Want to know more about microgreens? If you’re planning to add some green in your homestead, try growing these.
Microgreens Growing Guide
I’ve always wanted to have fresh greens on my homestead all year round. This can sometimes be a challenge, but if you’re dealing with micro greens you’ll find out that it’s no problem at all! These tiny plants are easy to grow year round and take up very little space. In fact, we’ve got some great tips on where you can grow you own out of recyclables. These tiny sprouts are suited for beginners and expert gardeners alike. They’re often found on the top shelf of grocery stores and seen as a delicacy of fine-dining restaurants, but the truth is that they’re exceptionally easy to grow and so easy to add to any dish!
Not only are healthy sprouts easy to grow, but they’re also packed with nutrients and flavors. Still not convinced?
Here’s more facts about microgreens in this infographic
A special shout out to Fix.com for this infographic!
Growing and Eating Microgreens
Six Picks for Microgreens
- Cilantro
- Fennel
- Broccoli
- Red Cabbage
- Radish
- Sweet Onion
- Arugula
- Spinach
- Celery
- Cauliflower
Pros:
- Quick harvest
- Packed full of nutrients
- Strong but clean flavor
- Can be grown year-round, indoors
Cons:
- Short shelf life
- Seed can be expensive
- Must be harvested at correct moment
Microgreens Have a Wider Flavor Profile
- Fruity
- Sweet
- Earthy
- Salty
- Spicy
Mature Greens: Narrower flavor profile
- Sweet
- Earthy
- Salty
Microgreens Have Mega Nutrients
Red Cabbage
Red cabbage microgreens can have forty times the Vitamin E, and six times the Vitamin C of mature red cabbage.
Vitamin E: 40:1 Vitamin C: 6:1
Cilantro
Cilantro microgreens can have four times the beta-carotene as mature cilantro.
Beta-Carotene: 4:1
Spinach
Spinach is a great source of Vitamin B, Vitamin E, Calcium, Potassium, iron, vitamin K and dietary fibers.
Celery
Celery is widely used in weight loss diets as it provides low-calorie dietary fiber bulk. It’s known to be rich in vitamins, proteins and minerals.
Cauliflower
100gram of cauliflower provides 25 calories, Vitamin C (58% of Daily Value), and Vitamin B and Vitamin K (13-15% of DV)
How to Sow Microgreens
Step 1
Fill a seed tray or other shallow, wide container with fine seed compost. Compress lightly.
Step 2
Sprinkle seed thickly all over. Do not bury. Water using a fine nozzle or by lowering the tray into shallow water to hydrate from the bottom up.
Step 3
Cover the tray with a board to keep the seeds in the dark until they germinate.
Step 4
Remove the board as soon as the seeds germinate.
Step 5
Water and grow on for another 1 to 2 weeks.
Step 6
Harvest by pulling gently out of the compost, roots and all, or by snipping off with scissors. Eat immediately.
Do you think you’re ready to start planting your first microgreen? Which one will you try first? Let us know below in the comments!
Want to learn more? Also see:
Growing sprouts and micrgoreens is a great cheap way to eat healthy and stay healthy! I hope you find these as easy and fun to grow as I have! Looking for more homesteading tricks, tips, and tidbits. Subscribe to our Newsletter! You’ll also be given access to exclusive offers on the latest homesteading essentials.
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