Garden of Eden Urban Farming
Controlled environment agriculture, hydroponics, microgreens - Since 2013
Microgreens: Varieties
Types, species, varieties. Note that the intended harvest schedule makes minor differences in cultivation procedures. Suggested Q&A are welcome; submit via the Contact form. See also the Forum.
Peas
Techniques for growing pea shoots.
Question: What is the procedure for growing peas as microgreens to two to four true leaves before harvest?
Answer: Growing peas as microgreens is straightforward and rewarding, as they are quick to grow, nutritious, and flavorful. Here’s a step-by-step guide to grow pea microgreens up to the two-to-four true leaf stage:
Materials Needed
Pea Seeds: Look for organic, untreated seeds meant for sprouting or microgreens (e.g., green peas, sugar snap peas).
Growing Tray: A shallow tray with drainage holes works best. You may also use a tray without holes for indoor settings but monitor water levels carefully.
Growing Medium: Organic potting soil, coco coir, or a soil-free mix like hemp mats.
Water: Use clean, filtered water if possible.
Spray Bottle: For misting the seeds and plants.
Light Source: Natural light (e.g., a sunny windowsill) or grow lights.
Procedure
1. Prepare the Pea Seeds
Rinse the seeds thoroughly in clean water to remove any debris.
Soak the seeds overnight (8–12 hours) in water to soften the outer shell and promote faster germination.
Drain the seeds and rinse them again before planting.
2. Prepare the Growing Tray
Fill the tray with about 1–2 inches of your chosen growing medium.
Level the surface and lightly moisten it with water using a spray bottle or watering can.
3. Plant the Seeds
Spread the soaked seeds evenly across the surface of the growing medium, ensuring they don’t overlap excessively.
Lightly press the seeds into the soil but do not cover them with more soil.
4. Water and Cover
Mist the seeds thoroughly but avoid water pooling at the bottom.
Cover the tray with another tray or lid to create a humid environment that aids germination. Ensure some airflow to prevent mold growth.
5. Germinate the Seeds
Place the covered tray in a warm, dark place for 2–3 days.
Check daily, misting the seeds to keep them moist.
6. Expose to Light
Once the seeds sprout (typically 2–3 days), remove the cover and place the tray under a light source.
Ensure 12–16 hours of light daily for optimal growth.
7. Water Regularly
Water from the bottom by pouring water into a second tray underneath (if using a tray with holes). This prevents overwatering and reduces the risk of mold.
Alternatively, mist the microgreens directly if the medium dries out.
8. Monitor Growth
Over the next 7–14 days, the microgreens will develop their first true leaves. Harvest when they have 2–4 true leaves for the best flavor and texture.
9. Harvest
Use sharp scissors to cut the microgreens just above the soil line.
Rinse gently and use immediately, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips
Temperature: Keep the growing environment at 65–75°F (18–24°C) for optimal growth.
Mold Prevention: Avoid overwatering and provide good airflow around the trays.
Replanting: Spent growing medium and roots can often be composted or replaced after each harvest.
Enjoy your fresh, home-grown pea microgreens in salads, sandwiches, or as a garnish!
Materials Needed
Pea Seeds: Look for organic, untreated seeds meant for sprouting or microgreens (e.g., green peas, sugar snap peas).
Growing Tray: A shallow tray with drainage holes works best. You may also use a tray without holes for indoor settings but monitor water levels carefully.
Growing Medium: Organic potting soil, coco coir, or a soil-free mix like hemp mats.
Water: Use clean, filtered water if possible.
Spray Bottle: For misting the seeds and plants.
Light Source: Natural light (e.g., a sunny windowsill) or grow lights.
Procedure
1. Prepare the Pea Seeds
Rinse the seeds thoroughly in clean water to remove any debris.
Soak the seeds overnight (8–12 hours) in water to soften the outer shell and promote faster germination.
Drain the seeds and rinse them again before planting.
2. Prepare the Growing Tray
Fill the tray with about 1–2 inches of your chosen growing medium.
Level the surface and lightly moisten it with water using a spray bottle or watering can.
