How to Grow Microgreens

Microgreens are the perfect way to enjoy fresh, nutrient-packed greens all year round, even if you don’t have a garden. These tiny, vibrant, easy-to-grow shoots are grown from seeds and harvested when they are just a few centimetres tall, making them ideal for growing all year round or for those of you limited in space. The other huge benefit is that they’re highly nutritious and fast growing – you can have a harvest in 1-2 weeks!

Why Grow Microgreens

Microgreens are small but mighty when it comes to nutrition. They are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, often containing up to 40%  higher nutrient levels than their mature counterparts. They’re  easy to add to almost any meal and are perfect for salads, garnishes, sandwiches and smoothies, adding a punch of flavour and a visual pop to your meals.

Some key benefits of growing microgreens include:

• Quick harvest: Most microgreens are ready to harvest within 1-3 weeks giving an almost instant gratification harvest.
• Space-saving: They can be grown indoors on a small windowsill, making them ideal for urban dwellers.
• Nutrient-dense: Microgreens are super concentrated in vitamins and minerals, offering health benefits like improved digestion, boosted immune function and reduced inflammation.
• Easy and inexpensive: Microgreens are really easy to grow and despite being sold at premium prices in the supermarkets, are very cheap to grow at home from seed.

At She Grows Veg we have our own special microgreens range!  Here are our favourite micros!

Red Cabbage Microgreens

Why grow it?
Microgreens Red Cabbage is known for its high levels of vitamins C, K, and antioxidants. With vibrant purple shoots and little green leaves, they pack a real punch of both nutrients and flavour.

How to grow:

• Sowing: Sprinkle your seeds on the surface of moist compost, coir or even cotton wool in a shallow pot or tray without drainage holes. Place in a warm, light place such as a windowsill and keep moist but not waterlogged.
• Light: Place the tray on a bright windowsill, don’t worry about seeking a south facing one as, unlike with standard propagation, it does not matter if microgreens get a big leggy while reaching for the light.
• Watering: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged by misting the seeds regularly.
• Harvest: After 10-14 days, before the first set of true leaves appears, use scissors to snip the microgreens just above soil level.

Radish Microgreens

Why grow it?
Radish microgreens are fast-growing and provide a spicy, peppery punch of flavour despite their small size. They are rich in Vitamin A, B, C, E and K making them an excellent addition to any meal.

How to grow:

• Sowing: Scatter the radish seeds densely over moist peat free compost or coir in a shallow tray without drainage holes. Radish seeds germinate quickly and grow vigorously.
• Light: Place the tray on a bright windowsill. Radish microgreens can tolerate cooler temperatures, making them ideal for UK windowsills.
• Watering: Mist the seeds daily to keep the compost moist.
• Harvest: Radish microgreens can be harvested in as little as 7-10 days, once they reach about 5-8 cm in height. Snip them just above the soil.

Bulls Blood Beet Microgreens

Why grow it?
Bulls Blood Beet microgreens have striking deep red stems and offer a mild earthy beetroot flavour. Packed with nutrients like iron, magnesium, and vitamins A and C. They add a beautiful visual contrast to salads and other dishes.

How to grow:

• Sowing: Sow beet seeds evenly across a tray filled with moist peat free compost or coir. Press them lightly into the surface and just cover with more compost or coir.
• Light: Position the tray on a sunny windowsill, ensuring they receive at least 6 hours of light per day.
• Watering: Mist daily to keep the seeds hydrated.
• Harvest: Beet microgreens take a little longer to mature—around 14-21 days. Harvest them when they are 5-8 cm tall by snipping them at soil level.

Rocket Microgreens

Why grow it?
Rocket microgreens are fast-growing and provide all the delicious peppery flavour you’d expect from rocket but in a more nutrient dense tiny package. They are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and folate.

How to grow:

• Sowing: Sprinkle Rocket seeds evenly over the moist peat free compost or coir, lightly pressing them down into the soil surface.
• Light: Place the tray on a bright, sunny windowsill. 
• Watering: Mist regularly to ensure the compost remains moist but not soggy.
• Harvest: Rocket microgreens grow quickly and can be harvested in 10-14 days when they reach 5-7 cm in height.

How to Use Your Microgreens

Microgreens are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Here are some ways to use them:

• Salads: Mix different types of microgreens for a colourful, nutrient-packed salad.
• Sandwiches and wraps: Add microgreens to sandwiches or wraps for extra flavour and crunch.
• Pasta and risotto: Stir microgreens directly into warm pasta and risotto dishes to add an extra boost of vitamins. 
• Smoothies: Blend them into your morning smoothies for a nutritious boost.
• Garnish: Use microgreens as a garnish for soups, stews, or roasted vegetables.
• Toppings: Add them to pizzas, tacos, or burgers to elevate your meals.

Growing microgreens is a simple and rewarding way to enjoy fresh, nutritious home grown ingredients year-round. They are super easy to grow so everyone can enjoy them whether you’re a completely new grower or a seasoned gardener. With just a little effort, you’ll have a continuous supply of flavourful, vibrant microgreens to enhance your meals and boost your health.