There are many people interested in how to grow microgreens at home. Microgreens, which come from the tiny purple gemstone bracts, are a delicious and nutritious alternative to spinach and chard. But why are they so difficult to grow? And do you have to spend hours of hard, dedicated work in order to enjoy the delicious flavor? Fortunately, growing microgreens is quite simple if you know the basics of indoor gardening!
How to grow microgreens safely in your indoor gardening? Like other crops, it’s important that you follow safe growing conditions for your microgreens. They require similar light requirements as most other plants, but there are additional variables. Microgreens prefer a cooler climate, high humidity levels, and high water retention.
When planting microgreens, you want to make sure they get all of the sunlight they need. It’s best to plant them in a window, or hang them off of a rafter or trellis. The key to growing them well is the timing – when is the best time to plant them? As with any indoor gardening venture, plant your seeds just before the last frost in your region. Frost will stop growth altogether for a few weeks, making it crucial to plant at that time. If you have any other special outdoor planting time during the summer, now would be a great time to plant as well.
There are several methods for planting indoor gardens, but the simplest way to grow microgreens is by using pots. For this method, you’ll need a container that’s large enough to let your microgreens have plenty of room to grow. Keep in mind that they like a dark environment. A raised bed works well for this. Just remember to move them periodically so they get the light they need. Another option for growing microgreens is to go with a mini-planter, which is a smaller version of a planting container that allows you to spread out tiny plants in a small space.
If you’re going with a traditional method of growing microgreens, there are some things you should know. First of all, you’ll need to provide your plants with extra nutrients so they stay healthy. Make sure to use fertilizers specifically designed for growing microgreens, and always make sure you water them well. This will encourage the roots to grow deeper, creating a stronger root system. Another important thing to keep in mind is that it’s wise not to over-water, because they tend to become very heavy. This can be more of a challenge if you choose to go the traditional route of growing microgreens.
Once you have properly provided your plants with the extra nutrition they need, you can then place them in the right location. The best place for your plants would be about half-way up the ladder of your window, but anywhere is better than peeking through the branches of a tree. Make sure you don’t place them too close to a structure, such as a fence or home, though, as they may fall down if placed there. If you’re growing them inside, you can install a grow light in their room, but it’s best to place them where they will receive the most natural light.
When you’re learning how to grow microgreens, you’ll also need to learn about spacing and light. These two factors play a very important role in promoting growth. Keep in mind that they’ll need lots of light to grow, so placing them in a window that gets indirect sun isn’t a good idea. Try to place them in the brightest part of the room, but try not to place it near any curtains, blinds, or other forms of shade.
Microgreens are extremely easy plants to take care of and grow, but like any other plant, they need to be taken care of. Watering is the biggest task for them, as their roots aren’t very deep. They also require regular light feedings. As for pruning, it should only be done when the leaf nodes start to die back. This will encourage new growth.