Emma Miller
Nutritionists and nutritionists say that microgreens are essential for the normal functioning of the human body. You can buy such a supplement in the store, but why when you can grow it at home?
What are microgreens and why do you need them?
Microgreens are called small sprouts of different crops. Their age does not exceed two weeks, and in height, such plants will be up to a maximum of 10 centimeters. In 5-10 days, the greens gain maximum strength and contain a lot of useful substances for humans.
Answering the question of why microgreens are useful, it is worth looking at the list of active substances in their composition. Chlorophyll, trace elements, vitamins, as well as organic acids, essential oils, and carotenoids – this is just a small list of what you get if you eat microgreens. Such plants – are a real cure-all for health, especially in the winter-spring period, when there are no fresh vegetables yet, but the vitamins the body already needs.
How to properly plant microgreens at home – preparation
There are several ways in which it is better to grow microgreens:
- In soil;
- in a jar;
- On napkins or paper;
- on absorbent cotton or gauze.
Before you start this process, remember what you need to buy to grow microgreens. You will need a container, plant seeds, filler, and water. The intricacies of growing one type of microgreen or another depending on the type of seeds you choose for yourself.
What microgreens are easy to grow – an assortment
Among the many types of microgreens, it is worth focusing on those that are best for the human body and are familiar to us for eating. There are only five such crops:
- Beets, spinach, and amaranth – are best grown in the ground, as the plants need soil;
- arugula, lettuce, radish, radish, red and broccoli cabbage, mustard – a wet napkin will be enough to grow;
- peas, beans, chickpeas, lentils – it is optimal to grow in water, changing it regularly, so that seeds do not become moldy;
- onions, leeks – a deep container up to 2 cm is required, and seeds should be planted densely;
wheat, barley, oats, corn, rice – the seeds should be presoaked for 12 hours so that they germinate faster.
It is important that when growing microgreens, you need constantly maintain humidity in the container, otherwise your seeds and sprouts will die.
How to grow microgreens in a tray of soil
Growing microgreens using soil is the easiest and most convenient option. For it, you will need:
- A shallow tray with holes in the bottom;
- A lid for the tray;
- A container with a sprayer to moisten the soil;
- plant seeds;
- soil;
- water at room temperature.
Spread the soil in the tray to a height of 2-3 centimeters. Plant the seeds evenly over the surface. Moisten the soil with water, cover the tray with a lid, and put it in a warm place. Water the soil every 3-5 days, and open the lid twice a day to air the seedlings. As soon as you see the first sprouts appear, remove the cover and place the tray on the windowsill.
How to grow microgreens at home without soil – ways
There are several options on how to grow microgreens at home without soil. These are alternative methods that are no worse than the traditional ones and will help you quickly get the long-awaited superfood.
In a jar.
For this method, you need a liter jar, 3 tablespoons of seeds, a lid with holes, or a piece of gauze. The seeds should be poured into the jar, pour water over them, and left overnight. In the morning, drain the water, and rinse the seeds until the water is clear. Drain all the liquid, close the jar with a lid or gauze, and turn it upside down. Take the jar to a warm place and every morning rinse the seeds. When the sprouts are 3-4 cm in height, they can be eaten.
On paper or a napkin
The second easy option for growing microgreens. Make sure you have:
- A shallow, wide container with a perforated bottom, and a tray to go with it;
- A paper towel, light-colored toilet paper, or tissue;
- seeds, water in a container with a sprayer, and film.
The bottom of the container should be covered with the selected filler, and spray water. Spread the seeds evenly over the entire surface, cover the container with film, and put it in a warm place. Every day for 20-30 minutes remove the foil to air the seeds and spray them with water. When the first sprouts appear, remove the cling film and move the container to a window sill.
