What Are Microgreens?

Microgreens are like the superheroes of the plant world—tiny, vibrant, and bursting with flavor and nutrients. These young plants are harvested right after they sprout, offering a fresh, crunchy boost to any dish. Now, I’m not usually one to jump on trends, but microgreens? They’re too good to ignore. They're not only ridiculously easy and affordable to grow, but they’re also the perfect solution for anyone in an area with a short growing season. Intrigued? Let’s get growing! Here’s the foolproof guide to growing microgreens, brought to you by Harvest Hydroponics.

The Harvest Hydroponics Microgreen Method: 10 Simple (and Fun!) Steps

What You’ll Need:

• Two 1020 trays (one with holes, one without)

• Biodegradable paper towels

• Peat or coco-based growing medium (make sure it’s got some perlite and vermiculite)

• Harvest Hydroponics recommended fertilizer

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prep Your Trays
   Grab your two 1020 trays (those handy plant trays). Set the one without holes aside for now—you’ll be focusing on the one with holes for this step.

2. Get Your Paper Towels Ready
   Cut a piece of biodegradable paper towel to fit the bottom of the tray. Once it’s in place, dampen it with water to create a nice little moisture trap.

3. Moisten Your Growing Medium
   Gently moisten your growing medium, making sure it’s not soggy but just damp enough to keep everything happy.

4. Fill the Tray
   Scoop the growing medium into your tray, aiming for a depth of about 2.5 to 3 cm (roughly an inch). We’re building a cozy home for your seeds!

5. Scatter the Seeds
   Time for the fun part! Generously sprinkle your seeds across the surface of the medium. They should be close together, but not overcrowded. A little practice here goes a long way, so don’t worry if it’s not perfect the first time. You’ve got this!

6. Cover the Seeds
   Lightly dust a thin layer of growing medium over the seeds—just enough to give them a gentle blanket (around ½ cm or 1/10 inch). They’ll thank you for the extra warmth and protection!

7. Place the Tray in the Second Tray
   Nestle your seed-laden tray into the second tray (the one without holes). This ensures the moisture stays locked in, giving your seeds the perfect conditions to grow.

8. Mix Your Fertilizer
   Get your Harvest Hydroponics recommended fertilizer ready. Follow the instructions for mixing, and remember—pH levels are key. Aim for a pH between 5.8 and 6.2 for optimal results. Your microgreens will be thriving in no time.

9. Add the Nutrient Solution
   Pour 2 cups of the nutrient solution into the bottom tray. Let the moisture soak up into the growing medium and give those seeds the hydration they crave. If you want to go the extra mile, consider adding a humidity dome to trap in the moisture!

10. Create the Perfect Environment
    Place your trays under a compact fluorescent light, and keep them nice and cozy under a humidity dome. Keep checking on the moisture levels, and add more nutrient solution as needed to keep everything hydrated and happy.

Harvest Time!

In just 7-10 days, your microgreens will be ready to harvest. Yes, you read that right—just a week or so! Once they’re ready, snip them right at the base, and enjoy the crisp, fresh goodness. And when you’re done, don’t forget that the growing medium will be full of roots and not ideal for reuse, so compost it for the next round of growing fun!

Good luck with your microgreens journey! And if you ever need a little extra guidance or inspiration, reach out to @harvesthydroponics on Instagram—we’ve got your back.

• #SustainableGardeningPractices

• #EdibleIndoorPlants

• #EasyToGrowSuperfoods

• #HomeGardeningTrends2025

• #HealthySnacksMicrogreens