Ready for another week of growing? We sure are! Week 3 of the Sprout For Health 2024 Indoor Growing Challenge is all about microgreens. They may be tiny, but they sure are mighty! While the exact nutrient power can vary from plant to plant, powerhouses like broccoli boast up to 40 times the nutrients of their mature harvest. How crazy is that! Because microgreens are so dense with nutrients, adding just a few to your meals each day can help close nutritional gaps common to the everyday American’s diet. We love microgreens because they are nutritious, delicious, and colorful. Join the challenge today!
If you are an experienced grower, you may find yourself growing the same seeds over and over again. We encourage you to expand your horizons and try something new. Check out some of our seed assortments for some ideas to get started. New to growing microgreens? No problem! Our Chief Operating Officer Rob Baumann guest starred on PBS Utah’s Modern Gardener as an experienced microgreens grower where they go over the entire growing process. Check out their helpful how-to instructions, tips, tricks, and more in the videos below!
As I mentioned earlier, microgreens are packed with nutrients. But, exactly how can these nutritious little greens benefit your health? Aside from boosting the assortment of nutrients consumed in your everyday diet, they can also help reduce inflammation, prevent disease, manage weight, support gut health, and more! A big reason for all of these benefits is the vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant contents found within various microgreens.
“Antioxidants help the body eliminate unstable waste molecules known as free radicals. Free radicals result from both natural bodily processes and environmental pressures, such as pollution. As they build up, they can lead to cell damage. Eventually, this damage may contribute to the development of diseases, such as cancer.”
Health Benefits of Microgreens - Megan Ware RDN, L.D., Medical News Today
Try taking a few minutes this week to continue learning about the many health benefits of your favorite microgreens.
Not only are there different types of microgreens, but there are also different growing mediums that may be used. A growing medium is the material the seeds grow in. Soil is, of course, the most traditional and reliable. But there are so many others that can be used. Bamboo, jute fiber, coco coir, felt, among others. Some seeds perform better than others in each of these materials. Soil isn’t your only option. Many growers find hydroponic gardening a fun and rewarding challenge. Some prefer hydroponic methods because it is clean and doesn’t require moving heavy soil around. We challenge you to try something new and gain the experience of growing on different growing mediums. Have you tried layering coco coir on top of a hydroponic medium? Give it a try and let us know what you think!
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In addition to eating fresh foods like sprouts and microgreens, we also encourage you to engage in regular physical activity to build and maintain healthy habits. Moving for just a few minutes a day is all it takes to start making a difference. Start by doing a “micro” workout for just 15 minutes a day. This can include simple stretches, movements, weight exercises, or jamming to your favorite tunes. When it comes to micro workouts, the only thing that matters is movement.
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