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Microgreens – The Ultimate Home Grown Nutrition for Your Family

A Guide to Growing Microgreens at Home – Simple and Healthy – Even Kids Can Do It

Are you looking for a fun and easy way to get your kids involved in gardening and healthy eating? Look no further than growing microgreens at home! Microgreens are young, nutrient-dense versions of leafy greens and other vegetables that can be harvested in as little as 7-10 days. They’re perfect for adding a burst of flavor and color to salads, sandwiches, and other dishes.

Getting Started

To start growing microgreens, you’ll need:

Container: A plastic tray or pot with holes in the bottom for good drainage.

Growing Medium: A well-draining potting soil or soilless mix.

Microgreen Seeds: Available at most gardening stores or online.

Water: For keeping the soil consistently moist.

Location: A warm and sunny spot, such as a windowsill or under grow lights.

Choosing the Right Microgreens

With so many varieties of microgreens to choose from, it can be hard to decide which ones to grow. Here are some popular options and their unique characteristics:

Pea Shoots: Sweet and tender, pea shoots are a great addition to salads and sandwiches. They’re also high in protein and fiber.

Radish Greens: Spicy and crunchy, radish greens add a burst of flavor to salads and other dishes. They’re also high in vitamin C and potassium.

Cilantro (Coriander): With its fresh, citrusy flavor, cilantro is a great addition to Mexican and Asian dishes. It’s also high in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Basil: Sweet and aromatic, basil is a classic choice for microgreens. It’s also high in vitamin K and has antibacterial properties.

Kale: Nutritious and delicious, kale microgreens are a great addition to salads and smoothies. They’re also high in vitamins A, C, and K.

Arugula (Rocket): Peppery and flavorful, arugula microgreens add a burst of flavor to salads and other dishes. They’re also high in vitamins A, C, and K.

Mustard Greens: Spicy and nutritious, mustard greens are a great addition to salads and sautéed dishes. They’re also high in vitamins A, C, and K.

kids grow microgreens

Tips for Growing Microgreens

Choose the right seeds: Look for seeds that are specifically labeled as “microgreen” or “sprouting” seeds. These seeds are bred to produce healthy and flavorful microgreens.

Use a good growing medium: A well-draining growing medium is essential for healthy microgreen growth. Avoid using regular potting soil, as it can be too dense and may cause the microgreens to become waterlogged.

Keep the soil moist: Microgreens need consistent moisture to grow. Water the soil gently but thoroughly, and make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.

Provide adequate light: Microgreens need light to grow, but they can be sensitive to direct sunlight. Placing them on a sunny windowsill or under grow lights is ideal.

Maintain a consistent temperature: Most microgreens prefer daytime temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C) and nighttime temperatures around 55-65°F (13-18°C).

Fun and Creative Ways to Use Microgreens

Add them to salads: Microgreens are a great addition to salads, adding a burst of flavor and color.

Use them as a garnish: Microgreens make a great garnish for soups, sandwiches, and other dishes.

Add them to sandwiches: Microgreens are a great addition to sandwiches, adding a burst of flavor and crunch.

Use them in smoothies: Microgreens can be added to smoothies for a boost of nutrition and flavor.

Make microgreen pesto: Blend microgreens with olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice to make a delicious and healthy pesto sauce.

Recipes with Microgreens

Microgreen Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette: Combine microgreens with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a homemade lemon vinaigrette for a healthy and delicious salad.

Microgreen and Avocado Toast: Top toasted bread with mashed avocado, microgreens, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a healthy and tasty breakfast or snack.

Microgreen and Quinoa Bowl: Combine cooked quinoa with microgreens, roasted vegetables, and a homemade tahini sauce for a healthy and filling bowl.

Challenges and Troubleshooting

Overwatering: Microgreens can be sensitive to overwatering, which can cause them to become waterlogged and develop root rot. Make sure to water the soil gently but thoroughly, and avoid getting water on the leaves.

Underwatering: Microgreens need consistent moisture to grow. If the soil is too dry, the microgreens may become stressed and develop brown or yellow leaves. Make sure to water the soil regularly, but avoid overwatering.

Pests: Microgreens can be susceptible to pests such as aphids and spider mites. Use organic pest control methods such as neem oil or insecticidal soap to control infestations.

Slow growth: Microgreens can be slow to grow if the soil is too cold or if they’re not receiving enough light. Make sure to provide the microgreens with a warm and sunny location, and avoid placing them in areas with drafts or extreme temperatures.

Happy Growing!

Growing microgreens at home is a fun and rewarding experience that can provide you and your family with a constant supply of fresh, nutritious greens. With the right equipment, seeds, and care, you can enjoy a variety of delicious microgreens in as little as 7-10 days. Don’t be discouraged by challenges or setbacks – with a little practice and patience, you’ll be growing microgreens like a pro!

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