Chloe Zhang
Microgreens are a great way to add nutrients to your diet and can be grown at home with minimal equipment. They are convenient to grow and don't require a lot of space or light. You can grow microgreens in plastic containers, glass jars, or even food packaging. The main thing to keep in mind is to use materials that are suitable for food production and ensure that your containers are clean. In this article, we will guide you through the process of growing microgreens in plastic containers, from selecting the right seeds to harvesting your nutritious crop.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Containers | Plastic containers, glass jars, glass dishes, steel trays, food packaging, glass containers, growing mats, hydroponic shipping containers |
| Container characteristics | Containers should be clean and suitable for food production. Trays should have drainage holes at the bottom. |
| Seeds | GMO-free, organic seeds are preferred. Broccoli, radish, arugula, and basil seeds are some options. Seeds should be soaked for 6-8 hours or overnight. |
| Soil | Organic soil or a seedling mix that is easy to wet and does not hold too much water. |
| Watering | Watering can be done from the bottom of the tray to prevent water from contacting the greens directly. A spray bottle can also be used for misting. |
| Light | Microgreens need blue light, but not during the early germination stage. Natural sunlight is sufficient, but artificial lighting can be used as a supplement or alternative. |
| Temperature and humidity | Microgreens grow best in a controlled environment with a temperature and humidity suitable for the specific plant. Humidity should be between 40% and 60% to prevent mold growth and drying out. |
| Harvesting | Microgreens can be harvested in 7-10 days after sprouting. |
| Storage | Harvested microgreens can be stored in a sealed zip lock bag with damp paper towels in the fridge for 5-7 days. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a container
Microgreens are easy to grow at home and don't require a lot of equipment. You can grow them on a windowsill or in a controlled environment such as a shipping container.
When it comes to choosing a container, you have several options. You can purchase microgreen planting trays in various sizes, or you can recycle containers from food packaging, such as clear plastic salad-mix boxes, milk jugs cut in half, or cake trays. If you prefer to avoid plastic, you can opt for glass jars, glass dishes, or stainless steel trays. However, keep in mind that glass and steel trays may not have drainage holes, which are important for proper watering.
Regardless of the type of container you choose, ensure that it is suitable for food production, clean, and has drainage holes at the bottom. This will allow you to water the trays from the bottom, preventing the water from directly contacting the greens and enabling excess water to drain. The size of the container can vary, but flat trays are generally preferred over regular nursery pots since microgreens don't require a lot of growing medium.
In addition to the container, you will need good organic soil or a growing medium such as peat and perlite mix, a growing mat or pad (optional), seeds, a spray bottle for watering, and a lid or plastic wrap to retain moisture during germination.
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Preparing the seeds
To grow microgreens in plastic containers, you'll need to start by choosing a seed variety. Radish and broccoli microgreens are popular choices as they germinate quickly (in one to two days) and are easy to grow. It's best to buy good-quality seeds that are GMO-free and organic.
Next, you'll need to calculate the amount of seeds required for your container. Microgreens typically require a lot of seeds, so it's a good idea to buy seeds in bulk. The amount of seeds you'll need will depend on the size and shape of your container. For a 4" x 4" space, you'll need 1/4 to 1/2 a cup of seeds. For smaller seeds like broccoli and arugula, leave 1/4-inch spaces between them.
Before planting, some seeds should be soaked overnight to improve their germination rate. For example, chard and pea seeds benefit from being soaked before planting. Always refer to the package for specific soaking instructions as each seed variety is different.
Once you're ready to plant, fill your plastic container with soil. Add about one to two inches of seedling mix, packing it loosely. Lightly water the soil, taking care not to over-saturate it. Sprinkle your seeds evenly across the soil, ensuring they don't overlap. Then, barely cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil to hold moisture.
Finally, mist your seeds and soil with a spray bottle until the soil surface is damp. This will help settle the seeds into the soil. Cover your container with a plastic lid or plastic wrap to maintain moisture. In the early stages of germination, your seeds don't need any light.
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Adding the soil
Once you've selected your plastic container, it's time to add the soil. You'll want to use a good organic potting soil or seedling mix that is easy to wet and doesn't hold too much water. Fill your container with about one to two inches of soil, making sure to pack it loosely.
When adding the soil, it's important to remember that microgreens tend to use a lot of seeds, so you'll need enough soil to cover the seeds lightly. After spreading your seeds evenly across the soil, you'll want to barely cover them with an additional layer of soil, just enough to hold moisture.
If you're using a growing mat, you'll first need to soak the mat and place it in your container before adding the seeds. The growing mat should be drenched so that it provides enough moisture for the seeds.
For seeds that require soaking, you'll need to plan ahead and soak them overnight or for 6-8 hours before adding them to your container. Some seeds, like chard and peas, benefit from soaking for better germination rates.
Keep in mind that different seeds have different ideal growing conditions, so be sure to check the specific requirements for the type of microgreen you're planting. With the right soil and seed combination, you'll be well on your way to a successful microgreen harvest.
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Watering and covering
Once you've selected your seeds, chosen a container, and added your soil, it's time to water and cover your microgreens.
First, lightly water the soil. You can use a spray bottle to mist the seeds and soil until the surface is damp. Alternatively, you can soak a growing mat with water and place it in your container before spreading out your seeds. Make sure the growing mat is well-soaked, as the roots will hold on tightly. Just be aware that you'll need a new mat for each batch you grow.
After spreading your seeds, cover the container. If you're using a jar, you can use a plastic lid. If you don't have a lid, you can use plastic wrap or beeswax wrap to keep the moisture in. You can also use a paper towel to cover the container, but make sure to keep it in place until the microgreens push it up with their growth. Water over the paper towel to keep everything intact and help the seeds germinate.
During germination, your microgreens don't need any light. Keep them covered and placed near a window until the seeds sprout, which usually takes 2-5 days.
Once the seeds have sprouted, remove the lid and let them grow. At this stage, you'll want to water them daily.
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Harvesting and storing
Microgreens are typically ready to harvest within a few days or a couple of weeks of germination. They should be harvested while they are still less than two inches tall, or they will lose their sweetness. To harvest, use a clean, sharp knife or a pair of scissors and cut the stems just above the soil line. Rinse the microgreens in fresh drinking water before consuming them. However, be aware that microgreens have very gentle plant tissue, and their shelf life may be substantially reduced after washing. An alternative is to store them dry in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
Microgreens can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. However, it is best to only cut enough microgreens for your current meal, as they are happy to continue growing and this ensures your supply never spoils. If you must store them, place them in a sealed zip lock bag with damp paper towels in the fridge.
Once you have harvested your microgreens, compost the soil and roots as they will not regrow. Wash the container, and use a new seedling mix, seeds, and start a new batch. If your growing medium is organic, you can wash and reuse your planting containers.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use any plastic food containers that you have around the house, such as clear plastic salad-mix boxes or milk jugs cut in half. Make sure that the containers are clean and suitable for food production.
Microgreens can be grown in soil or without soil. If you are using soil, use potting soil or seedling mix. If you are growing without soil, use a hydroponic system with a growing medium such as biostrate or coconut coir.
Microgreens need a moderate amount of water. Water the seeds and soil with a spray bottle until the soil surface is damp. After the seeds have sprouted, water daily. If you are using a hydroponic system, do not constantly supply water to the roots as this can cause the seedlings to rot.
