Values are meant to provide an estimate of the costs of producing microgreens. This disease is favored by warm, humid conditions. Damping-off is the only disease or pest issue we have encountered in the Hydroponics and Aquaponics class. You can also plant the seed by eye. The key here is to create a semi-controlled environment to achieve the best growing conditions for your greens. Left: Watering planting trays from the bottom. Right: Growing trays kept in dark during the germination. See All Pest, Disease and Weed Identification, See All Beer, Hard Cider, and Distilled Spirits, See All Community Planning and Engagement, En el Camino: Granja Orgánica de Toigo 2018, En el Camino: Agricultura Urbana en Philadelphia. Figure 1. There are many options when it comes to choosing a growing medium for your plants. Many plants are grown as microgreens, including the types shown in Figure 1. Seeding rates vary depending on germination rates, seed size, soil and air temperatures, and light in the growing environment. Seed your trays. For some species that require to be pre-soaked, you may need a few cups for soaking the seeds in water and a small colander to rinse the seeds once or twice before germination. Given the circumstances, with the arrival of the spring, many are reviving the idea of “Victory Gardens" and are investing in their home garden to grow their own fresh vegetables, while re-discovering the beneficial de-stress effects of gardening. Washing microgreens in fresh drinking water before consuming them is always recommended, however, be aware that microgreens plant tissues are very gentle, and their shelf life may be substantially reduced after washing. All micro-greens are grown in the same way, sown into compost and placed in the light. Photos: Francesco Di Gioia, Penn State. This is because electric clippers and knives tend to tear stems. You see, he’s always been into growing microgreens hydroponically, but wanted to test and see if there were better ways to grow microgreens. They offer big impact. However, these have sometimes shown iron deficiency symptoms. Low growing crops like basil, for example, end up pretty messy at harvest. The potential for using microgreens in meals is endless. In class, we have used a seeding mat inside 11-inch long x 71⁄8-inch wide x 5-inch tall vented clamshells, which were seeded with a mix of microgreens with similar growth rates. There is also the need to engage in a healthy lifestyle, which involves taking care of our health with regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy diet. Reusable. If you’re using artificial lighting, you may not need to run it for as many hours each day (or at all) in the summer or on particularly sunny days. We may be adding some other items here, so do check back. Microgreens can grow indoors and outdoors, on a kitchen bench, on a windowsill, or on your balcony. Given their high nutritional value and the variety of species that you can grow, microgreens have the potential to provide you with nutrient-dense greens, and the de-stressing experience of working in your home garden. Adjust values based on your situation. When seeding by hand, we have found that it is helpful to start at the edges of the tray and then seed the middle to help ensure complete and uniform coverage of the tray. Microgreens may provide you a new opportunity. Remove trays from the tub once the potting soil has been wetted. After seeding It is enough to apply some water occasionally using a spray bottle just to keep the seed moist during the germination process. In the case of sunflower and other species, maintaining the weight on top of the shoots during the germination process also facilitates the detachment of the seed hulls from the cotyledons. Nutrient film technique microgreens production (commonly known as NFT microgreens production) is a method of growing in which the microgreens have their roots in shallow stream of recirculating water, which consist of all dissolved elements required. Photos: Francesco Di Gioia, Penn State, Mustard microgreens – from seeding to harvest. By entering your email, you consent to receive communications from Penn State Extension. Microgreens won’t be able to grow in coarse soil, selecting a fine soil is highly recommended. Selecting the best media – Soil vs Soilless vs Hydroponic Seeing the Light – Blacking out, exposing to light, best sources of light. And in an attempt to minimize exposure to the virus, people are reducing the frequency with which they go grocery shopping, which may limit the opportunity to buy the most perishable greens. After distributing the seeds on the growing medium surface, it is not necessary, and it could be better to not cover the seeds with soil so that the sprouts remain clean. This page lists our offerings for Growing Mediums and Organic Fertilizers. Beginners often start by growing 1-2 types of seeds such as chia, broccoli, mustard greens, cauliflower, or kale. When harvesting, take care to avoid getting bits of potting soil in the microgreens. The COVID-19 pandemic is forcing many to stay home and avoid social activities. Microgreens are young vegetable greens that are approximately 1–3 inches (2.5–7.5 cm) tall. Microgreens are nutrient-dense tiny greens that may be grown in limited space, in a relatively short time, even on a windowsill or in your kitchen. View our privacy policy. Photo: Elsa Sánchez, Penn State. Right: Example of trays filled with a peat perlite mix before and after being watered from the bottom. However, more