How to Grow Microgreens at Home

13. February 2025

Guest Blog Post: Amy is the Director of Marketing and Communications for Joe Lamp’l (AKA joegardener®). In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, preserving her homegrown harvest, and capturing the beauty of nature through photography in her suburban backyard in Northeastern Oklahoma, accompanied by her trusty dog, Scarecrow. Amy shares her garden photography, ecological gardening insights, and observations on wildlife, herbs, vegetables, flowers, and native plants on her website and blog, Toad and Sage Garden. For occasional updates and stories from her garden, subscribe to her Substack newsletter, and be sure to follow her on Instagram.

 

Microgreens are small but mighty little greens packed with nutrients and flavor. They’re typically ready to harvest in just 7 to 21 days, so they’ve become a favorite among indoor gardeners, chefs, and health enthusiasts for their ability to grow quickly. Instead of waiting 50 to 70 days for a beet to be ready for harvest, for example, you can have that same beet flavor with microgreens in just a couple of weeks. 

These tiny greens thrive indoors, making them perfect for winter gardening when fresh homegrown produce can feel like a distant memory. And who doesn’t have the itch to tend to something green when the garden is dormant or under a foot of snow? In fact, as I write this, my raised bed garden, including all of my broccoli (sad), is buried under eight inches of snow. So being able to cultivate plants indoors, especially if they’re edible, is a satisfying way to combat the winter blahs. 

It took me a while to jump on the microgreens bandwagon—yes, there is a bandwagon! In recent years, interest in growing microgreens has exploded as people discover they can make money growing them in a small area of their house. For others, it’s the health benefits they offer.  

For me, I love starting seeds indoors, but it’s too early to do that for my garden. Growing microgreens is a win-win because they’re fun to grow, you can grow them any time of year, and I have discovered varieties that taste delicious in a variety of meals. 

What finally piqued my interest in giving microgreens a try was listening to a microgreens expert and former grower on an episode of the podcast I co-produce. Hearing his passion and learning about the simplicity of growing microgreens indoors got me thinking, "Why not give this a try?" Now, I’m hooked, and I’m here to share how growing microgreens can brighten up your winter days and add fresh, nutritious greens to your meals.

 

Red Russian Kale Microgreens.

What is a Microgreen?

A microgreen is a young vegetable or herb seedling. The seeds are sown densely rather than spaced apart and harvested at a very early stage, just after the seedling has developed its first true leaves. They’re a small concentrated version of their mature selves with intense flavors and a big nutritional boost in that tiny little package. Microgreens are often used as garnishes, salad ingredients, smoothie additions, or even as the star of a dish.

 

How Are Microgreens Different from Sprouts?

At first I thought they were pretty much the same thing as the sprouts that you sometimes get on fancy sandwiches or soups at high end restaurants. It’s easy to confuse microgreens with sprouts, but they are quite different in how they’re grown and consumed.

Sprouts are germinated seeds grown entirely in water and harvested when they are just shoots—usually within 3–5 days. I have never grown them, but it’s my understanding they do not need soil or light to grow since you are basically just getting a seed to sprout.

Microgreens, on the other hand, are grown in soil or another growing medium and require light. They are harvested later, typically 7–21 days after planting, when the first set of true leaves appear.

For sprouts, you eat the entire thing, including the seed, root, and shoot. With microgreens, only the stem and leaves are harvested, leaving the roots behind in the soil.

Tip: After I harvest, I dump the leftover microgreen soil medium into my outdoor raised beds or containers to add organic matter. That way the soil medium doesn’t go to waste. The soil is typically a big mat of roots and stems. Because there are always a few seeds that didn’t germinate, this often results in a few volunteer plants coming up in between my purposefully planted flowers or veggies. A nice little bonus plant!

