Prepare & Plant
1. Pick your tray & medium: Use a shallow tray (5x5 inches or larger) with drainage holes. Fill it with coconut coir or light potting soil, pressing gently to create a level surface.
2. Measure your seeds:
- Small seeds (e.g., broccoli, radish, mustard): 1–1.5 teaspoons per 5x5-inch tray.
- Larger seeds (e.g., sunflower, pea shoots, wheatgrass): 1.5–2 teaspoons per 5x5-inch tray.
3. Sow evenly: Sprinkle seeds in a single layer across the surface—avoid clumping.
4. Pre-soak for better sprouting (optional):
- Small seeds: No soaking needed!
- Large seeds: Soak in cool water for 4–12 hours before planting. Drain well before spreading on the soil.
5. Water lightly: Use a spray bottle to mist seeds and settle them into the growing medium.
Cover & Germinate
- Keep it dark: Cover the tray with another tray, a plate, or a lid. This blocks light and helps seeds sprout evenly.
- Find the right spot: Store in a warm place (65–75°F / 18–24°C) for 2–4 days until seeds start sprouting.
- Check daily: Mist lightly if the soil looks dry, but don’t overwater.
Watering
1. Keep it moist, not soggy:
- Mist the surface 1–2 times a day to keep the soil evenly damp.
- Coconut coir holds moisture well, so you may need to water less often.
2. For best results, bottom water:
- Once roots appear, pour a small amount of water into a second tray underneath.
- This prevents mold and keeps stems dry while still hydrating the plants.
3. Watch for signs of too much water: If you see mold or smell anything off, improve airflow and water less.
Uncover & Light
1. Move to the light! Once sprouts are about 1 inch tall (usually days 2–4), uncover the tray and place it under:
- A sunny window (south-facing works best).
- A grow light positioned 4–12 inches above the tray.
2. Light duration: Microgreens love 12–16 hours of light per day for best growth. A simple plug-in timer can automate this!
3. Rotate daily for even growth if using window light.
Harvest
1. When to harvest:
- Most microgreens are ready in 5–14 days when they reach 1–3 inches tall.
- Wheatgrass: Wait until it’s 4–5 inches tall for juicing.
2. How to harvest:
- Use clean scissors to snip just above the soil line—no need to pull them up!
- Cut only what you need or harvest the whole tray at once.
Quick tip: Harvest in the morning for the freshest, crispiest greens!
Storage
1. Best freshness: Eat within 1–3 days for peak flavor and nutrients.
2. Storage tips:
- Store in a sealed container in the fridge with a paper towel inside to absorb excess moisture.
- Do not wash before storing—wash just before eating.
- If microgreens wilt slightly, revive them with a quick rinse in cold water.
Additional Tips
- Bigger seeds (like sunflower & wheatgrass) need more time to grow—expect 8–14 days before harvest.
- Coconut coir is a top choice for microgreens! It holds moisture well and prevents overwatering.
- Watch your plants: If they look pale or stretch too much, they need more light. If they get too dry or moldy, improve airflow and adjust watering.
