Are you interested in growing microgreens? There are several different kinds available, but one of the most popular types are eating microgreens. These are actually an entirely organic, vitamin-rich plant that grows very well even in low light environments. Growing this low-maintenance plant in organic soil in your own garden is always a good choice as well, of course, but when you find out just how many benefits and advantages to going the hydroponics route, you will see why so many choose this method over all others.
One of the first things that most novice hydroponics growers tend to forget is that they need a good source of high quality nutrients for growing any type of plant, and growing microgreens is no exception. In fact, one of the biggest problems people have with growing them is poor nutrition and/or poor soil quality. It can take up to six months for new leafy shoots to come out and begin producing fruits and vegetables, so if you want to get started growing microgreens right away, this is crucial. Fortunately, there is an easy way to improve your growing conditions for growing microgreens, and it’s by growing them hydroponically.
This method is extremely easy and can be done almost immediately after planting. As long as you have a continuous water supply, growing microgreens hydroponically should be quite simple. Once you get started, you will see the yield quickly start growing. In just a few weeks, new shoots will start appearing, and the harvest will begin soon after that. These yield seeds can be used to reproduce more of your favorite vegetables or fruits.
The growing microgreens trays are simply connected to a shallow water container, and you can do this inside or outside. Inside, the trays are wrapped in plastic and covered in mesh. For an outdoor setup, the mesh should be spread on the trays before putting the plant into the water. Make sure to leave ample space between the plant and the mesh, so it doesn’t get tangled. If you are using a mesh tray indoors, be sure to remove it before starting the seeds.
After placing the seeds on the trays, you should place about six spares on each tray, per tray you plan on growing. Most seed packets come with instructions for how many ounces of each type of seed to put into the trays. However, it is perfectly fine to add extra, based on how much light per tray you’re going to need.
Once your seeds are growing, there are a few more things to do. Start by keeping the trays out of direct sunlight, to avoid burning your plants. Make sure to water them only when the soil is drying out. Also, check regularly to make sure the pH balance of the soil is good. If you find any signs of acidity, make sure you correct that before moving on.
There are many ways to hydroponically grow the microgreens you choose. For an indoor garden, I like to use perlite as the growing media. Perlite absorbs light, holds nutrients and water, but is also very lightweight. This makes it easier for you to move the pots around for optimal light distribution. You will find that most indoor greens benefit from frequent watering.
Other options for growing microgreens include using a fruit and vegetable tray that contains loose leaves and roots. You simply regrow these leaves every couple of weeks, allowing them to absorb nutrients and water. Some of the best vegetables to include in these trays include spinach and lettuce. Both of these varieties quickly regrow, while being very low maintenance.