space is needed for transportation compared to harvested microgreens. However, more than one type with similar growth rates can be grown in a single tray if desired. Another factor to highlight in marketing efforts is that research has shown microgreens generally have higher concentrations of vitamins than the same plants grown to maturity. Growing them at home also may be an antidote to high prices at the grocery store or farmers market. Microgreens are growing on a seeding mat in a vented clamshell. Please check the ABCs of Microgreens to learn more about what microgreens are, how they are used, the species that are suitable to grow as microgreens, and where to source seeds. They are able to use nutrients already in the seed, and in the case of soil, the initial rush of nutrients liberated from wetting the soil for the first few times. Micro Mat confetti from Handy Pantry are perfect for those looking to grow wheatgrass, barley grass, microgreens, or other plants, without … After selecting the species of microgreens you would like to grow and purchasing microgreens seeds, calculate the amount of seeds you need for your square, rectangular, or circular planting trays following the instruction provided here or using the Microgreens Seed Density Calculator  developed to make things very easy for you. After harvesting your microgreens, if your growing medium is organic you can compost it, while you can wash and re-use your planting trays or containers. Microgreens will grow well in all three media types. To do this, you can cut an empty milk carton using scissors as shown here. At this point, you can start seeding by evenly distributing the defined amount of microgreens seeds on the entire growing area of each tray. By entering your email, you consent to receive communications from Penn State Extension. What are the most popular microgreen crops, and which ones are the easiest to grow. A few of the more popular grow media substrates for microgreens are: Soil Although messy, soil produces the best yields a Students in the Hydroponics and Aquaponics course tested an electric garden clipper, and the harvest was much quicker. One farmer mentioned that he replaces the blade on his electric knife frequently. At this point, besides the light, the only thing to do is to check that the seedlings have enough water. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website. Research shows that storing at 41°F in dark storage can increase shelf-life up to 10–14 days, compared to 2–4 days in ambient conditions. Unless you’re growing your microgreens in a room without windows, you need to take any natural sunlight that your plants are getting into account as well. You can grow microgreens on soil, coconut coir, hemp mats, burlap, and more! Besides the fear of infection, psychologists are observing a negative impact on mental health during this period of social isolation. However, to make good profits out of your farm, you need the maximum yield. Set your mat to … They can be grown year-round, indoors or outdoors, without requiring much time, equipment or expertise. Entering your postal code will help us provide news or event updates for your area. LEARN HOW TO STOP THE INVASIVE SPOTTED LANTERNFLY, Coronavirus: Information and resources for the Extension Community, Microgreens growing in a greenhouse. Center: Brassica germinated seeds exposed to sunlight 3 days after seeding. Microgreens are commonly grown in 1020 (standard) greenhouse trays or 10- or 20-row seedling trays filled with soilless potting media. According to the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the recommended amount of vegetables in a 2,000-calorie diet is 2½ cup-equivalents of vegetables per day. To facilitate the germination process and keep a good moisture level during the germination it is recommended to keep the seeds in a dark environment for a few days. Growing microgreens without soil is becoming more common. You can learn how to grow microgreens – tasty, nutrient-dense ‘fast food’ – in just a few easy steps. Moreover, some species may be grown in a dark environment and do not require any light from sowing until harvest. A key element necessary to produce microgreens is the growing medium. Harvest is the most time-consuming part of the production process. If all goes well with germination, you won’t need that extra step to grow microgreens. At this point, you can start seeding by evenly distributing the defined amount of … Photo: Elsa Sánchez, Penn State. The growing medium is important because the capacity to hold soil moisture and the frequency with which water should be applied depends on its properties, and also many other aspects such as, the availability of nutrients and the quality of the microgreens. Keep relative humidity consistent and as high as possible. Self-Watering Microgreens Growing Trays - Reusable. Definition Of The Nutrient Film Technique. If you do fertilize, using a solution with 50 to 100 ppm nitrogen is generally sufficient. These pads can be made of wood fibers, jute fibers, felt-like materials, or coco coir fibers. He markets them directly to consumers as convenience food. This can be easily achieved covering the microgreens trays with something that can block the sunlight. If you are creating a microgreens mixture, you can combine different types after harvesting. In our experience, this step promotes uniform moisture around the seed and results in more uniform stands of microgreens. If you are growing microgreens for home-use, trays