10 Steps to Grow Microgreens at Home
Microgreens are the tender, young seedlings of various vegetable and herb plants that are harvested at the cotyledon (seed leaf) stage. These tiny greens are packed with flavor, nutrients, and culinary versatility, making them an excellent addition to any home garden. Whether you have limited space or want to add a nutritious boost to your meals, growing microgreens at home is a rewarding and straightforward process. Follow these ten steps to grow microgreens right in your kitchen or garden.

Step 1: Preparing to Grow Microgreens
Before you start growing microgreens, there are a few things you need to do to prepare.
- Choose the right seeds. Not all seeds are created equal when it comes to microgreens. Some seeds are better suited for growing indoors, while others prefer cooler temperatures. Do some research to find the right seeds for your climate and growing conditions.
- Gather your supplies. In addition to seeds, you’ll need a few other supplies to grow microgreens. These include a growing tray, a growing medium, a watering can, and a light source.
- Set up your growing area. Choose a spot in your home that gets plenty of indirect sunlight. If you don’t have a sunny spot, you can use a grow light. Make sure the area is well-ventilated to prevent mold and mildew.
Once you’ve gathered your supplies and set up your growing area, you’re ready to start growing microgreens!
Here are some additional tips for preparing for growth:
- Soak your seeds overnight before sowing. This will help them germinate more quickly.
- Use a light, well-draining growing medium. This will help prevent the roots from becoming waterlogged.
- Water your microgreens regularly, but don’t overwater them.
- Harvest your microgreens when they are 1-2 inches tall.
With a little preparation, you’ll be enjoying fresh, homegrown microgreens in no time!

Step 2: Providing Optimal Conditions to Grow Microgreens
Once you’ve prepared your seeds and growing area, it’s essential to create the ideal conditions for your microgreens to flourish.
Temperature:
To promote healthy growth, maintain a temperature between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Too low temperatures can lead to slow growth, while excessively high temperatures may cause premature flowering or bolting.
Light:
Microgreens require about 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. If natural sunlight is limited, consider using a grow light positioned approximately 2-3 inches above your microgreens.
Water:
Proper and regular watering is crucial for microgreens, but avoid overwatering. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. You can use a spray bottle or watering can for gentle and precise watering.
Air Circulation:
Ensure good air circulation around your microgreens to prevent the development of mold and mildew. If growing indoors, ensure the area is well-ventilated.
To provide the best conditions for your microgreens, consider these additional tips:
Use a humidity dome to maintain higher humidity levels. Regularly mist your microgreens to keep them adequately hydrated. Rotate your trays of microgreens to ensure even light exposure for all plants. Harvest your microgreens when they reach a height of 1-2 inches for the freshest and most flavorful yield.

Step 3: Harnessing the Power of Light
As mentioned in the previous step, light plays a crucial role in the successful growth of microgreens. These little greens require approximately 6-8 hours of sunlight daily, which can be achieved through natural sunlight or artificial light from a grow light.
For indoor microgreens cultivation, a suitable grow light is essential. Consider the following factors when selecting a grow light:
Microgreens’ light requirements may vary, so choose a light that meets their specific needs. Ensure the grow light’s power is sufficient to cover your entire growing area. Take your budget into account, as grow light prices can vary significantly.
Once you’ve chosen the right grow light, it’s time to set it up. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully for proper installation.
Here are some helpful tips for setting up your grow light:
Position the light approximately 2-3 inches above your microgreens for optimal light exposure. Maintain a daily light period of 6-8 hours to support their growth. Adjust the light intensity as needed, depending on the microgreens’ requirements.
For harnessing the full potential of light, consider these additional tips:
Opt for a full-spectrum grow light, offering a balanced blend of blue and red light ideal for microgreens. Ensure the grow light is placed in a well-ventilated area to prevent overheating. Regularly clean your grow light to ensure its proper functionality and prevent mold or mildew growth.

Step 4: Choosing the Right Containers
Selecting the appropriate container for growing microgreens is crucial to their success. Opt for shallow containers with drainage holes to ensure the roots don’t become waterlogged.
Here are some popular container options for growing microgreens:
Growing Trays: Specifically designed for microgreens, these shallow trays come with built-in drainage holes, providing an ideal environment for their growth.
Plastic Containers: Easily accessible and versatile, plastic containers like egg cartons or takeout containers can be used for microgreens. Just ensure they have proper drainage.
Recycled Containers: Environmentally friendly options include clean recycled containers like yogurt cups or coffee grounds containers. As with the others, make sure they have drainage holes.
Regardless of the container type, always consider its size in relation to the amount of microgreens you plan to grow. Avoid overcrowding by choosing an appropriately sized container.
Additional tips for selecting the right containers:
Opt for a container with a depth of at least 2 inches, allowing sufficient room for root growth.
Ensure the container has drainage holes to prevent waterlogged roots and promote proper aeration.
Choose containers that are easy to clean to reduce the risk of disease spread.