3. Plant the Seeds
Spread the soaked seeds evenly across the surface of the growing medium, ensuring they don’t overlap excessively.
Lightly press the seeds into the soil but do not cover them with more soil.
4. Water and Cover
Mist the seeds thoroughly but avoid water pooling at the bottom.
Cover the tray with another tray or lid to create a humid environment that aids germination. Ensure some airflow to prevent mold growth.
5. Germinate the Seeds
Place the covered tray in a warm, dark place for 2–3 days.
Check daily, misting the seeds to keep them moist.
6. Expose to Light
Once the seeds sprout (typically 2–3 days), remove the cover and place the tray under a light source.
Ensure 12–16 hours of light daily for optimal growth.
7. Water Regularly
Water from the bottom by pouring water into a second tray underneath (if using a tray with holes). This prevents overwatering and reduces the risk of mold.
Alternatively, mist the microgreens directly if the medium dries out.
8. Monitor Growth
Over the next 7–14 days, the microgreens will develop their first true leaves. Harvest when they have 2–4 true leaves for the best flavor and texture.
9. Harvest
Use sharp scissors to cut the microgreens just above the soil line.
Rinse gently and use immediately, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips
Temperature: Keep the growing environment at 65–75°F (18–24°C) for optimal growth.
Mold Prevention: Avoid overwatering and provide good airflow around the trays.
Replanting: Spent growing medium and roots can often be composted or replaced after each harvest.
Enjoy your fresh, home-grown pea microgreens in salads, sandwiches, or as a garnish!
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Question: What is the procedure for growing peas as microgreens with harvest at a height of four to six inches?
Answer: These taller pea microgreens are excellent for salads, stir-fries, or as garnishes, offering a sweet, crunchy flavor and tender texture.
Growing peas as microgreens harvested at a height of 4 to 6 inches is slightly different from harvesting at the true leaf stage, as the goal is to allow taller, more mature growth. Here's how to grow them step by step:
Materials Needed
Pea Seeds: Use organic, untreated seeds meant for sprouting or microgreens (e.g., sugar snap peas, green peas).
Growing Tray: A shallow tray with drainage holes is ideal.
Growing Medium: Organic potting soil, coco coir, or a hydroponic mat.
Water: Clean, filtered water.
Spray Bottle or Watering Can: For consistent hydration.
Light Source: Sunlight or grow lights.
Procedure
1. Prepare the Seeds
Rinse and Soak: Rinse the seeds thoroughly and soak them in water for 8–12 hours or overnight. This softens the seed coat and speeds up germination.
Drain: After soaking, drain and rinse the seeds again to ensure they’re clean.
2. Prepare the Growing Tray
Fill the tray with 1–2 inches of growing medium. Ensure the medium is evenly distributed.
Moisten the medium thoroughly with water, ensuring it is damp but not soggy.
3. Plant the Seeds
Spread the soaked seeds in a single, dense layer over the surface of the growing medium.
Gently press the seeds into the soil. There’s no need to cover them with more soil.
4. Water and Cover
Mist the seeds with a spray bottle until they’re evenly damp.
Cover the tray with another tray or a lid to create a dark, humid environment. Ensure some airflow to prevent mold.
5. Germination Period
Place the tray in a warm, dark location (65–75°F or 18–24°C) for 2–4 days.
Check daily, misting as needed to keep the seeds moist but not waterlogged.
6. Light Exposure
Once the seeds have sprouted (2–3 days), remove the cover and place the tray in a well-lit location or under grow lights.
Provide 12–16 hours of light daily for optimal growth.
7. Watering
Water regularly, ensuring the growing medium stays moist but not overly wet.
Use bottom-watering if possible: pour water into a second tray under the growing tray to prevent the leaves from getting wet, which reduces mold risk.
8. Growth and Maintenance
Allow the pea shoots to grow until they reach 4–6 inches tall. This typically takes 10–14 days from planting, depending on light, temperature, and seed variety.
Monitor for mold or overcrowding. If needed, thin the shoots slightly to improve airflow.
