The ultimate guide to growing microgreens indoors

Chefs around the country, urban farmers and home gardeners alike have been jumping on the microgreens wagon in recent years. They have become popular across the globe due to their taste, texture and health benefits. Despite their size, they pack in all of the necessary vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Microgreens have become a superfood and boost the immune system. They don’t require a big garden, or even enough space to cultivate one. Homeowners can cultivate them in their lawns or gardens. Microgreen seeds can be purchased online or at the store. But growing different kinds of micro-greens is all a bit different, and it can be tough to find accurate info all in one place.

Growcycle provides homeowners with high quality microgreen seeds that result in rich and colorful microgreens inside the home. This post is going to cover everything from seeds and trays to how to use this micro green growing kit.

What are Microgreens?

Microgreens are baby plants that have edible leaves and stems. Unlike waiting for a seed to grow into a mature plant, gardeners can start harvesting microgreens when their plants are barely seedlings, as early as 7 to 21 days after germination. This rapid-growth cycle keeps fresh greens coming, adding both vital nutrients and tastes to the diet. You can grow microgreens indoors in a number of ways to conserve energy and space.

Growing microgreens is a simple, affordable exercise that can take place indoors any time of the year in even the smallest spaces. Microgreens can be added to any meal, making a simple salad better, a sandwich more crunchy and flavorful, or giving smoothies and other foods more nutrients. They can also keep the microgreens indoors, adding them to salads, sandwiches, or using them as a garnish without the weeds and bugs of an ordinary outdoor garden.

Microgreens are a perfect ingredient for any kitchen in view of the high nutritional values, the simplicity of growing, and the diversity of the culinary uses. They’re a way to taste the success of gardening your way to a better diet with minimal effort.

Types of Microgreens

There are many types of microgreens, each with unique flavors, colors, and health benefits. Here are some common types:

1. Leafy Greens and Herbs

• Kale: Mild flavor and rich in nutrients.
• Spinach: Tender leaves with a slightly sweet taste.
• Cilantro: Bold, citrus-like flavor.
• Basil: Sweet and aromatic, great for Italian dishes.
• Parsley: Fresh and slightly bitter taste.

2. Brassicas (Mustard Family)

• Broccoli: Mildly spicy and high in vitamins.
• Cabbage: Crisp texture with a peppery kick.
• Radish: Spicy and crunchy, adds heat to dishes.

3. Pea and Bean Shoots

• Pea Shoots: Sweet, crunchy, and great for salads.
• Lentil Sprouts: Nutty flavor and rich in protein.

4. Grasses and Cereal Crops

• Wheatgrass: Known for its detoxifying properties.
• Barley Grass: Mild and packed with nutrients.

5. Specialty Microgreens

• Sunflower Shoots: Crunchy with a nutty flavor.
• Amaranth: Bright red color and earthy taste.

Benefits of Growing Microgreens Indoors

Indoor microgreen growing comes with several advantages, which is why it is so favored among home gardeners. Here are some key advantages:

Saves Space

Microgreens don’t require much space to grow. They are small enough to rest on a windowsill, kitchen counter, or shelf. That makes them great options for city-dwellers and others who don’t have big outdoor gardens. Even in small spaces, garden-fresh greens can be cultivated indoors.

Grow Anytime of the Year

Indoor microgreens are not like outdoor gardening and can grow all year long. With the proper care, you can grow them indoors in the heat of summer or the cold of winter. A small investment in a grow light can make sure they have adequate light to grow strong and healthy, no matter the season.

Fast Results

Microgreens are one of the fastest crops to grow. They're typically ready to eat in about 7 to 21 days. That means folks can be gobbling down fresh, homegrown greens within a matter of weeks after they’re in the ground. The fact that it grows doesn’t hurt the beginner farmer’s ego either.

Packed with Nutrients

Small as they may be, microgreens are packed with important nutrients: vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Growing them at home also guarantees that they’re mega-fresh, which helps keep all these nutrients and goodies intact. This makes them a great food to add to your diet.

Saves Money

Purchasing microgreens from the store can be costly, as they are frequently regarded as a specialty item. Domestic cultivation is far less expensive. This means that 1 small pack of chili seeds can lead to multiple harvests, which can save you money in the long run.

Easy to Grow

The best microgreens to grow at home depend on your taste preferences because most are beginner-friendly and don’t need much to experience success growing them. And they require only basic supplies: trays, soil or a growing medium, seeds, water, and light. They also require little time, so they’re a low-effort choice for people who want to begin gardening.

