Best Microgreens Growing Kits

What are Microgreens?

Microgreens are aromatic greens and are also known as vegetable confetti or micro herbs. These have rich flavor and add splendid color to many dishes.  Microgreens have a smaller size (1-3 inches) but are a rich source of essential nutrients and help to improve overall health and wellness. Microgreens are young greens and are categorized as vegetables. However, microgreens should never be confused with the sprouts of the plants as the growing cycle of sprouts is also short (2-7) days, but they do not have leaves.

Microgreens can be harvested 7-21 days after germination or after the proper development of leaves. The growing microgreen plants can be kept alive at home for longer times. Thus, growers can harvest microgreens as per personal preferences and desires. Consumption of microgreens is a safe approach and does not cause any poisoning or health concerns. However, growers should be concerned about the presence of food-borne pathogens, contaminants, and pollutants in the growing media and surroundings.

The taste of microgreens is variable according to different varieties and prevailing climatic conditions. Usually, their taste ranges from slightly sour, bitter, and neutral to spicy. However, the taste of microgreens is concentrated and strong. These greens are dense sources of nutrients, but the level of potassium, iron, zinc, copper, and magnesium may be variable according to varietal differences, type of inputs, and growing conditions. Moreover, these greens also contain higher concentrations of antioxidants, minerals, phytochemicals, polyphenols, and vitamins. Results of various scientific studies conducted by the leading researchers have reported that microgreens have 9 times more nutritional value than mature greens.

How to Grow Microgreens

Microgreens are easy to grow and can be grown in different locations such as lawns, gardens, outdoor spaces, indoor conditions, and greenhouse structures. Their cultivation does not require much care, time, and equipment and can be grown all year round in both outdoor and indoor conditions. Microgreens can be grown at home by using the following practices/ measures.

Take a good quality container, or bucket and drill holes in it to support the drainage of excess water.

Properly prepare the growing site if microgreens are to be grown in the lawns or gardens in outdoor conditions.

Take a good quality, and pollutant-free soil/grow media from any good and safe source.

Add organic matter, peat, or compost to the soil or growing media to improve soil health and nutrient provision capacities. The addition of organic matter also helps to improve soil structure and thereby, water holding capacity, aeration, biodiversity, fertility, and productivity are greatly improved.

Irrigate the soil before placing seeds in the growing media. However, over-irrigation should be avoided as it can cause negative effects on seed germination.

Sprinkle the seeds of desired variety on the top of soil when the field capacity is attained, or excessive water has been drained out.

Add a thin layer of soil or well-cooked compost and lightly sprinkle the good-quality irrigation water.

Cover the growing container with a plastic lid or add plastic cover on the seed growing sites in outdoor conditions. However, it is important to note that plastic covers should not touch the topsoil layer or seeds.

Daily inspect the growing site and schedule irrigation when the moisture level in the soil has been reduced.

Usually, seed germination is evident few days after sowing and the plastic lid should be removed at this time to allow exposure of germinated seedlings to sunlight/artificial grow lights.

Growers should water growing plants daily once color development has been started.

Microgreens will be ready to harvest within 7-10 days if optimal growing conditions are ensured.

Production of microgreens is a sustainable approach as they help to reduce dependence on locally grown foods and reduces carbon footprints.

How and When to Harvest Microgreens

The determination of exact harvesting time and harvesting method is a critical task to get maximum benefits of microgreens. Generally, microgreens can be harvested at two different growth stages such as at the starting point of seedling growth and at the development of true leaves which are the next leaves sets. Both these stages are achieved within the first two weeks after germination or seed sowing.

Taking more time than two weeks can cause the turning of foliage into yellow color and stunted growth. However, the stress levels and symptoms are greatly variable according to a specific variety, soil quality, humidity, aeration, fertilization, watering, and lighting intensities. Therefore, microgreens must be harvested soon after the development of cotyledons, and true leaves.

