If you are a starting plant grower, being here will surely be a great help for you! First and foremost, space will not be that much of an issue since you can grow these indoors at your shelves! Microgreens are considered as super foods that are packed with nutrients. These are seeds that are grown and harvested in its earlier stage. In just two to three weeks (or even less!), you can already enjoy these microgreens in your salad plates!
Benefits of Spinach Microgreens
Spinach has been linked with numerous health benefits, such as cancer risk reduction, high blood pressure management and eye health. In addition, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K1, folic acid, iron and calcium are found in spinach. Learn how to sprout, grow, and harvest spinach microgreens by following this simple guide.
First of all, gather the following materials:
- Microgreen Tray
- Coco coir
- Spinach Seeds
- Grow Light Strips
- Kitchen Scissors
- Spray Bottle
Next, follow the following steps!
Soaking the Seeds
- To start, soak your seeds in water for 6-8 hours. This will soften the shell of the spinach seeds and let it germinate quicker.
Sowing on Coco Coir
- Prepare your microgreen tray by placing utmost an inch of coco coir where the seeds will be grown. Make sure that the coco coir are evenly distributed across the tray.
- Distribute the seeds unto the coco coir, in a well-distributed manner. You can use a spoon or just your bare hands. Remember that the seeds will remain on top and will not be buried under the coco coir.
- Make sure that the seeds are pressed down lightly to still have enough contact with the coco coir.
- Mist the seeds with water.
- Cover the tray with a lid (or another tray) to maintain moisture. They also grow well in the dark!
Watering
- While roots are not yet developed, continue to water the seeds using a spray bottle. It is vital for the seeds to have access to water but not too much for it can develop molds.
- Once you are already seeing roots below the white-colored tray, you can now put water in the green-colored basin below. This will be easier for you since by this time, you do not need to water them daily. The roots will already do its job as it absorbs water below!
Lighting
- After 4-5 days, you can now expose them to grow lights for 12-18 hours. This will make your sprouts greener!
Harvesting
- After 10-11 days or when some of the shoots are already bending, they will be ready for harvest!
- Harvesting microgreens are pretty simple. You just need to cut them through the part of the shoot that is not too close with the coco coir.
- After that, it is great to rinse them gently with cold water, then they are ready to serve!
- Your spinach microgreens can be harvested and stored for the next few days in the refrigerator. The general rule when growing microgreens, however, is that the nearer the microgreens are consumed to harvest, the greater its flavor and taste. The longer you keep microgreens harvested in the refrigerator, the more they lose their quality.
Tips to Remember!
- Soaking the spinach seeds will make the germination quicker.
- The soil must maintain moisture in the germination process.
- In just 2 to 3 days, you should be seeing signs of germination already.
- Do not over-water them, because molds may develop and hinder their growth.
- If you want to store your spinach microgreens, it will be better if you will lessen their water supply 8-12 hours before harvesting them. Through this, they will become dry, thus they will be better for storage.
- Most importantly, enjoy your microgreen journey!
If you are looking to start your garden, check out the links in the description for our recommended books and audiobooks.
Don’t forget to download the free ebook too.
Backyard Gardening Book (paperback)
Backyard Gardening Book (audiobook)
Urban Gardening Book (paperback)
Urban Gardening Book (audiobook)