Equipment and Supplies Needed to Grow Microgreens Indoors

Growing microgreens indoors is simple and doesn’t require a lot of specialized equipment. However, having a few of the right tools can ensure success. Here’s what you’ll need:

Trays and Containers

• Use shallow trays with drainage holes to ensure proper water flow and prevent soggy roots.
• Pair trays with the drainage holes with a solid tray underneath to catch excess water.
• Popular sizes include 1020 trays (10"x20") or smaller 5"x5" trays if you want to grow in smaller batches.
• Where to Buy: I recommend checking out Bootstrap Farmer, where I’ve sourced durable microgreens trays with and without drainage holes. After years of having plant trays split and crack on me while I am toting around seedlings, I appreciate that these trays are sturdy and reusable.

 

Soil Medium and Fertilizer

• Choose a lightweight potting mix to allow for easy root penetration and promote healthy growth. I have had great luck with Pro Mix with Mycorrhizae
• There are also pre-mixed microgreen growing mediums out there if you’re looking for a ready-made option.
• Hemp mats are an alternative to soil mixes. They are biodegradable, compostable, and mess-free for indoor growing. They come in pre-cut sizes to place directly in standard size trays. 
• Avoid soil from your garden, as it can compact easily and hinder seed germination. Plus it could have soil borne diseases or fungi that can harm your seedlings.
• Fertilizer isn’t required to grow microgreens but I add with great success an organic product called Gaia Green 4-4-4. This was suggested by Jonah Krochmalnek, the owner and founder of Microgreens Consulting, the host of the Microgreens Mastery podcast, and a former Canada-based microgreens farmer. He’s also the guy that was on the podcast I mentioned above. It just takes a small amount mixed in with the soil medium and gives the microgreens a bigger nutrient boost. I go by the instructions on the bucket.

 

Seeds

While you don’t have to buy special microgreen seeds, investing in bulk packs of high-quality, untreated seeds can save you time and money if you plan to grow microgreens regularly.

• Microgreens can be grown from a wide variety of seeds, including radish, broccoli, sunflower, pea shoots, basil, and arugula.
• I opt for organic, untreated seeds. Seeds labeled for microgreens are often tested for pathogens and sold in bulk to accommodate the dense sowing required.
• Where to Buy: True Leaf Market is a fantastic resource for high-quality microgreen seeds. They offer a wide selection and bulk options for popular varieties.
• Follow the instructions on the packet or on the seed supplier’s website to know whether or not seeds need to be soaked in advance (like peas).

Lighting

• Place your trays near a bright window with good natural light or invest in full-spectrum LED grow lights for more consistent results. Grow lights provide the ideal light intensity and spectrum for microgreens, especially in winter when natural light is limited.
• Consider using adjustable shelving to maximize vertical space and grow multiple trays at once. Or if you just want to grow one or two trays, find a table and hang a grow light over it.

Additional Supplies

• Spray Bottle and Watering Can: Use a spray bottle to mist seeds and seedlings gently to keep them evenly moist without overwatering. I also find it helpful to keep the seedlings misted when they have “helmet head.” That’s when the seed leaves can’t quite break free of the seed coat.  I mist them to soften up the seed coat and help the leaves out. I also keep a small watering can in my seed growing room and I use it to water the soil of the seedlings when it starts to dry out.
• Kitchen Scale: I use a small inexpensive scale that allows me to track how much seed I  am planting per tray. Bootstrap Farmer has an excellent guide on how many grams per seed you need for various sized trays. I used that guide and then just created my own spreadsheet of the varieties I like to grow. 
• Fan: A closed off room full of microgreens can get humid and warm fast! The perfect growing environment for fungus. Consider keeping the ceiling fan on if the room has one or adding a fan to the room to keep good air circulation.  This cuts down on the potential for mold growth. 
• Trays and Weights for Stacking: For some microgreens seeds, stacking weighted trays on the seeds presses them firmly into the soil to give them the seed-to-soil contact they need for more even germination. This process mimics nature, where seeds are often covered by soil or organic debris, and signals to the seeds that it’s time to sprout. The added weight encourages seedlings to push upward against resistance, sending their roots down resulting in stronger, sturdier stems that are less likely to flop over. You can place books or sand bags or rocks or bricks in a solid tray to add weight. Stacking also provides the darkness needed for many seeds to germinate. Some types of seeds, such as those that are very small or mucilaginous, are not suitable for stacking because they can stick to the tray above. In these cases, using a blackout dome is an excellent alternative to create the necessary dark and humid environment for germination.
• Blackout Dome: Some microgreen varieties benefit from a black out period just after germination. You can buy blackout domes or turn a solid tray upside down and put it on top of the growing tray of seedlings. I have also used aluminum foil for blacking out seedlings.

