What They Are and Why You’ll Love Growing Them
Have you ever dreamed of growing something fresh and vibrant without turning your kitchen into a jungle? Yeah, me too! And how about doing it without needing a PhD in botany or a garden that puts Eden to shame? Enter Microgreens—the underachiever’s answer to home gardening! These tiny, nutrient-packed plant superheroes are basically like having magic herbs right at your fingertips, minus the wand waving and cosmic intervention!
- they grow fast,
- they’re ridiculously easy to care for,
- and they make everything from sandwiches to stir-fries look and taste amazing.
Trust me, once you start growing microgreens, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
Perhaps you remember eating alfalfa sprouts on sandwiches, or bean sprouts in salads? As a child of the 1970s, these mystery vegetables were thrust upon me by my well-meaning mother, who was convinced that they were a healthy addition to our meals. She would sprinkle them generously onto meat sandwiches. She claiming they were packed with nutrients and essential vitamins. Despite my initial hesitation, I somewhat learned to appreciate their crunchy texture and distinct flavor. I found them fascinating for their unique ability to thrive in a jar on our kitchen counter.
Microgreens can fit into anyone’s life. You don’t need fancy equipment, tons of space, or even much time to get started. Microgreens are perfect for you. They’re not just plants—they’re an invitation to reconnect with fresh, homegrown goodness, no matter where you live or how much experience you have.
Growing Microgreens Series
Why Microgreens Are Worth Your Attention
Microgreens aren’t just another food trend—they’re little powerhouses that can completely transform the way you think about fresh produce. These tiny greens pack a nutritional punch that’s hard to ignore. Studies show that microgreens can have much more vitamins and antioxidants than their fully grown vegetables. Sprinkling a handful of vibrant greens onto your plate you know you’ve just added a serious boost of goodness to your meal. It’s a small change that can make a big difference, and it’s as easy as snipping a few fresh leaves.
But it’s not just about the health benefits (even though that’s a huge bonus). Microgreens can make food fun again. Their bright flavors—peppery radish, sweet pea shoots, zesty mustard—turn ordinary dishes into something exciting. They’re perfect for adding a little flair to your salads, soups, sandwiches, and even smoothies. And they make your food look fancy. There’s something so satisfying about seeing vibrant greens you’ve grown yourself topping off your favorite dish.
As a home-based nursery owner, I grow a variety of plants and annuals to share with others. One of my favorites is anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)—a plant with a truly amazing aroma and a reputation for making a fantastic tea. But what really surprised me was when a customer told me how they use it in cooking. He told me they added a great flavor to many recipes. That stuck with me because it perfectly sums up what makes microgreens (and herbs like anise hyssop) so exciting. They aren’t just plants; they’re an invitation to get creative in the kitchen and add a unique flair to your dishes.
Microgreens You’ll Love to Have (and Why Experts Swear By Them)
Which microgreens are worth growing? Any and all of them! But if you’re looking for the ones that pack the most punch—whether it’s in flavor, nutrition, or just how easy they are to grow—there are a few clear standouts that home growers like me absolutely love.
Which microgreens are worth growing? Any and all of them! But if you’re looking for the ones that pack the most punch—whether it’s in flavor, nutrition, or just how easy they are to grow—there are a few clear standouts that home growers like me absolutely love.
Take sunflower microgreens, for example. They’re crisp, nutty, and unbelievably satisfying. Then there are pea shoots—sweet, delicate, and perfect for snacking straight out of the tray. And let’s not forget radish microgreens, which bring a bold, peppery zing to salads, tacos, and just about anything else you can think of. These microgreens aren’t just flavorful—they’re versatile, easy to grow, and guaranteed to make you feel like a gardening pro.
How to Grow Microgreens at Home
Growing microgreens at home is truly very easy. All you really need is a shallow tray (start by using a glass casserole pan, pie tray, or inexpensive seedling trays), some soil or a growing medium (seed starting mix, heck even unbleached paper towels), microgreen seeds, water, and a sunny spot—or even just a grow light. They require just a little moisture via misting. Plus, the rewards are almost instant: most microgreens are ready to harvest in just 7–14 days!
The process is simple. Start by choosing your seeds—radish, pea, and sunflower are some of the easiest to grow, but there are plenty of options to experiment with. Fill your tray with about an inch of soil, scatter the seeds evenly on top, and gently press them down so they make contact with the soil. Spray a good misting of water and cover the tray. Covering will encourage germination (all a seed needs to germinate and sprout is contained within its seed, no sunshine necessary). Then let them grow. All it takes is a daily misting and a little patience, and before you know it, you’ll have a tray full of fresh, vibrant microgreens.
