How To Grow Microgreens At Home

Microgreens apart from adding visual appeal to food, have a variety of health benefits. We have covered a few ideas about cooking with microgreens, but many of our readers have pointed out that buying microgreens from supermarkets is an expensive exercise. So, here is an easy DIY exercise that will help you grow your own microgreens at home in a cost-effective manner. But what about lack of space that is a common constraint in our urban lives? Worry not, all you need is a sunny windowsill, a small balcony or small outdoor space.

Image courtesy - Suzie's Farm - Creative Commons

What Type of Microgreens Can I Grow?
Salad greens like kale, arugula, beet greens, radish greens, watercress and herbs such as cilantro, basil, parsley, chives are easy to start with. Mustard greens are again a good bet as they grow easily and can be used with a variety of food- sandwiches, soups, baguettes and more. 

How Do I Grow Microgreens?
Choose a south facing spot that gets ample sunlight as microgreens needs upto 4 hours of direct sunlight for proper growth. Prepare a shallow container that has enough holes for drainage with maximum couple of inches of moist soil. Level the soil with your hands but do not apply too much pressure. Scatter seeds on top, gently press and cover with a thin layer of moist soil. Till the seeds sprout (normally within a week) mist the soil with a mister to prevent over watering.

Image courtesy - Karen and Brad Emerson - Creative Commons

How Do I Use Microgreens?
Once true leaves appear (true leaves are different from the first set of leaves that appear which are just a part of the seed) snip off the microgreens just above the level of the soil. Wash them thoroughly and use in dishes you desire. Store extra microgreens in a refrigerator but its advisable to use them as fresh as possible.