Grow Your Own Microgreens
What You Will Need
Seeds
Choose seeds labeled for microgreens, such as radish, broccoli, sunflower, or pea shoots.
Growing Trays
A shallow tray with drainage holes works best. You can also use repurposed containers like pie tins or takeout trays; 1020 trays work great for growing microgreens.
Growing Medium
Use a seed-starting mix, coconut coir, or a hydroponic grow mat.
Light Source
Use natural sunlight or a grow light for a light source.
Prepare to Grow
- Pre-moisten the coconut coir to the consistency and feel of a wrung-out sponge. Grab a handful and squeeze. Your hand should be wet, but no water should drip out.
- Add 2 quarts coconut coir to a 1020 tray with drain holes.
- Add 2 cups water to a 1020 tray without drain holes.
- Place the tray with coir on top of the tray with water.
- After 30 minutes, discard any water remaining in the bottom tray, if any.
- For other media types, you’ll perform similar steps.
General Guidelines
Table 1 provides general guidelines for popular microgreens. Notice the short harvest intervals and that the various types offer a broad range of flavors.
| Microgreen variety | Seeding (g/1020 tray) | Seed presoak | Covered time | Estimated time to harvest | Seed cost per pound* | Seed cost per tray | Flavor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arugula | 10 | no | 1-2 days | 6-8 days | $13.26 | $0.30 | peppery |
| Basil | 28 | no | 4-7 days | 12-16 days | $28.84 | $1.80 | intense basil |
| Broccoli | 28 | no | 2-4 days | 8-12 days | $14.17 | $0.89 | mild broccoli |
| Cilantro | 28 | no | 7-14 days | 21-28 days | $25.56 | $1.60 | cilantro |
| Kale | 28 | no | 1-2 days | 8-12 days | $14.51 | $0.91 | strong brassica, nutty |
| Mesclun greens mix | 28 | no | 3-5 days | 12-14 days | $23.52 | $1.47 | mild, slightly sweet |
| Pea | 150 | 6 hours | 3 days | 8-10 days | $7.98 | $2.67 | Sweet pea |
| Radish (champion) | 42 | no | 1-2 days | 8-12 days | $14.17 | $1.33 | nutty, spicy |
| Radish (purple) | 42 | no | 1-2 days | 8-12 days | $36.58 | $3.43 | nutty, spicy |
| Rutabaga | 28 | no | 1-2 days | 8-12 days | $11.29 | $0.71 | mild peppery mustard |
| Sunflower | 48 | 12 hours | 3 days | 9-10 days | $9.02 | $0.97 | nutty, sweet |
*Seed cost based on prices as of 12/17/2024
Plant Seeds
- Weigh an appropriate amount of seed for the variety.
- Evenly distribute the seed across the media.
- Cover the media with another 1020 tray, placed directly on the media. Place something flat and heavy on top (2–5 pounds).
Germinate in the Dark
For the first part of germination, the tray will be kept in the dark with another tray directly on top. Additional weight (like a piece of plywood cut to fit in a 1020 tray) will help the seeds to remain in contact with the media while the roots push down into it. Leave it directly in contact with the media for half of the dark period (see “Covered Time” in Table 1). The goal is to ensure the roots are forced to grow downward, rather than pushing the seed upward. Remove the tray when it’s obvious the roots are pushing into the medium.
For the second half of the dark period, take the top tray off and turn it over so that it forms a covering without contacting the seeds. At this point, the plants will begin sprouting. They are kept in the dark for a period to encourage them to stretch a bit.
Turn On the Lights
Artificial lights give you the most control, but a southern exposed window can also work. Remember that during winter, Utah has as little as 8 hours of sunlight per day.
Grow lights should be connected to a timer and turned on 18 hours per day. Remember: lights on for 18 hours, dark for 6 hours.
Temperature
Ensuring the planting medium stays at adequate temperatures can help the microgreen seeds germinate successfully. The light source will provide some heat. If needed, using a heating pad designed for starting seeds can help you achieve optimal temperatures in a cooler environment.
- 74 °F during germination.
- 72 °F during lights on.
- 68 °F during lights off.
Airflow
Plants need constant airflow. Use a gentle-blowing fan, especially if your plants are near a sunny window.
Harvest
Plants are ready to harvest as soon as you begin to see the first true leaves, or sooner. Experiment to see what you like best.
References
- Di Gioia, F. (2023, November 9). A step-by-step guide for growing microgreens at home. Penn State Extension.
https://extension.psu.edu/a-step-by-step-guide-for-growing-microgreens-at-home - Gilbertson, A., & Mondl, A. (n.d.). Microgreens growing guide. University of Minnesota Extension.
https://extension.umn.edu/yd-curriculum/microgreens-growing-guide - Sánchez, E., & Berghage, R. (2023, March 14). Growing microgreens. Penn State Extension.
https://extension.psu.edu/growing-microgreens - Utah State University (USU) Extension. (2017, December 18). How to grow microgreens [Video]. YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deI1VyB-GsI
February 2025
Utah State University Extension
Authors
Stephen Beck
Stephen Beck
Diagnostician | Gardening Help Desk
Horticulture
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