Growing microgreens at home is a fun and rewarding hobby that can provide you with a constant supply of nutrient-rich greens.
If you're interested in growing large quantities of microgreens, there are a few key things you'll want to keep in mind.
First and foremost, you'll need the right equipment.
If you want to grow a large quantity of microgreens, you may want to invest in shelves to help with the setup.
Shelves allow you to stack your containers and make the most of your space.
When it comes to choosing shelves, there are a few things to consider.
How To Start an Indoor Microgreen Farm
Shelves
First, you'll want to think about the size of your shelves.
They should be wide enough to accommodate your containers and deep enough to provide enough space for your microgreens to grow.
You'll also want to consider the weight capacity of your shelves.
If you are using heavier containers or soil mixes, you'll need shelves that can support the weight.
Another important factor to consider is the height of your shelves.
If you are using LED grow lights, you'll want to make sure that your shelves are tall enough to allow for proper light coverage.
You can adjust the height of your shelves by using risers or by attaching your grow lights to chains or rope so that they can be easily raised or lowered.
Finally, you'll want to think about the material of your shelves.
Wood shelves can be sturdier and more attractive, but they may be more expensive and require more maintenance.
Metal shelves are often more affordable and lightweight, but they may not be as attractive.
Ultimately, the choice of material will depend on your budget, space, and personal preferences.
Once you have your shelves set up, you can easily stack your containers on them and provide your microgreens with the light and space they need to thrive.
Grow Lights
Grow lights come in a variety of types and sizes, and can be an essential tool for growing microgreens indoors.
They provide your plants with the light they need to grow, even during the shorter days of winter.
There are several types of grow lights to choose from, including LED, fluorescent, and HID (high-intensity discharge) lights.
LED lights are energy efficient and have a long lifespan, making them a popular choice for microgreen growing.
To attach LED grow lights under the shelves, you can use chains or ropes to hang them from the ceiling or a support beam.
Fluorescent lights are also energy efficient, but may not provide as much light as other types of grow lights.
HID lights are the most powerful type of grow light, but they are also the most energy-intensive and have a shorter lifespan.
Grow Trays
When it comes to containers for growing microgreens, there are many options to choose from. You can use recycled containers like yogurt cups or plastic trays, or purchase specially designed microgreen trays or seedling flats.
It's important to choose containers that have drainage holes to allow excess water to drain away and prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged.
You can also line the bottom of your containers with paper towels or coffee filters to help with drainage.
Soil
When it comes to soil, microgreens don't need a lot, but they do need soil that is nutrient-rich and well-draining.
One option for soil is to use a mix specifically designed for microgreens, which can be purchased at a gardening or hydroponics store.
Alternatively, you can create your own mix by combining equal parts peat moss, perlite, and compost.
For an extra boost of nutrients, you can also add in a small amount of earthworm castings.
Earthworm castings are a type of compost made by worms, and they are rich in nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus.
These nutrients can help your microgreens grow healthy and strong.
If you prefer, you can also use coco coir instead of peat moss.
Coco coir is a sustainable alternative to peat moss that is made from coconut husks.
It is a good option for microgreens because it is lightweight, well-draining, and holds moisture well.
Types of Microgreens You Can Grow
There are many different types of microgreens you can grow, including broccoli, kale, radish, and arugula.
Each type has its own unique flavor and nutritional profile, so you can mix and match to create a diverse selection.
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How To Grow Microgreens
To grow a large quantity of microgreens, you'll need to plant your seeds densely. This means sowing them close together, rather than spaced out.
You can use a seed tray, or sow your seeds directly in pots or boxes. Just be sure to follow the seed packet instructions for the proper depth and spacing.
Water your microgreens once or twice a day, depending on the humidity and temperature in your growing area. And be sure to provide them with adequate light by placing your containers in a sunny location.
As your microgreens grow, you'll need to thin them out. This means removing some of the excess seedlings to allow the remaining ones more space to grow.
You can do this by gently pulling out the weaker seedlings, or by snipping them off with scissors. Be sure to handle your microgreens gently, as they are delicate plants.
When your microgreens are ready to harvest, simply snip them off at the base of the stem using scissors or a sharp knife.
You can harvest your microgreens when they are just a few inches tall, or wait until they are a bit larger.
The choice is up to you, and will depend on the type of microgreens you are growing.
Some microgreens, like broccoli and kale, have a stronger flavor and may be more suited to being harvested when they are larger.
Others, like arugula and radish, have a more delicate flavor and can be harvested when they are smaller.
Once you've harvested your microgreens, you can enjoy them in a variety of dishes.
They are delicious in salads, sandwiches, and smoothies, or as a garnish for soups and pasta dishes.
You can also mix and match different types of microgreens to create your own unique flavor combinations.
Final Thoughts on Growing Microgreens at Scale
Growing lots of microgreens at home is a fun and rewarding hobby that can provide you with a constant supply of nutrient-rich greens.
With the right equipment, soil, and care, you can easily grow large quantities of microgreens indoors or outdoors.
And when you're ready to harvest, you'll have a delicious and healthy addition to your meals.
So why not give it a try and see how much you can grow?
If you want to learn more about microgreens, check out our comprehensive Microgreen eBook.
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