5 Essential Tips for Growing Healthy Microgreens at Home

1. Choose the Right Seeds

Not all seeds grow into edible microgreens. Stick to pea, arugula, broccoli, or radish seeds for a guaranteed harvest. Avoid flowers and large seeds like corn. Buy organic seeds for the best germination rate.

2. Use Lightweight, Fresh Soil

Microgreens need loose soil for strong root growth. Mix potting soil with compost in a shallow tray (5-7 cm deep). Avoid heavy garden soil—it compacts and drowns tender roots.

3. Water Smartly—But Don’t Overwater

Keep the soil lightly moist with a spray bottle 2-3 times daily. Wait until the surface looks dry before watering again. Standing water causes mold, so tilt your tray briefly after each spray to drain excess.

4. Give Them Consistent Light

Set your tray near a sunny window or use a grow light for 8-12 hours daily. Natural light works if you rotate the tray weekly for even growth. Without enough light, stems stretch and fall over.

5. Harvest at the Right Time

Harvest when leaves are fully open (5-7 days after germination). Use sterile scissors to cut stems just above the soil surface. Remove any yellowing leaves immediately to prevent disease.

Grower’s Secret: Thin Crowded Seedlings

Overcrowded roots stress plants. Thin dense areas by scattering seeds evenly or gently raking apart clusters. Your microgreens will thank you with thicker stems and better flavor!

Start small with a single seed tray. Try growing a batch of broccoli microgreens this weekend—your salads will never taste the same. Got questions? Share your results in the comments!