Omari Gates
Microgreens are a great way to add a burst of flavour and colour to your dishes, while also packing a punch when it comes to nutrition. They are a sought-after ingredient in the culinary world, with chefs and restaurants using them to garnish everything from soups and salads to sandwiches and smoothies. With their quick germination time, microgreens are an easy and profitable crop to grow, even for beginners. In Australia, microgreens can be grown in a variety of settings, from kitchen windowsills to gardens and commercial grow tunnels, depending on the scale of production. With the right infrastructure, growers can quickly scale up their operations and produce high-quality microgreens year-round.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right seeds
When it comes to choosing the right seeds for your micro herbs, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, decide what types of herbs you want to grow based on your culinary preferences. Popular choices include basil, oregano, cilantro, parsley, and fennel. You can also opt for more unique varieties like shiso or purple amaranth microgreens. Consider the dishes you enjoy cooking and how you can enhance their flavours with fresh herbs.
Once you've decided on the type of herb, it's important to source safe and suitable seeds. Look for certified organic or untreated seeds to ensure they haven't been treated with harmful chemicals like fungicides and pesticides. Commercial seeds are often treated to prevent mould and deter insects during storage, so opting for organic seeds will give you peace of mind. You can order seeds online or find them at your local gardening store.
Some seeds, like parsley, are better suited for soil than hydroponics, so be sure to read the directions on the seed packet. Each type of seed has specific requirements for planting depth, germination time, and care instructions. For example, fennel seeds should be sown thinly, allowing room for the plants to grow, and their seed husks tend to cling to the leaves, so it's best to let them grow long enough for most of the husks to drop.
Micro herbs are typically harvested when the plants are young, so choose seeds that are known to have a shorter growth period. Yellow mustard, for instance, is a fast-growing variety with a mild flavour that's great for beginners. If you're growing your micro herbs indoors, opt for seeds that prefer warmer conditions, like amaranth, but be mindful that this variety is sensitive to too much direct light.
Lastly, consider the quantity of seeds you'll need. The seeding rate can vary depending on the type of seed and the size of your growing tray. A standard 1020 tray typically uses 15 grams or 0.5 ounces of seeds, but this can range from 20 to 30 grams or 1 ounce for certain varieties. With the right seeds and care, you'll be well on your way to a thriving micro herb garden.
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Preparing containers and soil
Preparing the containers and soil for your micro herbs is a straightforward process. The first step is to decide on the type of container you will use. Microgreens can be grown in shallow trays, as they have short roots. You can purchase specific trays for microgreens, or reuse plastic food containers that you already have at home. If you are planting herbs, you will need deeper containers because their roots are longer. Pots or containers can be made of plastic, metal, terracotta, or ceramic, but be sure that they have adequate drainage.
Once you have chosen your containers, it's time to prepare the soil. A good soil option for microgreens and herbs will contain a mixture of peat moss or coconut coir and perlite, which can be found at your local gardening store. You can also use an indoor potting mix or seed-starting mix. Check the label to ensure that the mix does not include any animal-derived ingredients, manure, or fish products. Prepare your containers by filling them with the soil mix.
If you are planting herb seeds, be sure to read the directions on the seed packets, as each herb may require slightly different planting depths and care. In general, you will want to follow these steps: after adding the soil to your containers, sprinkle the seeds over the potting mix and press them gently into the soil with your hands. Keep the soil moist and be patient as your herbs grow. Most varieties can be harvested multiple times, and the tray soil can be composted after use.
Microgreens are typically grown in seed-raising media, and you can use soil or a soilless substitute. They are usually sown in a soil medium and harvested before they reach full size. Each seed needs enough space to grow. You can purchase pre-made soilless kits, which are designed to be compact and stylish, fitting in a warm, sunny spot in your kitchen. These kits keep the seeds moist and help avoid mould.
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Planting and care
Microgreens are an excellent way to introduce yourself to gardening, as they are easy to grow, highly nutritious, and add a burst of colour and flavour to your dishes. The best part is that they don't require much space, time, or money. You can grow them in your kitchen, garden, or even on your windowsill!
To get started, decide what you want to grow and purchase your seeds. Microgreens are young vegetables and herbs that are harvested early, usually within a few weeks of planting. Popular varieties include radish greens, kale, arugula, peas, basil, cilantro, parsley, and fennel. Choose certified organic or untreated seeds to ensure they are safe and free from harmful chemicals.
For planting, you'll need well-draining containers. Shallow trays are ideal for microgreens due to their short roots, while herbs require deeper containers for their longer roots. You can repurpose plastic food containers or purchase specific microgreen trays. Don't forget to choose a good soil mix, such as a mixture of peat moss or coconut coir with perlite, or an indoor potting mix.