Reduces Food Waste

When microgreens are produced at home, they can be simply harvested in small quantities to order. This can minimize the chance of buying too much and letting it spoil. With store-bought greens, you just throw away what you don’t use.

Better Indoor Air

Microgreens and all other plants that are grown indoors are beneficial because they can help improve air quality. Plants have the ability to purify the air by filtering out toxic pollutants and increasing the amount of oxygen, leaving your home feeling fresh and more comfortable.

Top Microgreens Seeds and Trays for Indoors

Microgreen is an ever-growing indoor gardening plant worldwide. Homeowners can buy some top microgreen seeds to make their homes green.

1. Daikon Radish Microgreens

Daikon radish microgreens are a great option for anyone wanting to grow quick and easy microgreens. These microgreens are simple to grow and can be harvested just 5 to 6 days after planting, making them perfect for gardeners who don’t like to wait. Their crisp white stems and bright green leaves also make them a beautiful addition to any garden.

Daikon radish microgreens have a bold, spicy flavor with tangy and floral notes. However, as they grow bigger and develop more leaves, they lose their crisp texture. Harvesting them early is best for the best taste and texture.

Growing these microgreens is easy. The seeds can be scattered using a broadcast spreader and don’t need strong light to thrive. Bottom heat can help the seeds sprout more quickly. To ensure healthy growth, gardeners should water them from the bottom and rotate the container regularly for even growth.

2. Early Wonder Green Top Beet Seed Microgreens

Early Wonder Top Beet Seeds are the best choice for anyone looking to add pop, color, and flavor to dishes. Their green leaves and red stems are visually appealing, giving a sweet beet taste with a slight bitterness. These microgreens grow as fresh sprouts, making them a delicious and versatile addition to salads.

Growing this microgreen is simple. Homeowners can simply broadcast their seeds in the container and place them under the light to enjoy the fruit all year round. If a gardener is planting beet seeds in a cold environment, it’s recommended to give them bottom heat to ensure quick growth.

Moreover, maintaining soil moisture is also essential to ensure healthy root development. The ideal temperature to grow beet seed is 60–75°F.  Thus, its vibrant colors make it the best investment for anyone looking to elevate their home greenery.

3. Arugula Microgreens

Arugula microgreens are the best choice for anyone looking to add a delightful touch to any kitchen. Their bold, peppery flavor improves culinary creations. In addition to flavor, they are packed with essential vitamins like A, B, and C. Moreover, Arugula contains 25% protein, making it a nutrient-rich option for diet-conscious people. It is perfect for salads, sandwiches, and garnishes, adding taste and nutrition.

Arugula is easy to plant, so that beginners can grow it without hesitation. Broadcasting is one of the best methods for increasing arugula. However, keeping the soil moist and heated is essential to accelerate germination. Harvesting arugula is very simple; homeowners must wait until the second set of leaves appears. Thus, growing arugula is an excellent step towards a healthy garden.

4. Microgreens Bull's Blood Beet Seed 

Bull’s Blood beet seed microgreens are a great addition to any kitchen. These microgreens have a striking red-purple color, making meals and salads more vibrant. Their sweet taste and crunch make them perfect for salads, sandwiches, garnishes, and more. They are also high in vitamin C and antioxidants, which support the immune system and overall health.

Growing Bull’s Blood beet microgreens is similar to growing other types of microgreens. While they don’t need light to germinate, bright light is important for sprouting. Watering from the bottom and providing warmth helps with germination and healthy growth. When the second leaf appears, they are ready to harvest. Simply cut them at the base of the stem using a sharp knife or scissors.

5. SunBlaster 1020 Microgreen Tray

The SunBlaster Microgreen Tray is an excellent option for growing microgreens at home. It provides a strong base for producing fresh, healthy microgreens. The tray has shallow germination sections, making it easy to use and allowing growers to cut microgreens neatly at the base. This creates a professional look, making the microgreens suitable for selling.

One of the best features of the SunBlaster Microgreen Tray is its compatibility. It fits perfectly inside standard 10x20 double-thick and quad-thick trays, almost as if they were designed to go together. This secure fit is important for handling delicate seedlings. The tray's 10x20-inch size is ideal for most microgreen setups, making it a reliable choice for home or commercial use.

How to Grow Microgreens in Indoors?

