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EVEC Microgreens
3 amazing growing systems for microgreens: soil, hydroponics, and coconut fiber
The three main growing systems for microgreens — soil, hydroponics and coconut fibre — compared on cost, cleanliness and results, so you can choose the right one.
Choosing a growing system means trading yield, nutritional quality, sustainability and production cost against each other — the four dimensions this article compares. The three most common methods are soil based growing, hydroponics, and substrate based systems such as coconut fiber (coir). We use coconut fiber to grow our microgreens, but we also alternate between different methods.
The traditional option: growing in soil
The oldest and most widespread method for producing microgreens is soil cultivation. According to a study published in the Journal of Advanced Applied Scientific Research, this system offers a good physical structure and a natural supply of micronutrients, while also being accessible for small scale producers and home growers.
However, it also presents some significant drawbacks:
- Risk of microbiological contamination if the substrate is not sterilized.
- Uneven moisture distribution, which can affect germination and growth uniformity.
- Difficulty controlling conditions in urban or indoor farming setups.
Therefore, soil is a good choice for home or local production but becomes less manageable when precision or large scale production is required.
If we’re looking for efficiency and control: hydroponic cultivation
The hydroponic system, based on nutrient solutions without soil, has gained popularity in microgreen production. The research Growing Hydroponic Microgreens. A New Class of Vegetable Food Revolution highlights that hydroponics allows for more precise control over nutrients, moisture, and overall cleanliness of the growing environment.
The main advantages of this method include:
- No soil, reducing contamination risks.
- Greater control of nutrients and more uniform growth.
- Significant water savings (up to 90% less than in conventional systems).
However, there are also disadvantages:
- Higher initial costs due to the required equipment, such as LED lights, trays, and irrigation systems.
- Dependence on electricity and industrial nutrient solutions.
- Requires constant technical supervision.
According to various studies, hydroponically grown microgreens tend to display more intense colors and a softer texture, although some species may contain slightly lower mineral levels compared to those grown in soil.
Coconut fiber (coir): a sustainable alternative
Coconut fiber has become one of the most efficient and sustainable substrates. Derived from coconut industry byproducts, it provides excellent water retention and aeration, which promotes root development and reduces the risk of fungal growth.
The study Comparative Study on Nutrients of Microgreens Cultivated in Soil, Water and Coco Pith from the Journal of Advanced Applied Scientific Research concluded that microgreens grown in coco pith achieved better results in growth and chlorophyll concentration, while maintaining equal or superior nutritional levels compared to other systems.
Additionally, coir is an eco friendly option since it repurposes natural waste and avoids the use of peat, a non renewable resource.
As we can see, both hydroponics and coconut fiber systems achieve better results in yield and hygiene than traditional soil, although their initial costs and technical complexity can be limiting factors. Even so, soil based cultivation remains a suitable option for home or rural producers, where simplicity and low cost are more important than technical precision.
Sources
Bhaswant, M. (2023). Microgreens — A comprehensive review of bioactive molecules and health benefits. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9864543/
Dubey, S., Harbourne, N., Harty, M., Hurley, D., & Elliott-Kingston, C. (2024). Microgreens production: Exploiting environmental and cultural factors for enhanced agronomical benefits. Plants, 13(18), 2631. https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/13/18/2631
Growing hydroponic microgreens – A new class of vegetable food revolution. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/361322654_Growing_Hydroponic_Microgreens_-_A_New_Class_of_Vegetable_Food_Revolution
Thapa, U., & Kundu, S. (2025). A review on sustainable microgreen cultivation for urban farming with minimal resources. Journal of Scientific Research and Reports, 31(8), 613-621. https://www.journaljsrr.com/index.php/JSRR/article/view/3405
Explore the portal
This article is part of the free knowledge portal of EVEC Microgreens. Wherever you are on your microgreens journey, there is a path for you:
- 🌱 Grow microgreens at home — the full beginner path, free
- 📗 Crop guides — how to grow every species
- 💼 Turn microgreens into a business — and if you have no capital, our cooperative gives you free growing space
- 🏫 Teach with microgreens — free classroom materials
- 🔬 The Science Library — research explained in plain language
Co-funded by the European Union.
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