Growing Microgreens Indoors During Winter
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Winter can be a challenging time for gardeners in temperate climates, where snowy weather and shorter days make outdoor gardening impossible. Growing microgreens indoors is a perfect solution for bringing fresh, nutritious produce into your home during the winter months.
Microgreens are small, flavorful, and nutrient-packed greens harvested at an early stage of growth, usually within 1-2 weeks. They’re easy to grow, don’t take up much space, and can thrive indoors with the right setup.
This article will walk you through everything you need to know to grow, care for, and harvest microgreens indoors—complete with tips for troubleshooting common issues!
Benefits of Growing Microgreens in Winter
Microgreens are ideal for winter growing for several reasons:
- Quick Growing Cycle: Most microgreens are ready to harvest in just 7-14 days, allowing you to enjoy fresh greens often.
- Nutrient Density: Despite their small size, microgreens are packed with nutrients, sometimes offering more vitamins and minerals per ounce than mature greens.
- Space Efficiency: Microgreens don’t require much room, making them a great choice for small indoor spaces.
- Minimal Light Requirements: While grow lights are helpful, many microgreens can grow well with lower light than mature plants need.
Growing microgreens indoors offers a sustainable way to add fresh flavor and nutrition to your winter meals, no matter how snowy or dark it gets outside!
Essential Equipment for Growing Microgreens
Here’s what you’ll need to get started growing microgreens indoors:
1. Growing Trays
Shallow trays, typically 1-2 inches deep, are ideal for growing microgreens as they provide just enough depth for the roots without wasting soil or space. Many gardeners opt for plastic or reusable trays designed specifically for microgreens, as these are affordable, durable, and easy to clean.
An alternative is to use repurposed household containers, like pie tins or shallow baking dishes. These can work well as long as they’re shallow enough and easy to handle. Whatever type of tray you choose, make sure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. This helps prevent water buildup and reduces the risk of mold or root rot, ensuring healthier, more robust microgreens.
Next Read: A Guide to Growing Mushrooms Indoors during Winter
2. Growing Medium
For beginners, a high-quality seed-starting soil is the simplest and most reliable option for growing microgreens. This provides both stability and nutrients that support healthy growth. Other popular choices include coconut coir, which is lightweight and retains moisture well.
Another option is hydroponic mats, which are clean and low-maintenance. However, soil tends to offer more stability for young roots and is generally easier to work with, making it ideal choice for those new to indoor microgreen gardening.
3. Lighting
Winter days are often too short and dim to provide enough natural light for growing microgreens, especially in northern climates. LED grow lights are ideal for providing consistent, reliable light, even on the darkest days. Look for full-spectrum LED lights, which mimic natural sunlight. This will support healthy, even growth by providing the range of wavelengths that plants need for photosynthesis.
Adjustable grow lights allow you to position the light source optimally—aim to place the lights about 4-6 inches above the trays. This close placement ensures the microgreens receive enough intensity to grow strong and vibrant without stretching or becoming “leggy.” Running the lights for 12-16 hours a day will help your microgreens thrive even when natural sunlight is scarce.
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4. Watering Tools
A spray bottle is an essential tool for watering microgreens, especially in their early stages, as it delivers a fine mist that gently hydrates seeds and young plants without displacing them. This gentle method prevents the soil from washing away or becoming uneven, which can interfere with germination and lead to patchy growth. To avoid stressing or shocking the plants, always use water at room temperature. Cold water can slow growth and warm water may encourage unwanted bacterial growth. Misting once or twice a day, or as needed to keep the soil moist (but not soaked), helps maintain an ideal environment for young greens to sprout and develop robustly.
5. Seeds
When choosing seeds for microgreens, it’s best to select varieties specifically labeled for microgreen growing. These seeds are untreated, meaning they haven’t been coated with chemicals or fungicides that are often used for outdoor planting but are unnecessary and potentially undesirable in indoor settings where you eat the entire plant.
Microgreen-specific seeds are also carefully selected to produce high-quality greens with optimal flavor, color, and texture, ensuring the best possible harvest. Many online suppliers offer convenient microgreen seed mixes, which combine different varieties like radish, broccoli, and kale for a balanced, flavorful crop. Alternatively, you can choose individual varieties to grow on their own or to create your own unique blends. This will give you more control over the flavor and nutritional profile of your microgreens.
Beginner-Friendly Microgreens
Some microgreens are easier to grow than others, especially for beginners. Here are some of the best starter options:
- 1. Radish – Radish microgreens grow quickly and have a peppery flavor that adds a nice bite to salads or sandwiches.
- 2. Sunflower – These grow into hearty, nutty-tasting greens with a crunchy texture, popular for snacking or adding to meals.
