How to Grow Microgreens Indoors

Growing microgreens indoors is an easy and rewarding way to enjoy fresh, nutritious greens year-round. These tiny, edible plants are packed with flavor and vitamins, making them perfect for adding to meals or garnishes. Here's your guide to growing microgreens indoors, what grows best, and the dos and don'ts of microgreen gardening.

What Are Microgreens?

Microgreens are young, edible plants harvested just after the first true leaves (cotyledons) appear, usually within 7-21 days after planting. They’re tiny but packed with intense flavor and nutrients, and they can be grown indoors in small spaces like kitchens or windowsills.

Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Microgreens Indoors

1. Choose Your Container

You don’t need much space to grow microgreens. You can use shallow containers like seed trays, plastic or ceramic planters, or even repurposed containers like takeout trays or egg cartons. Make sure your container has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

2. Select Your Growing Medium

Microgreens grow best in a soil-like medium, such as seed-starting mix, peat moss, or coconut coir. You can also use hydroponic mats if you want to grow without soil.

3. Choose Your Seeds

Many microgreens are easy to grow, and the seeds are available in most garden stores or online. Popular choices include:

Radish (fast-growing, spicy flavor)
Sunflower (nutty, crunchy texture)
Pea shoots (sweet, tender)
Mustard (zesty, tangy flavor)
Basil (sweet, aromatic)
Cilantro (bright, herbal)
Broccoli (mild, nutritious)

Make sure to buy seeds specifically labeled for microgreens. Some seeds meant for regular gardening may be treated with pesticides or other chemicals, which can be harmful when growing microgreens for consumption.

4. Plant the Seeds

Sow your seeds thickly across the surface of your soil, but do not bury them. Lightly press the seeds into the soil or growing medium of your choice to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
Cover with a thin layer of soil or gently press the seeds down with a board or tray to help them make good contact with the surface.
Water lightly after planting.

5. Provide Light

Microgreens need plenty of light to grow. Ideally, place your container near a south-facing window with direct sunlight for at least 4-6 hours a day. If you don’t have enough natural light, consider investing in a grow light. LED grow lights work well for microgreens and can be placed about 2-3 inches above the plants.

6. Water Regularly

Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. You can mist the surface with a spray bottle to avoid disturbing the seeds, or water gently with a watering can. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.

7. Harvesting

Once the microgreens have developed their first true leaves (typically 7-21 days after planting), they are ready to be harvested. Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the greens just above the soil level. Harvesting before they mature helps maintain their tenderness and flavor.

What Grows Best for Microgreens?

Some microgreens are much easier and faster to grow than others. Here are the top contenders for easy indoor growing:

Radishes – These are fast-growing (ready in about 7 days) and have a spicy, peppery flavor.
Sunflower – These are easy to grow and have a crunchy texture and nutty taste.
Pea Shoots – Sweet, tender, and fast-growing (about 10-14 days), these are a popular choice.
Mustard – A bit spicy and tangy, mustard greens are quick and easy to grow.
Broccoli – Known for their mild flavor and high nutritional value, these microgreens are easy to grow indoors.

Other great microgreens include arugula, cilantro, basil, and beet greens, which all thrive in indoor environments.

What Doesn’t Grow Well Indoors?

While many microgreens do well indoors, some struggle with limited space and light. Here are a few that don’t perform as well indoors:

Lettuce – While it’s technically a microgreen, lettuce can be slow to germinate and is better suited for outdoor or greenhouse environments.
Chard – Chard requires more space to grow properly and doesn’t thrive in the small containers usually used for microgreens.
Carrots – Carrot greens can be grown as microgreens, but they need deeper soil, which may be tricky indoors.

What Can and Can’t You Eat?

Microgreens are nutritious and safe to eat, but it's essential to know which plants are meant for consumption:

Safe to Eat:

Radishes, sunflowers, peas, basil, cilantro, broccoli, mustard, arugula, and kale are all safe to eat as microgreens.
Herbs like dill, mint, and thyme also work well as microgreens.

Not Safe to Eat:

Some flowers – While some flowers (like nasturtiums) are safe, others may be toxic or not meant for consumption as microgreens.
Certain seeds – Only buy seeds meant for sprouting or microgreen growth to avoid using those that may be treated with pesticides or other chemicals.

Warning and Tips for Growing Microgreens

Be Careful with Mold: Microgreens are prone to mold, especially in high humidity. If you notice any fuzzy white spots on your plants, it’s likely mold. To avoid this, rinse your microgreens regularly, ensure they’re draining properly, and don’t let them sit in stagnant water.
Do Not Overcrowd the Seeds: While you may be tempted to sow your seeds thickly to get more greens, overcrowding can restrict airflow and lead to mold growth. Be sure to give your seeds enough space to grow.
Watch for Pests: Although pests are rare indoors, small insects like aphids can sometimes find their way into your microgreens. If you see any pests, remove them with a gentle spray of water or by wiping them away with a soft cloth.
Harvest Early: Microgreens are meant to be tender and delicate, so harvest them while they’re still young to enjoy the full flavor and nutrients.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy the fresh, vibrant taste of homegrown microgreens, even if you don’t have a garden. Happy growing!