Step 5: Preparing the Growing Medium
After selecting your seeds and gathering necessary supplies, the next step is preparing the growing medium for your microgreens. The growing medium is the material in which the seeds will thrive, so it should be light, well-draining, and free from pests and diseases.
There are several types of growing media suitable for microgreens:
Coco coir: Derived from coconut husks, coco coir is a natural fiber that offers lightness, excellent drainage, and sterility, making it a top choice for microgreens.
Seedling mix: Specifically designed for starting seeds, seedling mix blends peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite to provide a balanced environment.
Peat moss: An organic, lightweight material commonly used as a potting mix, peat moss is sterile and ensures proper moisture retention.
Vermiculite: This inorganic material is an excellent potting mix amendment, enhancing drainage and aeration in the growing medium.
After selecting your growing medium, moisten it evenly by pouring water over it and mixing until it reaches a damp but not soggy consistency.
Next, sow your seeds following the package directions, usually placing them 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in the medium.
To protect the seeds and maintain moisture, lightly cover the growing medium with a thin layer of soil or vermiculite.
Your growing medium is now ready for the microgreens to flourish!
Tips for preparing the growing medium:
- Choose a light, well-draining growing medium.
- Moisturize the growing medium before sowing the seeds.
- Follow the package directions for sowing the seeds.
- Use a thin layer of soil or vermiculite to cover the seeds.
- Keep the growing medium consistently moist throughout the growth process.

Step 6: Soaking the Seeds
Certain microgreen seeds can greatly benefit from a soaking process before sowing. Soaking the seeds promotes faster and more uniform germination, while also eliminating any potential germination inhibitors found on the seed coat.
To soak the seeds, you’ll need a clean bowl of water and the seeds you plan to sow. Fill the bowl with filtered or distilled water and add the seeds. Allow the seeds to soak for 4-8 hours, or simply leave them overnight.
After the soaking period, drain the water and proceed to sow the seeds following the instructions on the package.
Helpful tips for soaking seeds:
- Use filtered or distilled water to ensure the seeds absorb only clean, pure water.
- Employ a clean bowl to prevent any contamination that might hinder germination.
- Soak the seeds for 4-8 hours, or overnight, to achieve optimal results.
- After soaking, immediately drain the water and sow the seeds as directed.
Why should you soak microgreen seeds?
Soaking microgreen seeds brings several advantages:
Increased germination rate: By absorbing water and nutrients during soaking, the seeds experience accelerated and more consistent germination.
Improved nutrient uptake: Soaking removes germination inhibitors present on the seed coat, enabling the seeds to absorb nutrients more efficiently.
Reduced risk of damping off: Damping off is a fungal disease that can affect seedlings. Soaking the seeds helps eliminate harmful bacteria and fungi that may be present on the seed coat, thereby reducing the risk of damping off.

Step 7: Sowing the Seeds
With the growing medium prepared and seeds soaked, it’s time to sow the seeds, planting them in the chosen medium.
To begin, take a tray or container filled with the prepared growing medium. Spread the seeds evenly across the surface, ensuring they are spaced approximately 1/2 inch apart.
Next, cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil or vermiculite. This protective layer will maintain moisture and shield the seeds from potential pests.
Now, the seeds will initiate germination, transforming into seedlings. Depending on the seed type, germination generally takes around 3-7 days.
Once germination occurs, it’s crucial to keep the growing medium consistently moist. Use a spray bottle to mist the medium with water or gently water using a watering can.
As the days pass, the microgreens will continue to grow, reaching harvestable size in 7-14 days, depending on the seed variety.
Essential tips for sowing seeds:
- Ensure even distribution of seeds over the medium’s surface.
- Maintain an approximate 1/2 inch spacing between seeds.
- Cover seeds with a thin layer of soil or vermiculite for protection.
- Keep the growing medium consistently moist throughout germination. By following these steps and tips, you can successfully sow the seeds and cultivate your own flourishing microgreens!
Additional tips for sowing seeds:
- Utilize a fine-toothed comb to achieve a more precise and even seed distribution.
- Use a spray bottle to gently mist the medium, preventing seeds from being washed away.
- Place the tray or container in a warm, well-lit location to facilitate optimal growth conditions.
- Regularly monitor the seeds and water them as required to ensure proper development.

