What are microgreens?
Microgreens are the first true leaves (cotyledon leaves) produced from seedlings of vegetables and herbs. The tiny leaves are harvested when they are approximately 2-4 of inches tall. According to the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the recommended amount of vegetables in a 2,000-calorie diet is 2½ cup-equivalents of vegetables per day. Vegetables are a rich source of many nutrients that are critical for our health including; dietary fiber, pro-vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin E, vitamin B6, folate, thiamin, niacin, and choline, as well as essential minerals like potassium, iron, zinc, copper, magnesium, and manganese.
Microgreens are nutrient-dense tiny greens that may be grown in limited space, in a relatively short time, even on a windowsill or in your kitchen. Given their high nutritional value and the variety of species that you can grow, microgreens have the potential to provide you with nutrient-dense greens, and the de-stressing experience of working in your home garden.
How to grow your microgreens at home?
Microgreens production for self-consumption in a household does not require the use of any special tool. You only need the following things:
Potting Soil
You can use a potting mix or soil from your garden. Ensure soil does not contain any chemicals or pesticides so that you can have organic and chemical free microgreens. You can also use cocopeat.
Microgreen Seeds
You should only use microgreen seeds. Microgreens cannot be grown from mature seeds.
Tray/Grow Bag
You will require a container 2-3 inches deep to grow microgreens. Baagbaani kits contain an eco-friendly geo fabric grow bag which is the best container to grow microgreens.
Light
Microgreens require 5-6 hours of indirect sunlight everyday. Keep the container in your balcony, kitchen top or windowsill. Ensure to keep the microgreens in sunlight only after seeds have germinated.
Water
You need to keep the soil moist all the time. It is recommended to use a mister so as not to pour water directly. Use drinking water to grow your microgreens
Steps to grow microgreens
Here are easy steps to grow fresh and nutritious microgreens at home-
The first step is to prepare a growing medium. Take a tray which is 2-3 inches deep and fill it with soil or cocopeat.
Now sprinkle microgreens seeds on the soil. Please note some seeds like sunflower, radish, wheatgrass may require overnight soaking
Add a thin layer of soil and gently pat the surface to settle the seeds in the container
Moist the soil with water by spraying gently on the surface. Do not add too much of water
Cover the container with a newspaper and place indoors away from sunlight
After 2-3 days once the seeds have germinated , remove the paper and keep the microgreens in a place which receives 5-6 hours of indirect sunlight
Keep the soil moist and use a mister to spray water.
Microgreens will be ready to harvest in 6-10 days depending on the variety. It will be very exciting to see the container full of fresh microgreens.
Harvesting microgreens is very easy. Take a pair of scissors and cut the microgreens from the root.
Wow! You are now ready to enjoy home grown organic microgreens. Add microgreens to your salad, soup and sandwiches.
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