Follow the directions on your seed packets for planting depth and any additional steps, such as soaking the seeds before planting. After filling your containers with soil, sprinkle the seeds over the mix and gently press them into the soil. Keep the soil moist and find a sunny spot or use grow lights if natural light is limited.
Harvesting can begin as early as a week after planting for some varieties. Simply use scissors to snip the microgreens just above the soil line. Rinse them gently before consuming to remove any soil particles. Remember to only harvest a small portion at a time to increase the lifetime of your plants.
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Harvesting and regrowth
Harvesting Techniques:
When harvesting microgreens, use scissors to cut just above the soil line, about one week after planting. It is important to harvest microgreens before they reach full size, usually within a few weeks of planting. Rinse the harvested microgreens gently under running water to wash away any soil particles. Microgreens are meant to be consumed raw to retain their nutritional value.
Regrowth and Multiple Harvests:
Most microgreens varieties can regrow and be harvested multiple times. To increase the lifetime of your plant, harvest only a small portion of the leaves at once. The tray soil can be composted after use, and new seeds can be planted to start the process again.
Harvesting for Different Uses:
The timing of your harvest can depend on the intended use of your micro herbs. Baby greens, for example, can be harvested once true leaves appear, which usually takes around 20-24 days. Microgreens are commonly used to garnish dishes, adding flavour, texture, and colour. They are also packed with nutrients, making them a popular addition to salads, sandwiches, and even smoothies.
Scaling Up Production:
If you plan to grow micro herbs on a larger scale, consider investing in reusable growing trays, which are designed to avoid water pooling and root rot. These trays can help increase production and are cost-effective, especially when supplying restaurants and cafes. Structures like grow tunnels can also help create a controlled environment, allowing you to grow micro herbs year-round and scale up your operation.
Micro herbs are a versatile and nutritious crop, and with proper harvesting techniques and regrowth management, you can enjoy fresh produce and even explore commercial opportunities.
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Commercial growth
Commercial microgreens farming can be profitable due to the crop's low intervention requirements, quick germination time, and high demand. Here are some key considerations for those interested in growing microgreens on a commercial scale in Australia:
Infrastructure and Environment
Firstly, consider the space and infrastructure you will need to support your commercial microgreens operation. You can grow microgreens in a variety of settings, from small pots to large trays, or even in your kitchen windowsill. However, for a commercial operation, you will likely need a more substantial setup, such as a greenhouse or grow tunnel, which can provide a climate-controlled environment and protect your crops from pests and insects. These structures can be purchased in various sizes to accommodate your specific needs.
Soil and Seeds
The choice of soil and seeds is critical for successful microgreens growth. For the soil, a mixture of peat moss or coconut coir (also known as coco peat) with perlite is recommended, as it provides a loose medium that enables roots to grow easily. You can also add vermiculite to this mixture. Ensure that your soil mix is free from animal-derived ingredients and chemicals, as these can be harmful to consumers. When selecting seeds, choose certified organic or untreated seeds to avoid chemical fungicides and pesticides. Microgreens seeds can be sourced online or from local suppliers.
Popular Microgreens Varieties
When deciding which microgreens to grow, consider popular varieties that are in demand. Some of the most sought-after microgreens include radish greens, kale, arugula, peas, basil, and sunflower microgreens. Broccoli microgreens are also popular due to their cancer-fighting properties, while yellow mustard microgreens offer a mild flavour and quick growth. Additionally, consider experimenting with unusual and local plants to explore new commercial opportunities and support environmental sustainability.
Growing and Harvesting
Microgreens are typically grown in seed-raising media or soil and require good light and adequate moisture. Each seed needs sufficient space to grow, and the growing container should have proper drainage. After planting, keep the soil moist and ensure your plants receive sufficient sunlight or artificial grow lights. Microgreens are usually ready for harvest within a few weeks, and most varieties can be cut several times before the tray soil is composted. Harvest by cutting close to the root line and rinsing well.
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Frequently asked questions
Microgreens are seedlings of leafy greens, vegetables, and herbs. They are usually harvested within 14 days of sprouting and contain up to 40 times more nutrients than their mature counterparts.
Micro herbs can be grown in a garden pot or on your kitchen windowsill. You will need well-draining containers, preferably shallow trays for microgreens as they have short roots. You can purchase microgreen trays or repurpose plastic food containers. Fill your container with a soil mix containing peat moss or coconut coir and perlite, or use an indoor potting mix. Sprinkle your seeds over the mix and press them into the soil. Ensure your seeds have enough space to grow and keep the soil moist.
Some common microgreens include alfalfa, broccoli, kale, radish, sunflower, and wheatgrass. You can also try less common varieties like shiso, amaranth, or green kiwi.
