Why Grow Indoors in the Summer?

Many gardeners across the United States are hitting their limit on summer heat by July or August. Whether it’s personal preference or a required hiatus, the intense heat of midsummer doesn’t have to stop you from enjoying fresh home-grown food! Avoid heat stress (for yourself or your plants) and don’t even mess with sun scorch or droughts. Indoor gardening means fewer pests, a more controllable environment, and easy access anytime you want it. The ultimate indoor gardening secret? Microgreens and sprouts! These quick, tasty, and nutrient-rich greens thrive indoors, regardless of the weather outside.

Sprouts vs. Microgreens

Just in case you’re new here, I’ll briefly explain what sprouts and microgreens are. Sprouts are the first stage of a plant’s life. They are essentially seeds that have just germinated in water (without soil). You eat the whole thing! Microgreens are grown in soil (or a hydroponic growing medium) and have their cotyledons or true leaves. You typically eat the stem and leaves, leaving the root behind.

Must-Have Sprouting and Microgreens Growing Supplies

You can easily get everything you need to grow microgreens and sprouts from True Leaf Market! The Sprouting Jar Kit or Self-Watering Microgreens Grow Kit is perfect for beginners. These include everything you need to get started. For sprouting, you will need seeds, a jar, and some kind of strainer. For growing microgreens, you will need trays, growing medium, and seeds. For both, you will need easy access to clean water, of course! For growing on a budget, use a mason jar with mesh or cheesecloth for sprouting, and repurpose shallow containers with paper towels, coconut coir, or clean sponges for growing microgreens. No matter what your setup looks like, I recommend growing alfalfa, broccoli, mung beans, clover, or radish sprouts! Some microgreen suggestions include sunflower, red amaranth, cantaloupe, basil, and spicy radish.

Hot Weather Tips for Indoor Success

Growing microgreens and sprouts indoors is a great way to not be affected by outdoor weather. However, it is good to keep in mind that even when you have the AC blasting, your home might naturally be a little bit warmer than other times of the year. So, to take this into account, here are a few indoor growing tips to take seriously:

• Prioritize airflow. Place a small fan nearby to reduce moisture buildup and mold.
• Rinse frequently. For sprouts, rinse 2-3 times daily with cool water. It keeps them fresh and mold-free.
• Drainage is everything. Make sure your trays drain well and empty sprouting jars completely after each rinse.
• Use the warmth to your advantage. Microgreens like amaranth and cantaloupe love the heat and actually yield better in warmer indoor temps.

Bonus Tip: Since homes are naturally warmer in summer, your greens may grow faster. But the good news is that you can grow sprouts and microgreens all year long. Just adjust for season-specific challenges like light and humidity.

Quick and Easy How-To's

I won’t bore you here with all the details of how to grow sprouts and microgreens. You can find lots of good information about that in our microgreens and sprouting growing guides, or on the individual product pages of whatever seed you want to grow. My biggest tip? Check the instructions for each species of seed. While the general process is the same, there are different soaking, rinsing, and growing times for each species, and it’s worth checking into before you start. There are even ways to make it fun for the whole family!

Delicious Ways to Use Your Greens

There are so many options for what to do with your sprouts and microgreens. The opportunities truly are endless. Here are some favorites:

• Toss them into salads
• Add them to smoothies
• Top your avocado toast with them
• Include them in your next wrap or sandwich
• Garnish any savory dish with them, including soups, stirfries, or breakfast hash
• Add them into a cottage cheese bowl for more fiber and nutrients!

The list could go on and on. They are crunchy, flavorful, and absolutely packed with nutrients that your body is craving.

Final Encouragement

Growing microgreens and sprouts indoors is easy and fun. If you’re prioritizing your health and wanting to eat more local, nutrient-dense food, you can’t get much better than sprouts and microgreens. And, with so many different seed options to try out, there’s endless exploration awaiting you! Try a new seed every week or find one you like and stick to it. Whether you're sprouting for the first time or growing trays of rainbow microgreens, summer is the perfect time to start. Plus, while you’re trying these out, it’s also a great time to plan your summer-sown garden for an abundant fall harvest. All these tactics work together to ensure we stay well-fed throughout the year! Skip the sunburn. Eat something green. Your windowsill garden is ready when you are.

Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

I am a native of Southwestern Michigan, where I currently reside. I love all things plants! After completing a Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture, I found a dream work-from-home job that allows me to share my passion. Now, I spend my days writing for TLM, playing with my dog, eating delicious food with my husband, and plotting my next landscape or gardening move. I believe everyone should get down and dirty in the soil now and then. Happy Gardening!