Tip: Each seed type has its own preference for how many days it needs to be stacked and how long to keep it blacked out after germination.  I refer to the Bootstrap Farmer guide for those specifics or sometimes it can be found on the seed packet. 

Planting Microgreens

Weighing Seeds

When growing microgreens, the right seed density is the key to achieving a healthy, productive tray. Too few seeds can lead to uneven growth and wasted space, while too many can result in overcrowding, weak seedlings, and increased risk of mold. 

To find the perfect balance, I use a small kitchen scale to weigh out the seeds before planting. Most seed suppliers, like True Leaf Market, provide recommended seed weights for standard tray sizes, such as 1020 trays or 5x5 trays. For example, buckwheat seeds might require 100 grams per 1020 tray, while smaller seeds like basil or broccoli need much less. Weighing helps you know you are getting the consistency right.

 

Sowing Seeds

After preparing your tray with about 1–2 inches of moistened soil or growing medium, evenly distribute the seeds across the surface. A dense, uniform layer of seeds works best. Lightly press the seeds into the soil using your hands or a flat tool to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. 

Cover the trays with another tray and a weight for stacking, or use the blackout dome to simulate natural germination conditions. It helps to label the trays and make a note in a spreadsheet or calendar of the date you planted.  Then you will know when to remove the stacked trays or domes for the different varieties. Keeping track of germination times helps you anticipate when to uncover the trays and get the lights over them. 

Adding Light

Proper lighting is essential for healthy, vibrant microgreens, especially if you're growing them indoors. The type of lights you use and their placement will impact the growth, color, and overall quality of your greens. 

How Close Should Lights Be?

This depends on the type of lighting you use. It’s difficult to give an exact distance to use over every type of microgreen. Here are some tips about different lighting options.

• LED Grow Lights: Full-spectrum LED grow lights are energy-efficient and ideal for microgreens. I start by placing them a few inches above the trays to provide even, non-damaging light. If your microgreens appear too leggy or stretched out, lower the lights slightly to encourage stronger growth. You want short, stocky seedlings. Avoid placing LEDs too close, as excessive intensity can cause leaf scorch or heat stress.
• Fluorescent Lights: Fluorescent lights, such as T5 or T8 fixtures, can be placed closer. These lights emit less heat and are gentle on young plants, making them a good choice for microgreens. I’m not sure you can still buy these, but I have a few from the many years I have been seed starting and they work just fine.
• Natural Light: If using a sunny windowsill, ensure the microgreens receive bright, indirect light. Rotate trays daily to prevent uneven growth from directional light.

Adjust light height as the microgreens grow. A good rule of thumb is to keep the lights just above the tops of the tallest plants without blocking airflow or creating too much heat. If you notice your trays are drying out really fast or the leaves are bleaching out or scorching, either dim the lights or raise them higher.

Lighting Duration: How Long Should Lights Be On?

• Microgreens thrive with 10–16 hours of light per day, depending on the variety and growth stage.
• Use a timer to automate the light cycle for consistency and to prevent overexposure.
• Allow for 8–12 hours of darkness each night to mimic natural conditions. Plants use this dark period for important processes like respiration and energy storage, which contribute to their overall health and flavor.

Tip: I am an avid indoor seed starter. I personally have to use LED grow lights because all of the large windows in my house are on the north side.  I just don’t have enough light coming in to be able to grow microgreens in a window. So over the years I have collected everything from basic shop lights to full spectrum LED grow lights where I can control everything from my phone and even set a scheduled timer for when the lights come on and off. Mine are on a 16-hour schedule with 8 hours of darkness. 

 

Watering

Watering microgreens properly is essential for healthy growth. During the germination phase, use a spray bottle to mist the soil evenly, keeping it moist but not waterlogged. Once the seeds germinate and trays are unstacked or uncovered, you can switch to bottom-watering to avoid disturbing the delicate seedlings. 

