 18–24°C (64–75°F) | | Watering | Mist until germination, then keep moist | | Harvest | 10–14 days, cut above medium |
Using a good grow light like the Vego Garden or similar full-spectrum LED will greatly improve your success and yield when growing microgreens indoors. Additionally, the Smart Landscape Grow Frame - Wall Planter & Grow Light and Aspect Hanging Grow Light are other options for growing microgreens. With these tips and recommendations, you'll be well on your way to a thriving indoor microgreen garden.
Gardening can be extended beyond traditional flowers and vegetables by growing microgreens indoors, such as sunflower, radish, broccoli, and pea shoots. To maintain a healthy microgreen home-and-garden, consider using a full-spectrum LED grow light, like the Vego Garden or Smart Landscape Grow Frame - Wall Planter & Grow Light, to mimic natural light and stimulate even growth.
