It's easy to define microgreens by saying that they are young plants that are harvested during the very early stages of their growth. But did you know that these microgreens are considered superfoods in a lot of places, being hailed for their dense and rich nutrient profile and delicious tastes.
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While of course being packed with essential nutrients, microgreens are also super easy to grow and do not take too long to get to their harvest stage. But without the right care and love, they might not even mature enough for you to harvest.
So, how can you give them the right kind of care? Undoubtedly, specialized trays for growing microgreens are excellent options and here's everything you need to know about using them:
• What Are Microgreen Sprouting Trays?
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Growing trays for seeds and microgreens are generally efficient, practical, and smart choices when growing microgreens indoors. These are shallow containers or trays built to support the growth of microgreens in controlled indoor environments.
Typically made from durable plastic, these trays have in-built drainage holes that allow for optimal drainage and aeration when growing seeds.
• Benefits of Growing Microgreens in Trays
When seeing something like this for the first time, you are bound to be wary and wonder if microgreens really need to be grown in trays. So, here are a few reasons why using these trays benefits your greens:
1. Efficient Space Utilization
When growing microgreens indoors, there can often be a space limitation. Whether you're choosing to grow some of them in small spaces or a large variety of them around your home, there is always a concern of whether or not the space you provide will be enough.
In such cases, these space provide a space-efficient solution, maximizing space usage by growing a lot of batches of your favorite greens in a compact space.
Whether you have a small balcony, kitchen counter, or even a windowsill, these trays make it possible to grow a variety of microgreens without requiring a large garden.
2. Controlled Growing Environment
By creating properly controlled environments, microgreen sprouting trays promote healthy and rapid growth. The tray ensures that the seeds are evenly distributed and receive adequate light, water, and air circulation.
Additionally, this well-controlled setup also minimizes the risk of diseases and pests, leading to a higher success rate in germination and growth.
3. Improved Water Management
Often, the underlying risk of overwatering or underwatering lurks every time you're growing seeds. But this risk is significantly lowered when you use such trays.
The trays often come with drainage holes, allowing excess water to escape and thus preventing root rot. This feature is crucial for maintaining the health of the plants, as microgreens are pretty sensitive to waterlogged conditions.
4. Ease of Harvesting
Like we mentioned before, microgreens are harvested when they are in their very early stages of growing, i.e. when they are just a few inches tall. In such cases where early harvest is needed, the trays for growing microgreens make it very easy to harvest them.
Since the trays are shallow, they allow you to easy cut the greens with cutters just above the soil line, reducing the chances of damaging the tender plants or contaminating the harvest with soil.
5. Cost-Effective and Sustainable
Growing microgreens in trays is a cost-effective and sustainable method. These trays can be reused multiple times, reducing the need for disposable growing mediums.
Additionally, they require minimal soil, water, and seeds, making the process environmentally friendly and economical.
6. Versatility in Growing Mediums
Microgreens sprouting trays are versatile and can accommodate various growing mediums such as potting soil, coco peat, or hydroponic mats. This flexibility allows you to choose the best medium for your specific microgreens, ensuring optimal growth and flavor.
• How to Grow Microgreens in Trays
These small yet power-packed microgreens are easy to grow in trays once you know how to go about it.
Here are a few tips on how to grow microgreens in trays at home:
1. Select the Right Growing Medium
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As we mentioned before, the versatility of the microgreens sprouting tray allows you to use various types of growing mediums such as potting mixes, cocopeat, and hydroponic mats.
When growing your microgreens, however, you must remember to pick either potting mix or cocopeat. Ideally, cocopeat is the best mixture to start your seeds and you can get started with just spreading a thin layer of it at the bottom of the tray.
2. Sowing the Seeds
Spread your microgreen seeds evenly across the surface of the cocopeat. Lightly press the seeds into the medium to ensure good contact but remember to not bury them too deep.
3. Water and Cover the Seeds
Gently mist the seeds with water using a spray bottle to keep the growing medium moist.
Cover the tray with a lid or plastic wrap to create a humid environment, which is essential for seed germination. Remove the cover once the seeds have sprouted.
4. Provide Adequate Light
Place the tray in a bright location with indirect sunlight, or use a grow light if natural light is insufficient. Microgreens need about 12-16 hours of light daily to grow properly. Rotate the tray daily to ensure even light exposure.
5. Harvest your Microgreens
Microgreens are typically ready for harvest in 10-30 days, depending on the variety. When the plants reach 2-3 inches tall and have their first true leaves, use scissors to cut them just above the soil line. Wash the microgreens thoroughly and enjoy their fresh flavor in your meals.
• Which Microgreens Can You Grow?
When it comes to using a tray for growing seeds and greens, the options and opportunities are endless. There is no limit to what kinds of microgreens you can grow as long as you remember to harvest them at the right time.
So, here are a few microgreen varieties you can grow in the trays for growing microgreens:
1. Spinach
These seeds are easy to grow and will do well when given 6-8 hour of sunlight or grow-light every day. So, place them under the right kind of light and they will be ready to harvest after 7-14 days.
Spinach microgreens are said to possess anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant powers. They also help keep blood pressure in check while providing a supply of essential vitamins.
2. Carrot
These seeds will take slightly longer to develop and reward you with their microgreens, growing into their abilities by around 14-21 days after being sown.
Carrot microgreens are also considered superfoods that are super beneficial for heart and eye health. Additionally, regular consumption of these is also said to keep lung and oral cancers at bay.
3. Radish
While radish will reward you with its microgreens within 8-10 days, these seeds are still just as packed with essential nutrients and vitamins.
Radish microgreens are said to benefit digestive health, act as anti-inflammatories, and keep blood sugar in check.
4. Broccoli
Another easy-to-grow microgreen is broccoli. These seeds take 10-15 days to become the wonderful microgreens that they can be, and the result is said to be one of the most beneficial microgreens out of them all.
They support heart health, have potential to prevent cancer, enhance immune system health, and also improve overall brain health.
With the right care and understanding on how to grow microgreens, you will be able to grow your own mini garden indoors with your versatile microgreen sprouting trays.
So, which one will you be growing this time? Happy gardening!
