How to plant microgreens: step by step (Super easy!)

Do you want to grow your own microgreens at home?

Growing microgreens at home needs very little equipment, and almost every part of the setup has an alternative: the container can be a plastic or aluminum tray, a shallow pot or even a fabric bag; the growing medium can be soil, coconut fiber or damp paper towels; and a sunny window will do instead of a grow light. The seeds are never buried, only pressed gently onto the surface. The step that does need attention is watering, because the substrate has to stay moist without ever being soaked. From sowing to cutting takes 7 to 14 days.

What you need?

• Seeds (choose your favorites; in this case, we’re using broccoli and sunflower).

• Tray or container (it can be plastic, aluminum, a shallow pot, or, as in our photo, a fabric bag).

• Soil or substrate (you can also use coconut fiber or damp paper towels).

• Water (preferably applied with a spray bottle).

• Natural light (a sunny window or soft artificial light, like LED lights).

Step by step

1. Prepare the tray

Place a thin layer of soil or substrate (about 2–3 cm). Level it and moisten it with a bit of water.

2. Spread the seeds

Distribute the seeds evenly across the surface. Don’t bury them; just press them gently so they touch the soil.

3. Cover and let germinate

Cover with a lid or dark cloth for 2 to 3 days. This keeps in moisture and helps the seeds germinate.

4. Light and water

When you see the first sprouts, uncover them and place them near the light.

Spray water once or twice a day to keep the substrate moist (but not soaked!).

5. Harvest

In 7 to 14 days, your microgreens will be ready, green, tender, and full of flavor.

Cut them with scissors just above the soil, wash them, and…

Ready to enjoy!

Next steps: how to water microgreens correctly · how to prevent mould