How to Grow Microgreens on Your Windowsill
Microgreens, not to be confused with sprouts, are perfect if you’re new to seed starting. They could not be easier to grow! Even in the depths of Winter, you can grow them! They do well on a windowsill even in low light and typically take 2-3 weeks from planting to harvest! Microgreens have many health benefits and are full of flavor. It’s fun to look over at my kitchen window and see a tray of microgreens growing and today, I will show you how easy it is to grow microgreens on your own!
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How to Grow Microgreens on Your Windowsill
What is the difference between microgreens and sprouts?
Until recently, I was under the impression that microgreens and sprouts were interchangeable but that is not the case. Sprouts are generally just seeds that have germinated in water and have not developed leaves yet. Whereas sprouts can be grown in a jar with just water, microgreens require a growing medium such as soil or a growing mat made out of a natural material like hemp. Basically, sprouts and microgreens are the same plant at different stages of maturity. Microgreens however contain more flavor and nutrients due to the development of the leaves before harvest.
Health Benefits of Microgreens
I think it is important to note here that I am not a doctor or nutritionist. All of the benefits below you can find by googling. I wanted to include some of them in this article to demonstrate how beneficial they can be to your diet!
- High in antioxidants
- High in minerals
- Higher in nutrients than their vegetable counterparts
- May help lower blood pressure and cholesterol
- May help fight cancer
- Can support gut health
What types of seeds do I use to grow microgreens?
Lots of seed companies make various microgreen mixes that you can purchase but you can also just use seeds that you have on hand. For this tray of microgreens, I used arugula, lacinato kale, and radish seeds that I had on hand. There are tons of other vegetable varieties that lend themselves to a good microgreen as well. Here is a list of varieties that would work great for your microgreens!
- Kale
- Arugula
- Radish
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Kohlrabi
- Mustard
- Cress
- Broccoli Raab
- Swiss Chard
- Spinach
- Lettuce
- Fennel
- Leek
- Shallot
- Onion
- Carrot
- Celery
- Endive
- Chicory
- Peas
- Lentils
- Amaranth
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Dill
- Chives
- Sunflowers (must have soil to sprout)
- Flax
When are they ready to harvest?
As stated in the intro, it can take 2-3 weeks from planting to harvest for your microgreens. Typically it’s when they have produced their first true leaves and are about 2 inches tall! Once they are ready, harvest them but clipping them just above the soil level and wash them before serving. Serve immediately for best flavor and nutrients!
How to use microgreens?
There are all sorts of ways to use your microgreens! Use them in salads, sandwiches, wraps, soups, and smoothies. Use them to garnish your avocado toast or some hummus. They pair perfectly as a garnish on meat and fish dishes too! The possibilities are truly endless!
How to grow microgreens
Supplies:
- Seeds
- Growing medium – Garden soil or Growing Mat (for ease, I used garden soil)
- Tray with humidity dome or plastic bag (I used an old produce bag from the grocery store)
- Water
- A windowsill
Instructions:
- Fill your tray with garden soil or a growing mat. For my tray, I just used one of those pot saucers that came with one of my plastic pots.
- Sprinkle your seed mix on top of the soil and gently press them into the soil. Cover with a light layer of additional soil.
- Water thoroughly and cover with a humidity dome or plastic bag.
- Place on a windowsill.
- Once the seeds start to sprout, remove the dome or bag and allow them to grow until they are ready to harvest!
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