Step 8: Germination and Growth
After sowing the seeds, the seeds will begin the process of germination, transforming into tiny seedlings. Typically, germination takes 3-7 days, duration varying based on the seed type.
During this phase, the seeds will absorb essential water and nutrients from the growing medium. Eventually, the seed coat will split open, and the young seedlings will emerge, adorned with two small leaves known as cotyledons.
Once the seedlings appear, to ensure healthy development, provide them with a warm, well-lit location. Remember to keep the growing medium adequately moist, avoiding waterlogged conditions.
Within 7-14 days, depending on the seed variety, your microgreens will achieve harvestable size. At this stage, you can trim them using scissors or a sharp knife.
Essential tips for germination and growth:
- Maintain proper moisture in the growing medium throughout germination.
- Place the tray or container in a warm, well-lit spot to foster optimal growth conditions.
- Once the cotyledon stage is reached, nourish the microgreens with a diluted liquid fertilizer solution.
- Harvest the microgreens when they attain the desired size, ensuring peak flavor.
With these simple guidelines, you can successfully nurture the germination and growth of your microgreens!
Additional tips for germination and growth:
- Use a spray bottle to gently mist the medium, safeguarding the seeds from being washed away.
- If natural sunlight is limited, employ a grow light to provide additional illumination for the microgreens.
- Harvest the microgreens while they are young and tender to experience their finest flavor and texture.

Step 9: Harvesting the Microgreens
When your microgreens have achieved their desired size, it’s time for a bountiful harvest. The ideal size may vary depending on the microgreen type; for instance, radish microgreens are typically harvested when they reach 2-3 inches tall, while broccoli microgreens are harvested at 4-5 inches tall.
To harvest your microgreens, prepare a sharp knife or scissors. Cut the microgreens just above the soil line, ensuring the roots remain undisturbed. You can either harvest the entire tray of microgreens or selectively harvest individual ones as needed.
After harvesting, give the microgreens a gentle rinse with water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Now, they are ready to be savored in your favorite dishes!
Tips for a successful microgreen harvest:
- Opt for young and tender microgreens for the best flavor and texture.
- When cutting, make sure to snip just above the soil line to preserve root health.
- Rinse the microgreens and gently pat them dry to eliminate any dirt or debris.
Storing Your Microgreens:
You can store your microgreens in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To do so, place them in a sealed container or bag, which will help maintain their freshness.
Creative Ways to Use Microgreens:
Microgreens are a versatile addition to your culinary endeavors. Sprinkle them over salads, sandwiches, wraps, and stir-fries to add a burst of flavor and nutrition. They also make excellent garnishes for soups, stews, and a variety of other dishes.

Step 10: Continual Harvest - Grow microgreens again!
After enjoying the satisfaction of harvesting your first batch of microgreens, you can embark on a perpetual cycle of growth by starting a new batch. It’s as simple as sowing new seeds in the same tray or container.
The beauty of microgreens is their rapid growth, enabling you to harvest them every 7-14 days, depending on the seed variety. This opens the door to a continuous harvest throughout the entire year!
For consistent and thriving microgreens, ensure the growing medium remains moist and provide them with a warm, well-lit environment. Occasionally, you may need to fertilize the microgreens using a diluted solution of liquid fertilizer every few weeks.
With just a touch of nurturing, you can indulge in an unending abundance of delectable and nutritious microgreens!
Tips for a perpetual microgreen harvest:
- Resow new seeds every 7-14 days to maintain a continuous supply.
- Keep the growing medium consistently moist to support vigorous growth.
- Place the microgreens in a warm and well-lit location to foster their development.
- Apply a diluted liquid fertilizer every few weeks to keep the microgreens thriving.
Embrace the joy of a year-round harvest by cultivating these delightful microgreens with tender care and watch them flourish perpetually on your plate!

Conclusion - It's easy to grow microgreens!
Microgreens are a delicious and nutritious way to add flavor and freshness to your meals. They are also relatively easy to grow at home, even if you don’t have a lot of space.
In this article, we have discussed the steps involved in growing microgreens, from choosing the right seeds to harvesting and storing them. We have also provided some tips for ensuring that your microgreens grow healthy and productive.
With a little care, you can easily grow your own microgreens at home and enjoy a continual harvest all year round!
Here are some additional tips for growing microgreens:
- Start with a small batch of microgreens. This will help you to learn the basics of growing microgreens before you commit to a larger project.
- Experiment with different types of seeds. There are many different types of microgreens to choose from, so experiment with different flavors and textures.
- Be patient. Microgreens grow quickly, but it takes a few days for them to reach harvestable size.
- Have fun! Growing microgreens is a fun and rewarding hobby. Enjoy the process of watching your microgreens grow and develop.