UNVEILING THE WORLD OF MICROGREENS: ANSWERING YOUR TOP QUESTIONS - Mama Kali's Farm - Bay of Plenty NZ
GETTING TO KNOW MICROGREENS: THE BASICS
Before we dive into how to grow microgreens on your own, let's clear up what microgreens actually are. Sometimes, it can be a bit confusing to tell them apart from sprouts and full-grown plants. Let's break it down simply.
Microgreens are like baby versions of plants. They're not a whole new kind of plant – they're just young versions of the plants you might have in your garden. The cool thing is that they're picked at a super early stage of growth.
Sprouts are basically seeds that have just started to grow a little bit, but they haven't really turned into plants yet. On the other hand, adult plants take months to grow big and strong before they're ready to be harvested. Microgreens fall somewhere in between. They've started to turn sunlight into energy, which gives them their cool colors and flavors. But they're still tiny plants, so all their good stuff is packed in there – they haven't spread it out yet like the big plants do.
Sprouts can sometimes have a higher chance of getting icky stuff on them while they're growing, and big plants need a lot of time to grow up. But microgreens? They're not too risky for yuckies, and they're ready to be picked in just a couple of weeks!
LET'S GROW MICROGREENS: STEP-BY-STEP
Feeling inspired to dive into microgreen growing? Fantastic! There are loads of ways to get started, but we're here to walk you through our method.
🪴Prepare Your Growing Space: Cover the bottom of your container with 2-5 cm of moistened coconut coir or potting soil. Gently flatten and level the surface with your hand or a small piece of cardboard, ensuring not to compact the soil excessively.
🪴Sow the Seeds: Scatter the microgreen seeds evenly on top of the soil. Lightly press them into the soil using your hand or the cardboard.
🪴Create the Ideal Environment: Dampen the surface with a mist from your spray bottle, then cover the container with a lid or place it in a dark spot until the seeds sprout. This usually takes 2-4 days. While waiting for the microgreens to emerge, use the spray bottle once daily to maintain soil moisture without making it overly wet.
🪴Watch Them Grow: Once the seeds have sprouted, relocate the container to a sunny location. Remove the cover and continue to water once a day.
🪴Harvest Time: In approximately 10-14 days, your microgreens should be ready for harvest. Use scissors to snip them just above the soil line.
Microgreens are a delightful addition to your meals, adding flavor and nutrients. Enjoy them in salads, sandwiches, or as garnishes!
Remember, different types of microgreens might have specific care requirements, so consider researching the specific variety you’re growing for best results. Happy cultivating!