Growing your own microgreens is a fun and rewarding hobby that anyone can do, even if you don’t have a green thumb! Not only will you have a regular store of fresh, flavorful greens, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing that you grew them yourself. Plus, microgreens are packed with nutrients, so you’ll be getting a health boost every time you munch on them.
What are microgreens?
Simply put, they are young plants that are harvested when they are about 1-2 inches tall and have their first group of proper leaves. That includes vegetables like kale, radish, and, of course, spinach. Spinach microgreens have a mild, slightly sweet flavour and are great for adding a pop of colour and nutrition to salads, sandwiches, and more.
What are Spinach Microgreens?
Spinach microgreens are young spinach plants that are harvested when they are about 1-2 inches tall. They have a mild, slightly sweet flavour and are packed with nutrients, making them a tasty and healthy addition to any meal.
In terms of nutrition, spinach microgreens are a superfood. They are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and calcium. They also contain antioxidants, which can aid against chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
What Materials are Required to Grow your Spinach Microgreens?
Growing spinach microgreens is easy and only requires a few basic materials. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- Seeds: You’ll need spinach seeds, which can be found at a local gardening store or online.
- Soil: It’s important to use soil that is specifically formulated for microgreens, as it will have the right balance of nutrients and drainage. These can also be found at a local gardening store or online.
- Containers: You’ll need a container to grow your microgreens in. You can use plastic containers or seed trays with drainage holes, or you can get creative and recycle items like yogurt cups or egg cartons as long as they have drainage holes.
- Tray: You’ll need a tray to catch excess water and keep the soil from becoming waterlogged.
- Light: In the process of growing spinach microgreens, light plays an important part.
How to Grow Spinach Microgreens?
Growing spinach microgreens is easy and can be done year-round, indoors or out. All you need is a container, some soil, and some seeds. Here are some points to help you get started:
1. Soaking
Soaking seeds before planting is a common practice that can help to improve germination rates and speed up the growing process. When seeds are soaked, they absorb water and begin the process of germination, which is the process by which a seed grows into a plant.
Soak seeds overnight, simply place the seeds in a bowl and cover them with water. certain that you use enough water to fully dip the seeds. The seeds should be left to soak for 6-8 hours.
2. Choosing the Right Soil and Container
When it comes to soil, it’s important to use soil that is specifically formulated for microgreens. These soils will have the right balance of nutrients and drainage, ensuring that your microgreens have everything they need to grow. You can find these soils at a local gardening store or online.
As for containers, it’s important to pick a tray with drainage holes to control the soil from becoming wet for a long. Use the tray one with drainage hole and one without. Take the sifted soil and then fill your tray with it. After it, drench the soil in the tray with the help of water and let the soil be soaked.
Also Read: Growing the Microgreen Broccoli
3. Planting the Spinach Seeds
- Sow the seeds thinly and evenly on the surface of the soil.
- Press the seeds gently into the soil, but don’t cover them with soil as they require light to germinate.
- Use a seed sower or a spoon to evenly distribute the seeds.
4. Cover It and Leave It
Now all you have to do is cover the tray and leave it in a cool, dry, and dark place. You can use some other thing to cover the tray to make a dark environment. It may take a few days for the seeds to germinate, but with a bit of patience, you’ll soon see little sprouts emerging from the soil.
5. After the Germination, Place the Tray in the Light
After some time, like 4-6 days, your seeds will be fully germinated. When it germinated, remove the tray from the dark place and place it under artificial light. You can use the LED lights for spinach microgreens as sunlight is too extreme for the microgreens and can distort the taste and flavours.
6. Watering
After placing the spinach microgreen in the light, water it. You have to know that it’s the first time to water them. But how do water spinach microgreens? while watering it, you have to take care of one thing that is when growing microgreens, mold is a problem.
Avoid it by bottom watering. Place the grow tray in another tray that is filled with an inch of water. Continue the watering until the harvesting in about 7-10 days.
Also Read: How Long Does it Take for Kale to Grow?
7. Harvesting
After 10 days, when the microgreens are about 1-2 inches tall and have their first group of proper leaves, they are ready to be harvested. To harvest the microgreens, use a sharp knife or scissors to cut them at the soil level.
After harvesting, gently blot the microgreens dry with a paper towel or cloth. This will help to remove excess moisture and keep the microgreens fresh.
8. Storing the Microgreens
Once the microgreens are harvested, they should be stored in a plastic bag or container in the refrigerator. You can keep them for about a week. You can wash and spin dry the microgreens before storing them.
9. Using Spinach Microgreens
Spinach microgreens make a beautiful garnish for any dish. Try using them to top off soups, salads, and sandwiches for flavour. Spinach microgreens can be added to smoothies for a nutrient boost. Spinach smoothies have a mild flavour that won’t crush the other ingredients. Also, Add a handful of spinach microgreens to your omelettes for a flavour and nutrition boost.
Check this out:
- Why Are My Spinach Leaves Curling?
- Why Are My Spinach Leaves Turning Yellow?
- Why Are My Pumpkin Plant Leaves Turning Yellow?
- Why Are Eggshells Good for Pepper Plants?
Conclusion
Growing spinach microgreens is a fun and rewarding way to add flavour and nutrition to your meals. It’s easy to do and requires minimal space and materials. All you need is a container, some soil, and some seeds.
Spinach Microgreens are a mild, slightly sweet flavour and can be used in a variety of dishes. There is some evidence to suggest that consuming spinach microgreens may have potential health benefits, including improved eye health, blood pressure control, and antioxidant activity.
To grow your own spinach microgreens, you’ll need a container or tray, soil, and seeds. It’s important to use soil that is specifically formulated for microgreens, as it will have the right balance of nutrients and drainage. You’ll also need a light source to provide the necessary light for your microgreens to grow.
With a bit of care and attention, you’ll be able to enjoy your own homegrown spinach microgreens in no time. So why not give it a try? Happy growing!