can be placed in a tub with shallow water. They can be difficult to remove from the harvested product, and biting down on a piece of perlite is an unpleasant experience that could turn customers away from your microgreens. So he set up an experiment. Why do we need this? A Medium is that which you plant upon, when growing: Greens Grass Micro-Greens. It will heat the potting soil to help the basil seeds germinate faster and get a jump-start on growing into microgreens. Now that we have covered soil-like growing media, lets turn our attention to … They can be grown year-round, indoors or outdoors, without … Growing without fertilizer works for soil and hydroponic microgreens because they grow so quickly, typically 7-21 days. Why do we need this? After the germination process is complete and seedlings reach a certain height it is possible to uncover the trays and expose the sprouts to sunlight. If you have limited time, space or gardening skills let me introduce you to growing microgreens. Each Growing tray measures 7" by 5.25" with a depth of 1.25" to hold your chosen growing medium. The suggestion is to use what is easily available and relatively not expensive, making sure that it is environmentally sustainable and that it is clean and safe. Having a variety of options allows for creating mixes incorporating different colors, textures, and flavors. Photo: Francesco Di Gioia, Penn State. One advantage of using seeding mats is that harvested microgreens are cleaner than when growing in potting soil. You can reuse planting media; however, it is better to use new planting media for each production cycle to minimize the development of disease. If you are new to microgreens, these may be good ones to start with. • Soil–less media – Coco coir, blends of vermiculite and/or The following costs of production are based on the Hydroponics and Aquaponics course offered at Pennsylvania State University. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Growing Media • Soilbased – Any microgreen can be grown in soil, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best choice. What are the best microgreens to grow? His name is Darko, and he lives in Slovenia. According to studies, growing microgreens in the soil had the best yield possible. Bari: ECO-logica srl. Ideally, microgreens are taken to market immediately after harvest. When seeding by hand, we have found that it is helpful to start at the edges of the tray and then seed the middle to help ensure complete and uniform coverage of the tray. Generally, use lower rates in the summer than in winter and for larger seed compared to a smaller seed. The result is containers of microgreens that you can sell without harvesting. Your market will determine price, quantity, and packaging, for example, in clamshells or plastic bags. To achieve this humidity you can cover the seeds or you can make sure to put them in a room with the right humidity. Changing temperatures can result in condensation, which can decrease post-harvest life. Standard seeding trays, media, fertilizer, etc. Rockwool as a growing media is a pad made out of natural mineral fibers, produced from melted igneous rocks (no added chemicals). Note the different colors and textures. They are a low light crop (DLI below 20 mols/m2/day). Sub-irrigation, such as with ebb-and-flow systems, works well for watering microgreens trays. For personal use, gardeners can grow them on windowsills and decks. Even though production time is short, microgreens are very labor-intensive, with most labor needed during planting and harvesting. You can measure the number of seeds using a small scale that you may have in your kitchen, once you measure the amount of seeds for a tray, you can measure the amount of seeds you need using measuring cups or spoons. Discover 10 of the best microgreens to grow. Soil: Soil is the most common choice for microgreen growing as well as seed-starting in general. Right: Seeding sunflower after pre-soaking in water for about 10 hours. Get notified when we have news, courses, or events of interest to you. Protect your Microgreens. See All Pest, Disease and Weed Identification, See All Beer, Hard Cider, and Distilled Spirits, See All Community Planning and Engagement, 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, En el Camino: Granja Orgánica de Toigo 2018. He packages microgreens in clamshells and tells consumers that they can easily take a handful to place on foods like sandwiches, hamburgers or tacos. We wouldn't call any of the trays bad. Depending on where you are planning to grow microgreens you need a clean surface or a shelf to place the growing trays. The moisture of the medium will help small seeds to stick to the surface and will keep the seeds moist during the germination process. Microgreens were grown in a greenhouse without supplemental lighting using a seeding rate of 10-15g over a 2-week production cycle. The main recommendation is to make sure you are using material that is suitable for food production, that is clean, and that the trays have drainage holes at the bottom, which will allow to water the trays from the bottom without letting the water get in contact with the greens while enabling the excess of water to drain. A good level of sunlight will assure optimal growth and a higher accumulation of antioxidants are produced by plants primarily in response to the solar radiation. However, for some species characterized by larger seeds or by a hard seed shell the germination process may be accelerated if seeds are pre-soaked in water. 