9. Harvesting
Use sharp scissors to cut the pea microgreens just above the soil line when they are 4–6 inches tall.
Rinse gently if needed and pat dry before using or storing.
10. Post-Harvest Care
Compost the spent soil and roots, or use them as mulch if they’re free of mold.
Clean the tray thoroughly before starting the next batch.
Tips for Best Results
Temperature: Maintain a consistent growing temperature of 65–75°F.
Air Circulation: Use a small fan if growing indoors to ensure good airflow and reduce mold risks.
Hydration: Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can stress the plants.
Reuse: Pea microgreens may regrow after harvest if you leave a small portion of the stem intact, though regrowth may be less vigorous.
Growing peas as microgreens harvested at a height of 4 to 6 inches is slightly different from harvesting at the true leaf stage, as the goal is to allow taller, more mature growth. Here's how to grow them step by step:
Materials Needed
Pea Seeds: Use organic, untreated seeds meant for sprouting or microgreens (e.g., sugar snap peas, green peas).
Growing Tray: A shallow tray with drainage holes is ideal.
Growing Medium: Organic potting soil, coco coir, or a hydroponic mat.
Water: Clean, filtered water.
Spray Bottle or Watering Can: For consistent hydration.
Light Source: Sunlight or grow lights.
Procedure
1. Prepare the Seeds
Rinse and Soak: Rinse the seeds thoroughly and soak them in water for 8–12 hours or overnight. This softens the seed coat and speeds up germination.
Drain: After soaking, drain and rinse the seeds again to ensure they’re clean.
2. Prepare the Growing Tray
Fill the tray with 1–2 inches of growing medium. Ensure the medium is evenly distributed.
Moisten the medium thoroughly with water, ensuring it is damp but not soggy.
3. Plant the Seeds
Spread the soaked seeds in a single, dense layer over the surface of the growing medium.
Gently press the seeds into the soil. There’s no need to cover them with more soil.
4. Water and Cover
Mist the seeds with a spray bottle until they’re evenly damp.
Cover the tray with another tray or a lid to create a dark, humid environment. Ensure some airflow to prevent mold.
5. Germination Period
Place the tray in a warm, dark location (65–75°F or 18–24°C) for 2–4 days.
Check daily, misting as needed to keep the seeds moist but not waterlogged.
6. Light Exposure
Once the seeds have sprouted (2–3 days), remove the cover and place the tray in a well-lit location or under grow lights.
Provide 12–16 hours of light daily for optimal growth.
7. Watering
Water regularly, ensuring the growing medium stays moist but not overly wet.
Use bottom-watering if possible: pour water into a second tray under the growing tray to prevent the leaves from getting wet, which reduces mold risk.
8. Growth and Maintenance
Allow the pea shoots to grow until they reach 4–6 inches tall. This typically takes 10–14 days from planting, depending on light, temperature, and seed variety.
Monitor for mold or overcrowding. If needed, thin the shoots slightly to improve airflow.
9. Harvesting
Use sharp scissors to cut the pea microgreens just above the soil line when they are 4–6 inches tall.
Rinse gently if needed and pat dry before using or storing.
10. Post-Harvest Care
Compost the spent soil and roots, or use them as mulch if they’re free of mold.
Clean the tray thoroughly before starting the next batch.
Tips for Best Results
Temperature: Maintain a consistent growing temperature of 65–75°F.
Air Circulation: Use a small fan if growing indoors to ensure good airflow and reduce mold risks.
Hydration: Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can stress the plants.
Reuse: Pea microgreens may regrow after harvest if you leave a small portion of the stem intact, though regrowth may be less vigorous.
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Sunflowers
Information and techniques for grawing sunflowers.
Question: What special conditions apply to growing sunflower microgreens?
Answer: Pay special attention to choosing the variety and to the specific requirements of this cultivar.
When growing sunflower microgreens, there are some specific conditions you should consider in addition to the general requirements for growing microgreens:
1. **Sunflower Variety**:
- Choose a sunflower variety specifically bred for microgreen production. Some popular varieties include Black Oil Sunflower and Russian Sunflower.