Microgreens must be harvested at dawn or dusk to maintain their maximum health benefits and wellness. Some growers prefer to harvest microgreens by hand, but it is not a good choice as these are delicate plants and any additional or unwanted force can affect their rooting structures and tender stems.

The use of scissors is an ideal choice to harvest microgreens. It is important to note that microgreens must be cut about1-1.5 inches above the soil or grow media. The leftover ends after trimming must be properly washed to remove dirt. The growth of microgreens will be stopped if they are not cut after the development of cotyledons. The addition of good quality compost after first harvesting can greatly improve the growth and development of the second harvest.

Microgreens should be properly washed after harvesting to get rid of soil and dust particles. Some growers prefer not to wash microgreens if they are not being grown in the soil medium. However, washing is a must practice because there is always an accumulation of dust particles on the growing plants from the surroundings.

Cold and good quality safe water should be used for washing the microgreens as cold water helps to maintain overall taste and freshness. Damaged parts and rotten leaves must be removed to avoid undesirable and unpleasant tastes.

Microgreens can be consumed soon after harvesting or can be stored for use after a few days or months. Drying and storing microgreens is a simple and easy process and growers can easily dry and store microgreens at home. They can layout harvested microgreens in front of fans for few minutes. It is important to turn over the microgreens for effective drying.

Growers can easily store the microgreens in the refrigerators. However, microgreens must be wrapped in paper towels and should be placed inside the properly cleaned food-grade containers. This practice can enhance their shelf life for about 1-2 weeks.

The Benefits of Eating Microgreens

Microgreens are rich sources of nutrients, minerals, antioxidants, vitamins, polyphenols, and phytochemicals, so their regular and optimal consumption offers numerous health benefits. Regular consumption of contaminant-free microgreens helps to reduce the chances of chronic diseases and supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

Tips for Successfully Growing Your Microgreens at Home

• Select good quality soil or grow mix.
• Soil can be obtained from nearby areas, but growers must go for soil testing to check the level of nutrients, minerals, and contaminants.
• Growers should make compost at home by using kitchen waste, fallen leaves, and farmyard manure. They can get manure from any nearby farm.
• The selection of growing sites is significantly important to get maximum growth and production.
• Microgreens should never be grown in direct sunlight or full shade conditions.
• The use of organic fertilizers such as compost and good quality manure should be preferred over inorganic fertilizers.
• Growers should not allow children and pets to touch the growing microgreens.
• Growing microgreens must be protected from diseases, insects, and pests.
• Irrigation scheduling should be carefully planned as water stress can cause the development of certain diseases and stresses.
• Hand harvesting should be avoided.
• Scissors must be washed and sanitized before cutting/harvesting the microgreens.
• Regular monitoring is strongly recommended to check the presence of insect pests or the development of diseases.
• The use of synthetic chemical pesticides and weedicides should be avoided.
• Growers can prepare biopesticides at home to control the infestations.
• Microgreens should be dried and stored in clean and safe places.

10 Best Microgreens Growing Kits

Window garden microgreens kit is the best microgreen kit contain the seeds of fresh greens. These microgreens can be easily grown in window gardens and space-limited conditions. Moreover, this kit is provided with a stylish and good-quality acrylic tray. Growers can enjoy delicious and nutritional-rich microgreens by using this seed-containing microgreen kit. This kit and tray can be used to grow microgreens at any place at any time of the year without getting worried about the container or growing site. Furthermore, it offers significant ease for refills and helps to a main healthy, cost-effective, and convenient lifestyle.

HAMAMA home microgreen growing kit is provided with the microgreen seeds, tray, and cooking gift. It comes in rectangular shapes and can be used for growing high-quality and nutritional-rich microgreens in indoor conditions. It is provided with seed quilts and helps to make the easy growing of microgreens than other methods. Moreover, there are no requirements to manage humidity and lighting and growers only have to add water to ensure optimal growth and development. Growers can claim a replacement at no additional cost or a complete refund if this microgreens kit didn’t work for them.