To do this, pour water into the solid tray beneath the microgreen tray and let the roots absorb moisture from below. This method reduces the risk of mold and keeps the foliage dry. Monitor the trays daily and adjust watering based on the temperature, humidity, and drying speed of the soil. 

Once the microgreens have all germinated and are getting bigger, the trays will dry out quickly and may need watering daily.  That’s a lot of little roots in that tray soaking up water. Don’t panic if you look one day and they have all collapsed from lack of water. Just slowly moisten the soil and they will bounce back later that day.

Harvesting Microgreens

Microgreens are typically ready to harvest when their first true leaves appear, which is usually 7–21 days after planting, depending on the variety. Use sharp scissors or a knife to cut the greens just above the soil line. 

I love this produce knife from Mercer. It slices right through the stems like butter. Rinse the harvested microgreens gently with cool water to remove any soil particles, then pat them dry with a clean towel or use a salad spinner. 

Tip: If you’re new to eating microgreens, just know that they taste very much like the vegetables they would grow into if given the chance! That means if you love radishes, you’re going to love daikon radish microgreens.  If you like how beets taste like the smell of soil in early spring, then grow some dark red beet microgreens. Sunflower microgreens taste nutty and slightly like sunflower seeds. Experimenting with flavors is the best part!

 

Storing Microgreens

Proper storage ensures your microgreens stay fresh, crisp, and nutritious for as long as possible. While microgreens are best enjoyed fresh, there are several effective ways to store them, depending on what you have available. Any of the options below will keep microgreens fresh for at least a week in my experience.  

 

Label your micro green containers with our economical Beeline Value Pack labels which care sold in bulk.

Clamshell Containers

Clamshell containers are an excellent option for storing small amounts of microgreens. I have purchased a few different sizes from Good Start Packaging. They’re compostable and reusable, so they’re an eco-friendly choice for those who want to reduce waste. Simply rinse and dry the clamshell after each use, and it’s ready for your next harvest.

Repurposed Grocery Store Containers

Don’t toss those clamshells and clear plastic containers from the loose salad greens you’ve purchased at the grocery store! These containers are perfect for microgreens and already have the necessary ventilation built in. Wash them thoroughly, and they’re good to go for multiple uses. Reusing these containers is a budget-friendly, sustainable storage solution.

Baggies for Short-Term Storage

If you’re looking for a quick and convenient option, storing microgreens in resealable plastic baggies works well for short-term use. To prevent excess moisture buildup, add a folded paper towel inside the bag to absorb any condensation. Just be careful not to overpack the bag, as too much compression can damage the delicate greens.

 

Using Jars for Microgreens Storage

If you’re like most of us who frequent this canning website, I bet you have plenty of mason jars around! Jars can be used for microgreen storage, but it’s crucial to include a breathable layer, such as a piece of paper towel or cheesecloth secured with a lid ring, to allow some air exchange. This prevents excess humidity while keeping your greens fresh.

 

Labeling Your Microgreens

No matter which storage method you choose, labeling your containers with the type of microgreens and the date of storage can help you keep track of freshness. Consider using CanningCrafts’ Beeline labels for a charming, practical touch that makes it easy to identify your greens at a glance. Or try another one of their Value Pack labels which are affordable and sold in bulk for a discounted price.

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or enjoy them fresh for maximum flavor and nutrition.

 

Label your micro green containers with our economical Value Pack labels which care sold in bulk.

Your Winter Gardening Fix

There you have it! The basics of growing microgreens—tiny, delicious, nutrient-packed plant babies that are fun to grow and a great way for gardeners to stay connected to growing during the winter months. 

Add them to your morning protein shake, sprinkle them over soups and chili for a fresh boost, dress up homemade pizza, or create a vibrant salad using just microgreens instead of lettuce. Their colors and flavors are fantastic, and they’re fun to grow, making them a perfect indoor gardening project to brighten up the colder months!

 

Read our blog post on How to Harvest & Eat Carrot Greens

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