Microgreens are one of the easiest, most rewarding ways to start growing your own fresh vegetables. In an earlier article, I enumerated and hopefully inspired you to really consider giving growing microgreens a go. Seasoned gardeners or growing newbies alike, these tiny greens are perfect. I find that they’re preferable to attempting to grow full size vegetables, for many reasons:
- They’re quick to grow
- They’re packed with nutrients
- They add a burst of flavor and color to any dish
- Highly doubtful that rabbits or rats will abscond with your harvest.
Best of all, they don’t require much space, time, or special equipment. Just a tray, some seeds, and a light source.
But with so many varieties to choose from, where should you start? In this post, we’ll explore the top microgreens that are not only beginner-friendly but also delicious and versatile, making them the perfect gateway into the world of indoor gardening.
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Growing Microgreens Series
What Makes a Microgreen Beginner-Friendly?
Ease of Growth
Microgreen seeds germinate (sprout) quickly, most varieties are harvestable within 14 days or less.
Microgreens are low maintenance. No pruning, fertilizing, or dealing with garden pests.
Microgreens can be grown on a kitchen countertop (or even a closet or in the basement, with grow lights.)
Hardiness
Microgreens tolerates common mistakes like uneven watering or low light.
Flavor Profile
Microgreens provide a wide array of versatile flavors that suit a variety of dishes.
Seed Availability
Microgreen seeds are not exotic, nor expensive.
Top 8 Microgreens for Beginners
Alfalfa Sprout Microgreen seeds
Why it’s great: The classic microgreen, widely grown since the 1960s.
How to use: Add to sandwiches and salads, garnishment.
Beet Microgreen Seeds
Why it’s great: Adds a terrific color and mixes well with all other microgreens.
How to use: Great in salads, add to finished stir-fries.
Radish microgreen seeds
Why it’s great: Grows quickly (5–7 days), very forgiving, bold flavor.
How to use: Salads, sandwiches, or as a spicy garnish.
Broccoli microgreen seeds
Why it’s great: Nutritional powerhouse, mild flavor, grows in 8–10 days.
How to use: Add to sandwiches, soups, or wraps.
Mustard microgreen seeds
Why it’s great: Spicy kick, grows fast, adds variety to your mix.
How to use: Garnish roasted veggies, add to eggs, or mix into soups.
Cilantro Microgreen Seeds
Why it’s great: A bit more challenging, but the unique flavor makes it worth trying.
How to use: Tacos, curries, or as a topping for fish dishes.
Green Pea Shoots
Why it’s great: Sweet, mild flavor, grows tall and lush.
How to use: Stir-fries, smoothies, or as a salad base.
Cabbage microgreen seeds
Why it’s great: Mild, sweet flavor, easy to grow with high germination rates.
How to use: Top tacos, rice bowls, or baked potatoes.
Tips for Success with Beginner Microgreens
Start Small
Focus on one or two varieties first.
Optimize Lighting
Use a sunny windowsill or simple grow light. The light will provide warmth (crucial for seed germination) as well as the means for photosynthesis (nourishing the seedlings through the leaves).
Keep it Simple
Start with a shallow tray, quality seeds, and basic soil.
Don’t Overwater
Mist lightly to keep the soil moist without oversaturating. Use a spray bottle of water.
Common Questions Beginners Have
“How much do I need to spend to start growing microgreens?”
To recap, the necessary materials are: a growing tray, you can use one you already have, be it plastic or glass. Growing medium, like potting soil, which is about $5 for a 8 quart (5lb) bag. Seeds, which cost at most $5 per 1 pound of harvest – if you buy seed in larger size, it’s far less. For consistent results, a simple grow light should be used, which is around $20. A dedicated pair of kitchen shears can be had for less than $5.
And that’s really about it. You could get set up for around $35. You don’t need to make much space, you don’t have to get dirty outside.
“Can I grow more than one type of microgreen in the same tray?”
It is strongly advised that you only grow one seed per growing container. Seeds may have different germination rates. To create a blend of microgreens, comingle them after harvesting.
“What’s the best time to harvest microgreens?”
Usually, microgreens require at most 14 days from sowing to harvesting. Some even less time. Ideally, you want to wait for at least the first set of leaves (cotyledon). Some microgreens it’s best to let them grow for another set of leaves, like green pea shoots.
Use a clean, sanitized set of kitchen shears to cut the greens right at the base. You can simply cut off and harvest that what you wish to use at that time for best results instead of cutting them all off and storing in a refrigerated container.
Why These Microgreens Are the Perfect Starting Point
I find growing things from seeds to be one of the most satisfying things to do. The “miracle” of life sprouting from the seed that becomes nourishment has me in awe. And you can experience this yourself. Without needing to claim a section of back yard, or having to go outside, or having to deal with pests.
In Summation
When you harvest your microgreens, you’ve got one of the healthiest foods you can ingest. You can have whatever flavor profile you wish, and you can have them in two weeks or less from tomorrow. I hope I’ve inspired you to try this rewarding hobby.
