Written by: Gina Leslie, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
It’s not impossible to grow your food in a small space, especially if you opt to grow microgreens. Sure, most homes or apartments don’t suit growing your own foods right inside like tomatoes, carrots, or cabbage. But, microgreens are much smaller, more compact, and space-efficient. They’re very simple to grow, use, eat, and enjoy…plus, they’re nutrient-dense and healthy!
Want to grow food in your home— any home, no matter how big or small? How about something easy and healthy? If you answered yes to all these questions, read on to learn about the best microgreens for growing indoors, along with some indispensable microgreen growing tips.
The best types of microgreens you can grow
Before diving in, you’ll need to choose what kind of microgreens you wish to grow. Fortunately, you have a lot of great choices (though this is not a comprehensive list):
For if you like just a little bit of mustard-like spice with dinner— and tons of nutrients. Arugula contains iron, magnesium, fiber, and antioxidants.
Great for up-leveling even the simplest salsa or tacos. Amazing flavor plus lots of vitamins and minerals.
Straightforward, tasty, and the most nutritious choice. Broccoli sprouts are infamous for their high levels of antioxidants called sulforaphane, known to reduce cancer risk and curb inflammation.
Make salads (or even Greek food) a little more interesting. Parsley, especially as a sprout, is high in iron and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Sunflower greens. Very tasty and beautiful in just about any salad. You get a wide variety of plant vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in these tender shoots, too.
Italian nights with pasta or pizza are made exceptional with basil microgreens. Basil also contains strong antioxidants that are good for heart health.
What you need to grow microgreens
Leave those gardening gloves, rake, and hat in the shed— you don’t need these to get started! Here’s what you do need:
Microgreens seed (about one pound worth)
Seed tray or flat (or any shallow/wide soil container with good drainage)
Microgreens soil mix (fine-textured)
Grow light (if you don’t have a porch or south-facing window)
Small fine spray bottle or mister (for watering)
Clean kitchen scissors (for harvesting, if you don’t own any)
How to grow microgreens
Now that you have all your microgreen growing equipment together…
Step 1 – Prepare Microgreen Space
Prep an accessible space for your microgreen setup, like a shelf or cubby space, for your grow light and microgreen tray to fit. Of course, set it up so the grow light shines directly over the tray. A sunny south-facing windowsill indoors is best, even without a grow light.
Step 2 – Prepare Microgreen Container
Fill your microgreen container or tray with soil, about 1 inch thick at most.
Step 3 – Scatter and Cover
Sow and scatter seeds on top of the soil in your microgreen container or tray. Sow as densely as possible in a single layer, but don’t pile or clump seeds! Next, push gently into the soil with your fingers. If seeds are larger-sized, try dusting with some more soil, though only barely.
Step 4 – Spritz & Water
Water your microgreens very lightly with a spray bottle or mister. Water roughly once per day, or only when the soil appears to be dry to keep it lightly moist or damp.
Step 5 – Care & Nurture
Place your tray or container in your prepared microgreen growing spot so it gets the light it needs. Again, check the soil and spritz or spray if dry. As days go by you should notice the seeds beginning to sprout and grow.
Step 6 – Harvest and Enjoy
For most microgreen varieties (no matter the type), you should expect them to be ready at around 2 weeks after seeding. Harvest them around this time or when they’re 2 or 3 inches tall.
Harvest by gently gathering a small cluster of the sprouts with one hand, then snipping them at the stems with the other using clean kitchen scissors. Clean any dirt from their bottoms, then place in an airtight refrigerator bag or container in the fridge.
Be sure to eat your microgreens about one week within the harvesting date. They go great on salads, soups, sandwiches, tacos, pizza, or as a simple garnish.
Start your microgreen passion
Almost anyone can grow microgreens. They taste and look amazing in meals, and they’re full of nutrients, making them well worth the effort. Not to mention: growing microgreens in your home can add a dash of green, natural beauty to just about any space. What’s not to love?
Looking for a little more inspiration, check out our Getting Microgreens Video and Our Favorite Microgreen Items! In April we will be launching some fun microgreen items, so stay tuned!
Gina Leslie, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Gina Leslie, the founder of the Light Side of Health, is a sport, fitness, and health enthusiast. She received her business degree with an emphasis in sports business and a minor in economics from the University of Oregon. While there she worked for the football department and her love for sports and sports training blossomed. From there, Gina worked in sports marketing and assisted in running a sports training facility. She has run multiple marathons and even competed in a fitness competition. While training, she began to acquire multiple fitness and nutrition certifications. In conjunction with running Light Side of Health, Gina currently works in the finance field and is involved in her community.