HAMAMA ceramic microgreens grow kit is specifically provided with 30 seconds setup, microgreen seeds, ceramic growing tray, and cooking gift. It is provided with two seed quilts to grow salad microgreens and broccoli microgreens. This kit can be placed at any desired place to grow and consume the microgreens. Growers just have to add water for one time in the ceramic tray and there are no special requirements for repeated watering, humidity, and lighting management. Growers can ask for a complete refund or replacement if a specific growing kit does not work well for them.

Nature’s blossom microgreens vegetable sprouting kit is essentially helpful for the beginning level gardeners because this kit is complete gardening set for growing microgreens at home. It contains four varieties of microgreens such as Swiss chards, beets, basil, and arugula. These seeds can be grown in both outdoor and indoor conditions and growers can harvest the final product within 10-15 days of plantation or germination. The kit is also provided with growing tips and detailed instructions to get high quality and nutritional-rich yield.

Mini microgreens growing kits are single-serving kits and offer a significantly inexpensive way for starting microgreens production at homes and other living spaces. This kit involves all necessary things to grow microgreens on the kitchen countertop as it is provided with detailed instructions, a premeasured packet of organic seeds, a mist sprayer, a premeasured puck for soil, a humidity lid, and a growing container with specific dimensions of 1.5 meters deep, and 4.5 inches diameter. Growers can select any desirable kit from different available options such as variety 6 pack, salad mix, sunflower, radish, pea shoots, mustard, and arugula.

Organic microgreens growing kit with organic sunflowers and microgreens seeds are provided with soil and a wooden countertop planter. It comes in a rectangular shape and is provided with countertop mounting. It allows growing microgreens at homes and offices. Generally, microgreens do not require too much light so these kits can be placed near the regular ceiling lights or the windows. It is provided with a wooden planter because it is difficult to grow microgreens in plastic trays. It contains enough space for two different microgreen crops. Furthermore, there is significant ease to refill the kits with the right number of seeds and soil. Growers can claim a full refund or replacement if this kit does not work well for them.

Self-watering microgreens growing kits are provided with growing guides, a microgreens tray, 3 biodegradable sprouting pads of bamboo seeds, and 3 non-GMO, organic seeds of microgreens for a window garden. Growers can grow and harvest quality microgreens at the expense of less time and money. This kit offers self-watering production of microgreens in the gardens as it is provided with bamboo seed-based sprouting pads. Therefore, it is cleaner, compostable, biodegradable, and sustainable than hemp. It does not cause any mess or spills in the growing spaces and therefore it is an ideal choice for indoor growing and the gardeners having limited space. Growers can claim a full refund or replacement without any questioning if this grows kit does not work for them.

Back to roots 50041 DIY 6-Grow variety pack, organic microgreens kit is an ideal choice for beginners. It contains non-GMO, organic, and USDA-certified seeds. The microgreen seeds in this kit are not treated with any kind of pesticides and therefore people can eat these seeds in the raw form as well. This kit contains 6 multiple variety seed packets such as red cabbage, purple kohlrabi, kale, and broccoli. This kit comes with green thumb text support and detailed instructions and guideline are provided to grow and support the growing microgreens. Growers can claim a refund or replacement if they are not satisfied with the growth and quality of microgreens.

Easy microgreens kit contains spicy mix seeds and helps to grow microgreens simply by watering only. This kit is provided with chalk, chalkboard labels, cups, fiber soil, and mixed seeds for salad growing. There is no specific requirement of a green thumb and contains southern giant mustard seeds, red acre cabbage, arugula, purple Vienna kohlrabi, clue curly kale, broccoli, and a flavorful and colorful combination of good quality microgreens. This is an ideal grow kit to explain soil expanding and plant growth cycles to children.

Microgreens Growing Kit contains broccoli, radish, arugula seeds in an easy-to-use kit.