How to Grow Microgreens at Home: Benefits, Method, and Harvesting
You might not have seriously considered growing microgreens at home before, but once you learn about their benefits, you will definitely want to make them a part of your daily routine. Microgreens contain a very high concentration of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants—such as Vitamins A, C, and K—often far more than their mature counterparts.
Health Benefits of Microgreens
Adding microgreens to your diet offers immense health advantages:
Disease Prevention: Regular consumption can help reduce the risk of serious diseases, including certain cancers.
Heart & Diabetes Support: They are excellent for heart health and help protect against diabetes-related complications.
Immune System Boost: Microgreens strengthen the immune system and even help improve eyesight.
Nutritional Powerhouse: In many cases, they provide significantly more nutrition than fully grown vegetables.
Materials Required
Growing microgreens is very cost-effective and simple. You don't need to spend a lot of money on fancy equipment.
1. Container
You can use any container available at home—plastic boxes, sweet boxes, old bowls, plates, or even the trays placed under flower pots.
2. Seeds
The most important component is the seed. Always use organic seeds.
Caution:
Ensure the seeds have no chemical coating. If seeds appear red, yellow, or unnaturally green, they are chemically treated. Choose plain, natural brown seeds.
3. Soil Medium
Use coco-peat as your growing medium. It resists fungus better than regular soil and keeps the seeds safe for a longer period.
Top Microgreens to Grow and Their Benefits
1. Wheatgrass
Very easy to grow. It aids digestion and helps the body absorb nutrients more effectively. Wheatgrass maintains blood sugar levels and acts as a powerful detoxifier. Often called “Green Blood”, it helps repair liver and kidney damage.
2. Mustard (Sarso)
Excellent for balancing hormones and promoting heart health. It is a superfood that provides long-lasting energy. Rich in Vitamins A, C, and K, mustard microgreens also support hair growth and liver health.
3. Sunflower
Sunflower microgreens are packed with essential minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which help increase bone density and strength.
4. Fenugreek (Methi), Radish, and Spinach
Fenugreek (Methi): Helps with digestion and controls sugar spikes.
Radish, Beetroot & Spinach: These microgreens can be easily grown even in just 2 cm of soil medium.
Growing Process & Care
1. Tagging
Every type of seed has a different germination time. Use wooden spoons or sticks to label your containers so you know which seeds were planted and when.
2. Location
Place your microgreens in a spot that receives bright, indirect light (like near a window).
Avoid:
complete darkness
direct, harsh sunlight
A simple shoe rack or stand can be used to organise all your trays in one spot.
3. Watering
Maintaining moisture is crucial, but overwatering can lead to fungus.
Best Method: Use a spray pump.
Spray lightly only when the top layer of coco-peat looks dry—preferably in the morning.
The Right Time to Harvest
The best time to harvest microgreens is when the “true set of leaves” appears.
After the first 1–2 true leaves emerge, wait 2 more days to allow nutrition levels to peak.
Always harvest in the morning for maximum nutrient retention.
Use clean scissors to cut the microgreens just above the soil line.
Wash them thoroughly to remove any dust or soil particles.
Note:
Most microgreens (except wheatgrass, which may regrow once) are a one-time harvest crop. You will need to sow fresh seeds for the next batch.
The leftover roots and coco-peat can be added to other plants as fertilizer.
Conclusion
Microgreens are a true superfood. When consumed fresh, they provide “active nutrients” that keep your energy levels high throughout the day and support brain development in children. You can add them to salads, smoothies, or use them as a garnish on dishes like dhokla instead of coriander.
Start including this tiny but powerful food in your diet today!