2. **Soaking Time**:
- Sunflower seeds should be soaked in water for a longer period compared to other microgreens. They typically require 12-24 hours of soaking to facilitate germination.
3. **Drainage**:
- Ensure that the trays or containers you use for growing have adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging. Sunflowers can be sensitive to overwatering.
4. **Depth of Soil**:
- Provide a deeper soil depth (around 1 inch or 2.5 cm) for sunflower microgreens. They develop a taproot, so they benefit from a bit more depth than other microgreens.
5. **Weight for Compression**:
- After sowing, apply light pressure to the seeds with a weight (like another tray or a piece of cardboard) to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. This helps with germination.
6. **Growing Time**:
- Sunflower microgreens tend to take a bit longer to grow compared to other varieties. They may require an additional 1-2 days before they're ready to harvest.
7. **Light Requirements**:
- Sunflowers, as the name implies, love sunlight. Provide them with ample natural light or use high-quality grow lights with a spectrum that includes blue and red wavelengths.
8. **Avoid Overcrowding**:
- Ensure that you sow the seeds evenly and avoid overcrowding. Crowded sunflowers can lead to poor air circulation, which may result in mold or other issues.
9. **Thinning (Optional)**:
- If you notice that your sunflowers are growing too densely, consider thinning them out by removing some of the excess seedlings. This allows the remaining plants to grow more vigorously.
10. **Temperature Considerations**:
- Sunflower microgreens prefer slightly warmer temperatures for germination and growth, ideally between 70-75°F (21-24°C). Once germinated, they can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures.
11. **Protection from Pests**:
- While sunflower microgreens are less susceptible to pests compared to other plants, it's still important to monitor for any signs of pest activity and take appropriate action if needed.
Remember, microgreens are generally forgiving plants, so if you provide the right conditions and care, you should have a successful harvest of sunflower microgreens.
When growing sunflower microgreens, there are some specific conditions you should consider in addition to the general requirements for growing microgreens:
1. **Sunflower Variety**:
- Choose a sunflower variety specifically bred for microgreen production. Some popular varieties include Black Oil Sunflower and Russian Sunflower.
2. **Soaking Time**:
- Sunflower seeds should be soaked in water for a longer period compared to other microgreens. They typically require 12-24 hours of soaking to facilitate germination.
3. **Drainage**:
- Ensure that the trays or containers you use for growing have adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging. Sunflowers can be sensitive to overwatering.
4. **Depth of Soil**:
- Provide a deeper soil depth (around 1 inch or 2.5 cm) for sunflower microgreens. They develop a taproot, so they benefit from a bit more depth than other microgreens.
5. **Weight for Compression**:
- After sowing, apply light pressure to the seeds with a weight (like another tray or a piece of cardboard) to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. This helps with germination.
6. **Growing Time**:
- Sunflower microgreens tend to take a bit longer to grow compared to other varieties. They may require an additional 1-2 days before they're ready to harvest.
7. **Light Requirements**:
- Sunflowers, as the name implies, love sunlight. Provide them with ample natural light or use high-quality grow lights with a spectrum that includes blue and red wavelengths.
8. **Avoid Overcrowding**:
- Ensure that you sow the seeds evenly and avoid overcrowding. Crowded sunflowers can lead to poor air circulation, which may result in mold or other issues.
9. **Thinning (Optional)**:
- If you notice that your sunflowers are growing too densely, consider thinning them out by removing some of the excess seedlings. This allows the remaining plants to grow more vigorously.
10. **Temperature Considerations**:
- Sunflower microgreens prefer slightly warmer temperatures for germination and growth, ideally between 70-75°F (21-24°C). Once germinated, they can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures.
11. **Protection from Pests**:
- While sunflower microgreens are less susceptible to pests compared to other plants, it's still important to monitor for any signs of pest activity and take appropriate action if needed.
Remember, microgreens are generally forgiving plants, so if you provide the right conditions and care, you should have a successful harvest of sunflower microgreens.
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