How to Grow Microgreens in a Greenhouse

Little plants known as microgreens are taken right when they start to form their first true set of leaves. They make a fantastic addition to salads, sandwiches, and other dishes since they are flavorful, nutrient-rich, and packed with nutrients. Fresh greens can be had all year long by growing microgreens in a greenhouse. We'll walk you through every step of producing microgreens in a greenhouse in this post, from choosing the seeds to harvesting the microgreens.

Choosing seeds for microgreens

Choosing the appropriate seeds is the first step in cultivating microgreens in a greenhouse. Microgreens come in a variety of varieties, including arugula, broccoli, kale, radish, and others. The time it takes for the microgreens to mature varies depending on the type of seed you choose, so keep that in mind when choosing your seeds. While other microgreens could require two weeks or longer, some can be picked in as little as seven days.

Sources of microgreen seeds

Seed catalogs, online merchants, and garden centers are just a few places to find microgreen seeds. Regular seeds might not be appropriate for growing microgreens, so be careful to use seeds that are specially labeled as microgreens. If it's important to you, you might try looking for seeds that are non-GMO and organic.

Getting the Seeds and Soil Ready

After choosing your seeds, it's time to get the soil or growing medium ready. Microgreens do well with soilless growing mediums like peat moss or coconut coir. They facilitate good soil contact and facilitate simple root development.

Choose a high-quality potting mix that is free of weed seeds, pests, and diseases if you're using soil. You should leave approximately an inch of space at the top of your trays or containers before filling them with soil or growing material. Put paper towels in a tray and wet them with water if you're using them as a growing medium.

Scatter the seeds

The soil or growing medium should be evenly covered with the microgreen seeds. Make sure the seeds are not too closely packed together for best results. To scatter the seeds, use a shaker or your fingers.

Wrap the seeds.

After scattering the seeds, cover them with a thin layer of soil or more paper towels, depending on your preference. This will encourage germination and keep the seeds moist. Keep in mind that too much covering could prevent the seeds from sprouting.

Provide Adequate Light

Microgreens need plenty of light to grow. If you're growing your microgreens indoors, you'll need to provide them with grow lights. LED grow lights are a good choice, as they are energy-efficient and emit the right spectrum of light for plant growth.

Place the grow lights about an inch above the seeds and keep them on for 12 to 16 hours a day. If you're growing microgreens in a greenhouse, you may not need grow lights, as they'll receive plenty of natural light. Make sure to monitor the light levels and adjust accordingly.

Water Your Microgreens

Water is crucial for microgreen growth. Make sure to water your microgreens daily, keeping the soil or growing medium moist but not soaked. Overwatering can lead to mold growth, so it's important to strike a balance.

To water your microgreens, you can use a spray bottle or a watering can with a gentle stream. Make sure to water the soil or growing medium evenly, and avoid getting the leaves wet.

As your microgreens grow, you'll start to see the first set of true leaves. These are the leaves that grow after the cotyledons, which are the first two leaves that sprout from the seed. The true leaves are a sign that your microgreens are developing properly and are almost ready to harvest.

Time to Harvest

Depending on the type of microgreens you're growing, it may take anywhere from seven to 21 days to reach maturity. The best way to determine if your microgreens are ready to harvest is to look for the appearance of the true leaves. When the true leaves have fully developed, your microgreens are ready to be harvested.

Harvesting Microgreens

To harvest your microgreens, use a pair of scissors or a sharp knife to cut the stems just above the soil line. Make sure to harvest your microgreens when they are at their peak freshness, as this is when they'll be the most flavorful and nutritious.

Enjoy your Microgreens

Once you've harvested your microgreens, rinse them gently under cold water to remove any soil or debris. You can enjoy your microgreens immediately, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Conclusion

Growing microgreens in a greenhouse is an excellent way to have fresh greens year-round. With the right seeds, soil, and growing conditions, you can produce a variety of nutrient-rich microgreens in just a few weeks. Whether you're interested in growing microgreens for personal use or to sell at farmers markets or restaurants, this guide will help you get started on the right foot. Remember to be patient, and enjoy the process of watching your microgreens grow and thrive.