Microgreens are one of the fastest crops you can grow at home, ready to harvest in as little as ten to fourteen days from seed. They require no garden bed, no outdoor space, and only a small amount of daily attention.

What You'll Need

A shallow tray, a growing medium such as coconut coir or a thin layer of potting mix, and microgreen seeds are the only essentials. Many growers reuse the plastic clamshell containers produce comes in, poking drainage holes in the bottom.

Planting and Germination

Spread seeds densely and evenly across the surface of the growing medium, then press them in gently without burying them. Keep the tray covered for the first two to four days to hold in humidity while the seeds germinate.

Light and Watering

Once seedlings emerge, move the tray to bright light and remove the cover. Bottom-watering, by adding water to a tray underneath rather than misting from above, helps prevent the mold issues that are the most common reason microgreen trays fail.

Harvesting

Microgreens are ready when the first true leaves begin to appear above the initial seed leaves, typically seven to fourteen days after planting depending on the variety. Cut just above the soil line with scissors and rinse before eating.

Because the growing cycle is so short, a new tray can be started every few days to keep a continuous supply coming without needing much space at all.