DIY Microgreens

Do you want all the health benefits of sprouts and microgreens without the high cost? Do yourself a huge favour that is not only healthy but economical as well. With the $25-40 a pound price tag broccoli sprouts would seem as something unaffordable, but guess what? You can grow your own for next to nothing even on a window sill. Here’s a simple list to get you started:

SUPPLIES

2 identical trays that fit into each other

Soil, Peat Moss or Coco Coir which is my favorite option for it’s sustainability.

Microgreen seeds (blends will give a fuller range of flavors)

How to Grow Microgreens In 6 Steps

My favourite thing about these sprouts is the simplicity of doing it with the huge health benefits. Each blend of microgreens has slightly different growth rates , so pay attention to the packs instructions on sprouting time.

This is how easy it is to enhance your diet:

STEP ONE -Fill tray #1 halfway with your soil, I used coco coir a renewable similar to peat moss.

STEP TWO– Sprinkle your seeds onto the soil nice and even, and give it a spray to moisten the seeds and soil.

STEP THREE– Place the second tray into the first, creating a nice dark wet spot for those seeds to germinate and add a small weight to hold the tray down.

STEP FOUR– Ensure you spray with water daily and in a couple days you will see sprouts emerge. Generally around 3-8 days depending on blend chosen or if you are going with a specific microgreen such as Broccoli or Arugula.

STEP FIVE– As your sprouts reach the top of the first tray: Give your plants 6-8 hours of natural light ( if possible) or supplemental light a day but flip the second tray and use it as a blacked out dome. This blacking out allows a full sleep cycle to allow higher growth of your sprouts. If using supplemental lighting , low wattage tube lights can even do the trick!

STEP SIX -Once the growth reaches the top of the second tray , you can remove it. Then place them in your lighted area or window sill. and water daily. After you have reached the recommended time of your blend you can start enjoying.

In My Experience

This was one of the easiest crops I have ever planted and it was ready in two weeks. The flavor of the spouts do vary , from crunchy greens to almost a spicy zing with the radish and broccoli sprout. We just cut what we needed, and added to our salads or burgers, allowing them to continue growing. One of my favorite parts was none had to be discarded from going bad as it was harvested as it was used. You can even get a second growth in your trays as long as you continue watering.

In the winter, I used a very low cost 24w led grow light as the sprouts don’t require lots of light. When growing in the spring , summer and fall I prefer to take advantage of the sunshine and use a window sill.

Happy Growing and Enjoy!