Growing microgreens isn’t just about the end result; it’s also about the joy of the process. Watching those tiny seeds sprout and thrive feels a little like magic—and when you get to snip your first harvest, it’s pure satisfaction. If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at growing something, microgreens are the perfect place to start. They’re fast, forgiving, and endlessly rewarding.
See my next post, and see how easy it is to start growing microgreens in your own kitchen. Like, tomorrow.
Can All Vegetable Seeds Be Grown as Microgreens?
If you’re new to microgreens, you might wonder: can you grow microgreens from any vegetable seed? The short answer is yes—most vegetable seeds can technically be grown as microgreens. But the longer answer is a little more nuanced. While you can sprout many types of seeds, some are more practical, flavorful, or rewarding than others when it comes to microgreens.
Seeds like radish, broccoli, sunflower, pea, and mustard are crowd favorites because they germinate quickly, grow evenly, and have incredible flavor profiles. They’re also widely available and easy to grow, making them perfect for beginners or anyone looking for consistent results.
On the flip side, some seeds—like those from nightshade plants (think tomatoes or eggplants)—are less ideal for microgreens because their sprouts can taste bitter or even be toxic in large amounts.
Another consideration is cost and yield. Seeds like basil, dill, or cilantro can make beautiful microgreens, but they take longer to grow and might not produce as much greenery for the effort. That said, experimenting with different seeds is part of the fun! You’ll quickly discover which ones you love growing and eating the most.
When I order plant and flower seed packets from online merchants, I usually receive a free seed packet in the order. Ninety percent of the time, it’s a vegetable that I really don’t intend to grow. I’ve received a lot of lettuce and chard seeds this way. Use these seeds instead and experiment as microgreens!
So, while not all vegetable seeds are equally suited for microgreens, there’s a wide variety to choose from that will thrive and delight. If you’re unsure, start with a seed mix labeled specifically for microgreens—it’s an easy way to get a blend of flavors and textures that grow well together.
Avoid These Common Growing Microgreens Mistakes
Growing microgreens is simple and rewarding, but like any new venture, it’s easy to make a few missteps along the way. The good news? Most of these mistakes are easy to avoid once you know what to look for. Here are some common pitfalls and how to sidestep them so your microgreens thrive from start to finish.
- Using the Wrong Seeds
Not all seeds are created equal when it comes to microgreens. Some vegetable seeds, like nightshades, aren’t ideal because their sprouts can be bitter or even unsafe. Always opt for seeds specifically labeled for microgreens or those known to grow well as sprouts. - Overcrowding Your Seeds
It’s tempting to scatter a ton of seeds in your tray to get a lush crop, but overcrowding can lead to poor air circulation, mold growth, and uneven germination. A thin, even layer of seeds is all you need for a healthy harvest. - Overwatering or Underwatering
Microgreens are delicate, and finding the right balance with watering is key. Too much water can cause mold, while too little will dry out your seeds and stunt growth. A daily misting is usually all they need to stay happy and hydrated. - Neglecting Proper Light
While microgreens don’t need light to germinate, they do need it once they sprout. Without enough light, they’ll grow tall and leggy, sacrificing flavor and nutrition. A sunny windowsill or a simple grow light will work wonders. - Harvesting Too Late
Timing is everything with microgreens. Letting them grow too long can make the stems tough and the flavors less vibrant. Most microgreens are at their peak when they’re 1–3 inches tall and still tender. - Ignoring Mold or Pests
A damp, crowded tray is an invitation for mold and pests. If you spot mold, reduce your watering, improve air circulation, and consider adding a small fan to your growing area. Pests, while rare, can usually be handled with organic methods like neem oil or sticky traps. - Improper Storage After Harvest
Microgreens are best enjoyed fresh. If you need to store them, gently pat them dry, place them in an airtight container lined with a paper towel, and store them in the crisper drawer to keep them fresh and crisp.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll set yourself up for success and enjoy a thriving microgreens garden in no time. And remember, even if things don’t go perfectly at first, microgreens are incredibly forgiving—you can always try again and learn as you go!
To Sum Up
If you’ve ever felt like growing your own fresh food was beyond you, microgreens are here to prove otherwise. They’re simple, fast, and incredibly rewarding.
Start small with a few favorites like alfalfa or radish microgreens. Later, read my specific posts on growing techniques, common mistakes to avoid, and the best microgreens to have on hand.
Growing microgreens is a way to bring a little more joy, flavor, and creativity into your life. The next article in this series shows you how ridiculously easy it is to start growing microgreens in your kitchen. And don’t forget to follow along for more tips, tricks, and stories.