- 3. Broccoli – Mild and nutritious, broccoli microgreens are versatile and packed with vitamins.
- 4. Pea Shoots – Sweet and crisp, pea shoots are a favorite in salads and are simple to grow.
- 5. Mustard Greens – With a mildly spicy flavor, mustard greens add a kick to dishes and are one of the fastest-growing options.
Next Read: Bokashi Composting – An Easy Indoor Composting Method
Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Microgreens Indoors
Here’s the revised step-by-step guide with each point expanded into paragraph form:
1. Preparing the Growing Tray
Start by filling your tray with about an inch of growing medium, such as seed-starting soil. This shallow layer provides enough depth for the roots while keeping the setup easy to manage.
Once you’ve added the soil, gently smooth the surface to create an even base. This evenness helps seeds spread uniformly, which encourages more consistent growth across the tray. Lightly press down on the soil to firm it up a bit, making a stable surface for the seeds to rest on.
2. Sowing Seeds
Sprinkle seeds evenly across the surface of the soil. Aim for full coverage, but avoid overcrowding the seeds, as this can limit airflow and lead to mold growth. Once the seeds are spread, press them gently into the soil to ensure they make good contact with the growing medium.
There’s no need to cover the seeds completely, as they don’t require much soil on top to germinate successfully. This technique also allows light to reach the seeds more easily once they begin sprouting.
Next Read: How to Grow Lettuce Indoors in Winter
3. Watering and Moisture
To keep the seeds hydrated, use a spray bottle to mist them generously until the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged. For the first few days, cover the tray with a clear lid, plastic wrap, or another tray to trap humidity. This covering creates a greenhouse effect that boosts germination by maintaining warmth and moisture around the seeds. After 1-2 days, or once you start seeing tiny sprouts, remove the cover to prevent excess humidity, which can lead to mold.
4. Providing Light
When the seeds begin to sprout, it’s time to introduce light. Place the tray under a grow light, positioning it about 4-6 inches above the greens. Keep the lights on for 12-16 hours a day, which provides the young plants with the intensity they need to grow strong and healthy. If possible, set a timer to ensure they receive consistent light, as even small changes in lighting can affect their growth and lead to weaker, “leggy” plants.
5. Maintaining and Monitoring Growth
Continue misting the greens once or twice daily, or as needed to keep the soil moist. Avoid overwatering, as this can suffocate the roots or encourage mold growth. Keep an eye on airflow as well; placing a small fan nearby helps maintain air circulation around the tray, which is essential for healthy growth and preventing mildew. Regular monitoring allows you to make small adjustments as needed to keep your microgreens thriving.
6. Harvesting
When the microgreens reach about 2-4 inches in height, typically 7-14 days after planting, they’re ready to harvest. Use scissors to cut the greens just above the soil line, making sure to harvest them gently to avoid damaging any remaining plants if you’re harvesting in stages.
After cutting, rinse the greens lightly to remove any soil particles. Enjoy your fresh microgreens right away, or store them in the fridge for a few days to keep them crisp and flavorful.
General Care Tips
Here are a few reminders and tips to get the best microgreens:
- Watering: Consistent moisture is key. Mist rather than pour water to prevent the roots from becoming oversaturated or damaged.
- Light Exposure: Aim for 12-16 hours of light per day. If using natural light, place trays in a bright spot like a windowsill, but supplement with grow lights on shorter, cloudy days.
- Temperature: Keep the trays in a room that stays between 65°F and 75°F (18-24°C) for optimal growth.
- Ventilation: Use a small fan to keep air moving around the trays, as this helps prevent mold and mildew.
Common Mistakes and How to Solve Them
When growing microgreens there are some issues that might challenge you. But, fear not, there are simple solutions for them.
Mold Growth
- Issue: Mold is common in humid environments with low airflow.
- Solution: Use a fan to improve airflow, reduce watering slightly, and remove covers as soon as seeds sprout.
Uneven Germination
- Issue: Some seeds may germinate faster, leading to an uneven crop.
- Solution: Spread seeds as evenly as possible and mist regularly to maintain consistent moisture.
Leggy Growth
- Issue: Long, weak stems usually result from too little light.
- Solution: Move the tray closer to the grow light or increase light exposure time.
Slow Growth or Wilting
- Issue: Insufficient light, water, or unstable temperature.
- Solution: Ensure consistent light, regular watering, and maintain a stable temperature between 65-75°F (18-24°C).
Your Winter Harvest of Fresh Microgreens Awaits
Growing microgreens indoors during winter is a fantastic way to keep fresh, nutritious greens on hand. With minimal space and equipment, anyone can cultivate a range of microgreens in as little as 1-2 weeks.
By following these simple steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll be able to enjoy a healthy, sustainable source of flavor-packed greens all winter long!