Here is a step-by-step guide to growing microgreens efficiently in indoor gardens:

1. Prepare the Growing Medium and Equipment

To get your microgreen growth underway, fill the trays to the top with a moist organic potting mix, leveling it off just a little below the soil level. This technique forms the smallest possible mini vertical farming system for small spaces. It provides opportunities for efficient use of space, promoting root health, as well as light and air access to greens that will soon be sprouted.

2. Sow the Seeds

When you plant the microgreen seeds, make sure that you plant them evenly over the surface of the soil. For others, like broccoli and radishes, the seeds do not need to be buried very deep. A gentle press and they all make contact with the wet potting mix. This method ensures the most successful germination and growth because the majority of microgreens can grow with minimal soil coverage, which facilitates good air and light penetration.

3. Cover and Water the Seed

After you’ve made the planting itself, fold the seeds in a wet paper towel before rolling gently in between your hands- it helps maintain proper moisture for germination. Spray them lightly with a spray bottle to keep the paper towel and soil below moist, but not drenched. This method encourages the microgreens to grow evenly and healthily by preventing the soil from being dehydrated and by promoting the best environment for the seeds to sprout.

4. Leave Some Light

When sprouting time arrives, it’s time to start shining some light on it. Discard the moist paper towel and put the trays beneath a grow light or in direct sunlight. This process is essential to help them grow; the microgreens are exposed to light in order to grow sturdy stems and brightly colored leaves. Delivering enough light to the sprouts is a critical component of turning those tiny seeds into luscious, flavorful greens ready for harvest.

5. Right Harvesting Time

In about two weeks, microgreens will be ready to harvest. The sprouts are now ready to be picked when they are two or three inches high with leaves showing. Grab some scissors and snip off only the greens you planned on using ,just above the soil line. Leaving any others alone to continue growing is the most flavorful and nutritious way to go.

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How to Add Microgreens to Diet?

They also are easy to add to the diet and can enhance meals with a fresh, healthy and flavorful bite. Here are a few easy ways to eat them:

• Salads: The rich flavors and texture of arugula, red cabbage, and pea shoots of microgreens can transform a bland salad into a gourmet one. They also bring their own strong set of vitamins, including: Vitamin C, Vitamin E & beta-carotene. So, homeowners can utilize microgreens as salads.

• Smoothies: A homeowner can just continually add a few handfuls of radish or kale microgreens to the morning smoothie for a concentrated nutritional spike. These greens add to the smoothie's vibrant hue and slightly tart flavor and also up its nutritional content, including its potassium, iron, and vitamin K counts.

• Wraps and Smoothies: Besides salads and smoothies, microgreens can be worked into wraps and sandwiches at home. Microgreens like basil, mustard, or broccoli, on the other hand, can add some aromatic variance to a plain sandwich and deliver important nutrients like folate and magnesium.

• Garnish: In addition to their aesthetic aspect, microgreens serve as a garnish, which can add a power-packed nutritional boost to the dish. Home gardeners also can toss edible greens over soups, pizzas, omelets or any entrée to make it more visually interesting or raise its vitamin and mineral content.

Additional Tips for Quick and Fast Growth of Microgreens

Having said that, here are some additional tips for growing microgreens super quickly and fast.

• Keep soil moist: It is critical to keep the soil moist for healthy and quick growth of microgreens. Gardeners need to water on a regular basis to maintain steady moisture over the long haul.
• Adequate Light: Microgreens do not require too much light, but they must be placed close to the window or under grow light to ensure fast growth.
• Frequent Harvesting: Frequent harvesting is the secret behind the prolific growth of microgreens. The more you harvest, the more microgreens you get.
• Grow A Variety of Microgreens: Do not be afraid to try out different microgreens. Each kind contains its unique flavors and nutrients.

The Bottom Line

Microgreens aren’t just a cooking fad, but a healthy reason to improve the diet, add flavor to a meal and even become a gardener. Whether it’s to grow microgreens for cooking or to add more green to the garden, they make a good pick.

The key to a healthy garden is choosing the right type of microgreens and planting them properly. Growcycle offers a variety of microgreens, including red acre cabbage, to beautify gardens or tasty dishes. Homeowners can buy microgreens from this marketplace to fill their lawns with evergreen plants.

Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for legal, medical, financial, or other professional advice.

About the Author

Victor Miller

Environmental Journalist Focused on Sustainable Agriculture

Victor Miller is an environmental journalist at Growcycle, where he covers the latest news, trends, and innovations in sustainable agriculture. He has a deep passion for storytelling that emphasizes ecological balance and responsible farming practices.