Learn About Growing Microgreens at Home

Understanding What Microgreens Are and How They Differ From Sprouts

Microgreens are young vegetable and herb plants harvested at a very early stage of growth, typically between 7 to 14 days after the seed germinates. At this point, the plant has developed its first true leaves—called cotyledons—and stands between 1 to 3 inches tall. Despite their small size, microgreens contain concentrated nutrients, flavor, and color that make them popular additions to salads, sandwiches, soups, and garnishes. Common varieties grown at home include broccoli, radish, mustard, sunflower, pea shoots, and arugula microgreens.

Many people confuse microgreens with sprouts, but they are distinctly different products. Sprouts are germinated seeds grown in water or moisture without soil, and they are consumed at an even earlier stage—typically 3 to 5 days old—with the entire sprout, including the root and seed coat, eaten together. Microgreens, by contrast, are grown in soil or growing medium and only the stem and leaves are harvested and consumed. This difference affects both the growing process and the final product. Sprouts require less equipment and grow faster, but microgreens offer greater variety, more developed flavors, and easier harvesting. Microgreens also have a longer shelf life when stored properly, lasting 7 to 14 days in the refrigerator compared to sprouts, which typically last only 3 to 5 days.

From a nutritional perspective, research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that microgreens contained concentrated levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants—up to 40 times higher than their mature plant counterparts in some cases. For example, red cabbage microgreens contain significantly higher levels of anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant, than fully grown red cabbage. Radish microgreens are known for their glucosinolates, compounds being studied for their potential health properties. This nutritional density is one reason why microgreens have become increasingly popular in restaurants, farmers markets, and home kitchens over the past two decades.

Practical Takeaway: Understanding the distinction between microgreens and sprouts helps you choose the right growing method for your goals. If you want variety, longer harvest windows, and more developed flavors with minimal equipment, microgreens are the better choice. If you prioritize speed and simplicity, sprouts might be more suitable for your situation.

Essential Equipment and Supplies for Starting Microgreens Indoors

Growing microgreens at home requires minimal equipment, making it an accessible option for beginners with limited space or budget. The basic setup consists of a growing container, growing medium, seeds, water, and light. You do not need expensive or specialized equipment to succeed. Most people use materials already available at home or readily available at garden centers, hardware stores, or online retailers.

For containers, shallow trays with drainage holes work best. Standard 10-by-20-inch nursery trays, seed starting trays, or even repurposed containers like takeout boxes, aluminum pans, or old baking sheets can be used if drainage holes are added. The key requirement is that containers are at least 2 inches deep to accommodate the growing medium and developing roots. Many growers use two trays per growing cycle—one solid tray as a base to catch water and one perforated tray to hold the growing medium. This setup prevents water from pooling and causing mold or rot.

Growing medium options include soil-based or soilless choices. Many home growers use a combination of potting soil and coconut coir, a sustainable alternative to peat moss. Other options include peat-based seed starting mix, composted bark, or specialty microgreen mixes designed for this purpose. The medium should retain moisture while still allowing drainage and should be relatively fine-textured to support delicate seedlings. Depth typically ranges from 1 to 1.5 inches. Seeds should be sourced from reputable suppliers that offer varieties specifically intended for microgreen production. Standard vegetable seeds work, but seeds marketed for microgreens are often more reliable and may be tested for contamination.

Lighting is crucial for healthy microgreen growth. While natural sunlight from a south-facing window can work, most home growers find supplemental lighting more reliable. LED grow lights are energy-efficient and produce minimal heat, making them ideal for indoor growing. Standard fluorescent shop lights also work and are less expensive than specialty grow lights. Lights should be positioned 2 to 4 inches above the seedlings and adjusted as the plants grow. A basic timer set to provide 12 to 16 hours of light daily supports healthy growth without requiring constant manual adjustment.

Practical Takeaway: You can start growing microgreens with materials costing less than $50. Begin with basic containers, standard potting soil, LED shop lights from a hardware store, and seeds from a garden center. As you gain experience, you can upgrade to specialized equipment if desired, but it is not necessary for successful harvests.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Planting and Growing Microgreens

The microgreens growing process follows a straightforward sequence that takes about two weeks from seed to harvest. The first step is preparation. Fill your growing container with moistened growing medium to a depth of 1 to 1.5 inches, pressing gently to create an even surface without compacting it too firmly. The medium should feel like a wrung-out sponge—moist but not waterlogged. Spread seeds across the surface in a single layer, aiming for density without overcrowding. Different varieties have different seed sizes and spacing requirements; radish and sunflower seeds are larger and are spaced more loosely, while smaller seeds like broccoli or mustard can be planted more densely.

After planting, mist the seeds with water using a spray bottle and cover the tray with a humidity dome, plastic wrap, or another tray placed on top. This covering maintains moisture and creates darkness, which most seeds require for germination. During this germination phase, lasting 3 to 5 days depending on the variety, check moisture daily and mist if the surface begins to dry. Keep the environment around 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Once germination occurs and tiny roots and shoots emerge, remove the covering and move the tray under lights positioned about 3 inches above the medium. Lower the humidity by reducing misting frequency; the medium should remain moist but not soggy.

During the growth phase, lasting 7 to 10 days after germination, maintain consistent moisture by misting once or twice daily or using a watering tray method where the growing tray sits on a solid tray and is watered from below to prevent disturbing developing seedlings. Provide 12 to 16 hours of light daily using the timer mentioned previously. Keep the environment cool and well-ventilated; a small fan running for a few hours daily helps prevent mold and strengthens stems. Most microgreens develop their first true leaves during this period, and the plants begin to show color and character. Some growers prefer to do a final watering with a dilute fertilizer solution around day 10 for slightly enhanced nutrition, though this is optional.

Harvesting occurs when microgreens have developed their first true leaves and reached 1.5 to 3 inches in height, typically 10 to 14 days after planting. The exact timing varies by variety; fast-growing varieties like radish and mustard may be ready in 10 days, while slower varieties like broccoli may take 14 to 16 days. Harvest in the morning when plants are well-hydrated. Using a sharp knife or scissors, cut the microgreens just above the soil line. Rinse lightly and pat dry with paper towels before using or storing. Properly harvested and dried microgreens store in the refrigerator for 7 to 14 days in a sealed container or bag.

Practical Takeaway: Keep a simple growing log noting your planting date, variety, germination date, and harvest date. This record helps you refine timing and discover which varieties work best in your specific growing environment. Most varieties follow a 10 to 14-day timeline, making it practical to start a new tray every few days for continuous harvests.

Selecting the Best Microgreen Varieties for Beginners

Not all microgreen varieties are equally suited to beginning growers. Some varieties