20-Row tray of 5 varieties, selected for their similar growth rate, plus a range of colors, … Students have been growing them in a greenhouse from August through May with supplemental lighting. Left: Day 1. In addition to the clamshell method mentioned here, you can sell microgreens in seeding trays to eliminate harvest costs. Left: Example of a tray with drainage holes at the bottom filled with a peat and perlite mix. Let’s summarize what I explained above – First, you need these supplies – seeds, growing medium, pH testing kit, growing trays, and light. One of the best things about microgreens is that they grow on almost all kinds of growing media. Opening the window occasionally to enhance air circulation may be beneficial as well to avoid excess moisture. Growing Microgreens without soil. It is nutrient-rich and good at holding moisture for your plants. Plant seeds based on weight, volume, or by eye. For example, one tablespoon of brassica seeds weigh about 11 to 12 grams. Overall, it’s very easy to grow microgreens without soil. Growing microgreens Step by stepIf you observe, the seeds will start to lift the growing media that covers the seeds. The goal is to produce as many seedlings as possible to maximize production while avoiding plant stretching or disease. Some commonly grown microgreens are listed in Figure 1. Get notified when we have news, courses, or events of interest to you. Johnny's Selected Seed Company recommends 6 to 8 large seeds per square inch of tray or 10 to 12 small seeds per square inch. Many seed companies have sections devoted to microgreens, which is a good place to investigate options. While most of us know the best way to grow micro greens is in a 10X20 tray, The big question is: what do I line the tray with? Microgreens are edible plants harvested when they are young and small, at about 1.5 to 3 inches tall. In the Pennsylvania State University Hydroponics and Aquaponics course, students plant 10 to 12 grams of microgreens seed per standard seeding tray. When planting most microgreens, sow seeds thickly. We usually use a 100-ppm nitrogen solution made with 20-10-20 fertilizer in our Hydroponics and Aquaponics class. LEARN HOW TO STOP THE INVASIVE SPOTTED LANTERNFLY, Coronavirus: Information and resources for the Extension Community, Microgreens grown on a kitchen windowsill. Farmer Spotlight: We visited with a Pennsylvania farmer who grows microgreens in a high tunnel. It is important to understand your market to develop a microgreens product that meets consumer preferences. You should also use our contact form, to … Microgreens are grown in a thin bed of potting soil or hydroponically in a pellet of the substrate like peat, but with a little bit of liquid fertilizer, and they can be sprouted and grown on a mixture of vermiculite and perlite or even on a few layers of paper towel. Right: Brassica germinated seeds exposed to sunlight 4 days after seeding. A thin layer of soilless media or vermiculite can be placed over the broadcast seed. For starters, you can grow different types of salad greens, leafy vegetables, herbs and even edible flowers. We have grown them successfully with clear water as well. Microgreens may be harvested using a clean sharp knife or a pair of scissors right before being used for any preparation. Photo: Elsa Sánchez, Penn State. Notify consumers to wash their microgreens before eating them to extend the post-harvest life, if that is an option for your market. Di Gioia, F. and Santamaria, P., 2015. Photos: Francesco Di Gioia, Penn State. Farmer Spotlight: At a conference in the mid-western U.S., we talked with a farmer about his microgreens. Usually, a window on the south side of the house or apartment will receive more sunlight than one exposed north. If you do not have space for a garden, believe that you do not have a “green thumb," or are discouraged by your previous gardening experiences, do not despair! Entering your postal code will help us provide news or event updates for your area. Photo: Francesco Di Gioia, Penn State, Left: Growing trays may be stacked to put some weight on larger seeds and kept in the dark. I’m sure you’ve seen photos on Instagram of beautiful microgreens growing on thin fiber pads. Farmer Spotlight: Farmers at two large grower conventions told us that using electric clippers and knives to harvest microgreens results in shorter post-harvest life compared to harvesting with scissors. Take the cover off as soon as you see that the seeds have germinated. Photos: Francesco Di Gioia, Penn State. Then you need to prepare the growing medium, growing tray and test your water. Right: Example of pea and sunflower seeds soaking in drinking water. Right: Example of teaspoon and tablespoon used to measure the amount of seed for a small tray. For commercial sales, farmers commonly grow microgreens in protected structures like greenhouses and high tunnels. Broadcast seed evenly over the media. Right: Day 2. While the COVID-19 crisis is not a food emergency and there is plenty of high-quality food available at the local level, going to the grocery store is more challenging right now and many have modified their grocery shopping habits. Micro-greens, or micro leaves, are simply the seedlings of leafy herbs and plants that we would usually allow to grow to full size before harvesting. Water should be provided only if necessary, avoiding excess moisture and allowing drainage to prevent the development of mold. Photos: Francesco Di Gioia, Penn State. And, like everything else in agriculture, the answer is... it depends. You can determine how many grams fit in a tablespoon and use it to apply seed by volume. The Microgreens germinate easily on a felt mat with the right humidity (90%). Broadcast seed evenly over the media. After filling or setting the trays with the growing medium, using a clean container without holes and filled with drinking water you can slowly wet the growing medium from the bottom, and once the medium is wet enough let the excess of water drain. "Is there something about being in a New York apartment and being able to grow a little backyard tray of microgreens and add it to your food?" There is no soil rooting medium. Trays and or containers of different shapes and sizes may be used to plant microgreens. