How to Grow Microgreens Indoors: A Beginner’s Guide

Have you ever wanted to grow your own fresh, nutrient-packed greens right in your kitchen? In this post you will learn exactly How to grow microgreens and see how super easy it is! Microgreens are the perfect indoor gardening project! They grow quickly, require minimal space, and add vibrant flavor to your meals. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the simple steps to successfully grow microgreens at home. “There is a lot of information online and many videos on YouTube, but this is the exact process I used to grow my own microgreens.”

What Are Microgreens?

Do you know what microgreens are? It is a fairly new concept for growing food that is ready to harvest in a very short time. Microgreens are young vegetable greens harvested just after the first true leaves appear. Unlike sprouts, which are eaten seed and all, microgreens are grown in soil or another medium and are harvested by cutting the stems above the surface. They are packed with nutrients, often containing higher vitamin and antioxidant levels than their mature plant counterparts. For me, living in a northern climate, having fresh greens is a real treat!

Supplies Needed

To start your microgreen garden, gather these essential supplies, These are the exact ones I used:

• Shallow growing trays or containers (with drainage holes if using soil)
• Quality soil or hydroponic grow mats
• Organic, non-GMO seeds
• Spray bottle for watering
• Grow lights or a bright windowsill

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What I did to grow Micro-greens summarized

I already had the bottom trays without holes so I purchased the top trays with the holes. They are shallow so you don’t need too much soil, so I put about an inch of soil and then spread my seeds. I sprayed the whole tray with water so everything was wet but not soggy and then put another tray over them with weights on it. On the 4th day I took off the top tray and put my newly sprouted micro-greens under the grow light. After this I only bottom watered the greens just about every day. At 10 days the real leaves had grown and we began eating the micro-greens. I cook for two so that was quite a bit of greens which we ate at every meal!

“Here are the exact products I used to grow microgreens successfully. I recommend starting with these:”

*As a small business we often use links to share products we use but don’t sell. We earn a small commission on any items you purchase but it doesn’t cost you any more. We will always identify these items and be assured these are items we use in our work too!

Here is my tray of greens just planted. I did lightly mist them after this. The step that I thought was so unusual was putting another tray on top and then adding weights to it. But it really worked! Those little seeds all grew and pushed the weights right up.

Here are my greens right after I lifted the top before they had had much light.

The roots Peeking through the holes

Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Microgreens Indoors

1. Prepare Your Growing Tray
   • If using soil, fill the tray with about 1-2 inches of organic potting mix.
   • If using a hydroponic mat, ensure it’s properly moistened.
2. Sow the Seeds Evenly
   • Scatter the seeds densely over the soil/mat, but avoid overcrowding.
   • Gently press them into the soil without burying them.
3. Water & Cover for Germination
   • Mist the seeds lightly with water using a spray bottle.
   • Cover the tray with a lid or another tray to create darkness and encourage sprouting.
   • Use a weight to keep the tray covered
   • Keep covered for about 2-3 days until sprouts appear.
4. Provide Light & Air Circulation
   • Once germinated, remove the cover and place the tray in a bright area or under grow lights.
   • Maintain a temperature of 65-75°F for optimal growth.
   • Water lightly once or twice a day to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
5. Harvesting Your Microgreens
   • Most microgreens are ready to harvest within 7-14 days.
   • Use scissors to snip them just above the soil line.
   • enjoy immediately or store in the fridge for up to a week.

Common Mistakes & Troubleshooting

• Mold growth? Improve air circulation and avoid overwatering.
• Leggy micro-greens? They need more light.
• Uneven growth? Spread seeds evenly and mist consistently.

Ways to Use Microgreens

• Toss into salads for an extra crunch
• Blend into smoothies for added nutrients
• Sprinkle over omelets, sandwiches, and soups
• Use as a gourmet garnish for presentation

My Final Tips & Encouragement

With the revived sense of food safety, growing micro-greens is a win win! Micro-greens are one of the easiest ways to bring fresh, homegrown food into your daily routine. What better way to teach children about gardening and food safety, not to mention good nutrition, all in your own kitchen! If you have any questions just leave a comment but you should now know “How to grow microgreens” Experiment with different varieties of seeds and growing methods to find what works best for you. Even if you don’t have a green thumb, this is a foolproof way to start indoor gardening!

Are you a gardener? Check out my post on container gardening for some awesome outdoor large harvesting fool-proof methods! Don’t be misled by the after 65 in the title! Container Gardening HERE

Tell Me What You Think

Have you tried growing microgreens before? Let me know in the comments which variety is your favorite! Check out my recommended seeds and growing trays for the easiest start to your microgreen journey. I have used all of the recommended products and they work! Happy growing!