Materials

Getting started is easy. Here's our CliffsNotes version of how to get started.

You can use many different types of growing containers from old Tupperware containers to professional growing trays. You will typically use 2 containers for growing microgreens, 1 tray for the soil and seeds and 1 tray for bottom watering the top container. However, you can do without the bottom and gently water from the edges of the container. 

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You really only need the sunlight but can also use horticulture grow lights.  Most microgreens need at least 12 hours of sun per day to have good growth. If you really want to keep consistent light, you can use a florescent light placed about 12" above the container.  You could even go crazy and purchase a rack system and add your own horticulture light to them. 

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The last piece of materials you need is a high-quality growing medium.   You can grow in so many different growing mediums.  Potting soil is great because it creates the ideal conditions for seedlings, which is pretty much what microgreens are. Hemp mats and coco coir are great for hydroponics. However, we suggest soil because that is the way nature intended plants to grow. 

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We use a 6 tier 18"x48" wire shelving system, add 2 - 3 4' Barina grow lights plugged into a Kasa smart power strip, and use 10 x 20 bootstrap farmer trays, for soil we us ProMix MP. 

Seeds

ABSOLUTELY buy the highest quality seeds you can afford.  Don't use the seeds you can get at Walmart or your local hardware store.  Try to source your seeds from a reputable microgreens seed supplier.  These seeds will be cleaner and have a significantly higher germination rate than other seed suppliers. 

The most common microgreen seed suppliers we use are True Leaf Market, Johnny Seeds, and Mumms Sprouting Seeds.

Planting & Care

There is no one set way to grow your microgreens.  What is important is figuring out what works for your growing conditions. The growing conditions you want to keep an eye on are temperature, relative humidity, water pH, and your soil moisture.  

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Lets start with water:

Balance your pH.  You can purchase pH testing litmus strips from Amazon or go crazy and buy a BlueLabs pH pen.  Microgreens grow best in slightly acidic conditions with a pH range between 5.5 to 6.5 pH.   The slightly acidic conditions aid with the germination process by unbalancing the hydrogen ions in the water which help disrupt any germination inhibitors that a seed may be naturally coated with. 

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Next disinfect your seeds:

Not all seeds need disinfected but pay attention to the ones that are inherently dirty. These seed varieties are Cilantro, Peas, and Sunflowers.  There are a couple ways to sanitize you seeds. 

Our method: Rinse your seeds before soaking them, kind of like rinsing off before getting in a public pool. Soak your seeds for the allotted time in your seed supplier's recommendations.  Typically, between 4 - 12 hours depending on the variety.  After draining your seeds, give your seeds a 5-minute bath in a 3% Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide, then rinse thoroughly before planting. 

You can also use a 15-minute white vinegar bath instead the hydrogen peroxide bath, just make sure you rinse the smell away from the seeds before you plant. 

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Prep your containers (soil method):

Fill your chosen container with your chosen growing medium then flatten the soil and tamp it to make a lightly compacted level surface to plant your seeds on.  

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Spread your seeds:

Using some sort of cup or shaker add the prescribed amount based on your suppliers' recommendations and spread across the container very evenly.  Try not to crowd seeds on top of each other. Typical seed rates for larger seeds is 6 - 8 seeds per square inch and 10 - 12 seeds per square inch for smaller varieties. If you're weighing your seeds, use grams as your measurement, because it if more accurate.

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Germination: 

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Black Out Phase:

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Humidity Domes:

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Lighting: 

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Watering:

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Mold?:

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Harvesting

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Storing

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Eating

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