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website. Complete germination. As the microgreens start growing, if the light is limited you will see the shoots leaning toward the light. Hydroponic Grow Mats. The confetti conforms to any container making it the perfect hydroponic grow medium for microgreens and wheatgrass in non-traditional containers. Springer, Boston, MA. Only a different growing method might be needed. The growing tray nests directly into the water reservoir tray, which holds up to 2 cups of water, enough to grow a full tray of microgreens in most conditions without re-filling. Microgreens production for self-consumption in a household does not require the use of any special tool and besides the seeds, you should be able to find everything you need at home or in any household-product store (Figure 1). Photos: Francesco Di Gioia, Penn State. For the microgreens we have been growing, we have had success using 10 to 15 grams of seed per standard 12-inch x 20 inches 10-row seeding tray. Seeds can be soaked in water overnight for 8-12 hours. Most of the microgreen's seeds do not require any treatment. 10-row seeding trays, peat-based potting soil, 20-10-20 fertilizer, Varies by species; based on 10 g seeding rate. You do not really need a garden to grow your micros. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Keep in mind microgreens will grow under less than ideal conditions because they only need a short growing period. An alternative could be to bag and store microgreens at low temperatures and wash them right before they are used. Once those are planted in the field, he starts growing a variety of microgreens in the tunnel to sell to restaurants and through the farm's vegetable subscription service. Growing them at home also may be an antidote to high prices at the grocery store or farmers market. Microgreens, on the other hand, require a combination of growing in the dark, prior to exposing them to light (daylight or artificial light). Photo: Francesco Di Gioia, Penn State. You can select any organic soil mix available at your local gardening store. Microgreens are commonly grown in 1020 (standard) greenhouse trays or 10- or 20-row seedling trays filled with soilless potting media. If you want to speed up the growing process, use a seed starting mat for this step. Like you, these tender little darlings need shelter! That isn't to say that it's terrible to grow microgreens in a peat-based soil. When that is not possible, they can be stored in cold storage for short periods. These are among the easiest to grow varieties of microgreens if you are just getting started. We have averaged about 0.30 lb or 136 g/10 row seeding flat for the types we are growing. View our privacy policy. If you plan to grow microgreens continuously, for a more efficient production, it might be convenient to buy some growing trays and small tools specifically designed to produce microgreens. Over the past few years, we have been growing microgreens as part of the Hydroponics and Aquaponics course we co-teach at Pennsylvania State University. Left: Harvesting microgreens. Photos: Francesco Di Gioia, Penn State. Right: Example of 10' × 30' tray with and without drainage holes at the bottom. Pea shoots – from seeding to harvest. Left: Brassica germinated seeds kept in dark 3 days after seeding. Planning. To name a few ideas, they can be used as a pizza topping, on tacos, in sandwiches, in salads, or the fillings of ravioli, pierogis, or empanadas. 403-432). The ideal germination temperature is … Three trays used in the test. Second only to sprouts, microgreens are the quickest food crop we urban gardeners can grow! The ideal soil temperatures for germinating microgreens are 60 to 75°F and air temperatures between 60 and 70°F. A propagator is worth the investment. The closer you can harvest your microgreens to the media while keeping it clean, the better. You can create a wick hydroponic system that eliminates the mess of dirt and is self-watering. The most popular media used are peat-based mixes, coconut coir, as well as mats constituted of natural (cotton, kenaf, hemp) or synthetic fibers (rockwool). Not just for protection … Here is a short list of some of the most popular materials you can try. Washing microgreens before selling them decreases their post-harvest life. Photos: Francesco Di Gioia, Penn State. Left: Seeding mustard microgreens. The seed is also available in ready-made mixtures like spicy and mild mixes, or you can make mixes yourself. It is best to avoid pesticide-treated seed because, for some microgreen species, the seed coat persists on the seedling and can be eaten. Left: Example of a scale used to measure the amount of seed for a small tray.