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Growing Microgreens in Trays

Microgreens are baby plants harvested at 7-14 days - packed with up to 40x more nutrients than mature vegetables! They're the easiest, fastest crop to grow indoors, requiring minimal space and equipment. Grow them year-round on a windowsill or under simple grow lights for fresh greens daily.

Quick Reference

Tray Size

10x20" standard

Growing Depth

1-2 inches

Light Needed

12-16 hours grow light

Days to Harvest

7-14 days

Temperature

65-75°F

Difficulty

Beginner

Year-Round

Yes - indoors

No Soil Needed

Optional - mats work

Best Microgreen Varieties

Easiest to Grow

  • Radish: Fastest (5-7 days), spicy kick
  • Sunflower: Large, nutty, 10-14 days
  • Pea shoots: Sweet, crunchy, 10-14 days
  • Broccoli: Mild, very nutritious

Flavorful Options

  • Mustard: Spicy, 7-10 days
  • Arugula: Peppery, 10-12 days
  • Basil: Aromatic, 14-21 days
  • Cilantro: Citrusy, 14-21 days

Step-by-Step Growing Guide

1Prepare tray and medium

Use shallow tray (1-2 inches deep) with drainage. Fill with growing medium: coco coir, fine potting mix, or hemp mat. Moisten thoroughly - medium should be damp but not dripping.

2Sow seeds densely

Scatter seeds evenly and densely across surface - seeds should almost touch. Press gently into medium. Most microgreen seeds don't need covering. Mist lightly with water.

3Cover for germination

Cover with another tray or plastic dome for humidity. Keep in warm area (65-75°F). Seeds need darkness to germinate. Mist daily to keep moist.

4Remove cover when sprouted

After 2-4 days when seeds germinate and push up, remove cover. Move to light immediately. Pale seedlings will green up quickly under light.

5Provide light

Place under grow lights (12-16 hours daily) or in bright window. Light intensity affects color and flavor - more light = more vibrant. Keep lights 2-4 inches above plants.

6Water carefully

Bottom water by adding water to catch tray - prevents mold on leaves. Keep medium moist but not soggy. Avoid overhead watering after germination.

7Harvest at right stage

Cut with scissors just above soil level when cotyledons are fully open and first true leaves appear. Usually 7-14 days. Store in refrigerator up to 7 days.

Expected Yield

7-14

Days to harvest

8-12 oz

Per 10x20 tray

Year-round

Growing possible

Common Problems

Mold Growth

Cause: Too wet, poor air circulation, or overcrowding

Solution: Reduce watering, add fan for airflow, don't over-seed, use bottom watering

Leggy/Pale Seedlings

Cause: Not enough light

Solution: Move closer to light source, add grow lights, extend light hours

Poor Germination

Cause: Old seeds, too dry, or wrong temperature

Solution: Use fresh seeds, keep moist during germination, maintain 65-75°F

Damping Off

Cause: Fungal disease from wet conditions

Solution: Better drainage, airflow, sterilize trays, don't overwater

Frequently Asked Questions

What trays do I need for microgreens?
Standard 10x20 inch nursery trays work best. Use trays with drainage holes for growing, solid trays underneath to catch water. Trays should be 1-2 inches deep. You can also use any shallow container with drainage - recycled food containers work fine for small batches.
How long do microgreens take to grow?
Most microgreens are ready in 7-14 days from seeding. Fast growers (radish, mustard): 5-7 days. Medium growers (sunflower, pea shoots): 10-14 days. Slow growers (basil, cilantro): 14-21 days. Harvest when first true leaves appear or cotyledons are fully expanded.
Do microgreens need sunlight?
Microgreens need light but not necessarily direct sunlight. A bright window (4-6 hours light) works, but grow lights produce more consistent results. LED grow lights positioned 2-4 inches above trays for 12-16 hours daily are ideal. Light makes greens more colorful and flavorful.
Can I reuse microgreen growing medium?
It's best not to reuse growing medium for microgreens due to mold and disease risk. Coco coir, hemp mats, or soil can be composted after harvest. If reusing, sterilize first. Clean and sanitize trays between crops.

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