Microgreens Summary for Success (cheat sheet) © janice142 For those who have read the Microgreens Aboard Seaweed (series) this is your outline/cheat sheet. Everything on this list can be purchased at Walmart though I opted to buy both soap dishes and plastic placemats at Dollar Tree because they are less expensive there. Link: http://janice142.com/Articles/MicrogreensAboardSeaweed.html |
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Shopping List for growing microgreens on a small scale: #1) Travel size soap boxes. The containers come in multiple colors. At the Dollar Tree they are either two or three to the buck. |
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#2) Foam. I utilize the packing foam received when ordering online. I wrap the foam layer(s) in a paper towel. 1/4" thick is ideal. The foam floats, so even if I do over-water my seeds won't drown. The paper towel is my substitute for dirt. #3) Dampen the paper towel with water. I add about one tablespoon of water to the soap box. If you believe you have too much water, simply tip the container on its side and pour out the excess. |
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#4) Spread 1/2 teaspoon of seeds on the wet paper towel. For a first timer, I suggest Kale. The kale seeds are larger than broccoli, cabbage or turnip. Truly, any of the fabulous four will grow for you. I promise! Fabulous Four: broccoli, cabbage, kale and turnip. These four are my favorites because they are virtually fool-proof. Every crop grew and was delicious too. |
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Please buy the seeds I suggest, even if you do not like the full grown plant. Though I personally am not fond of kale and have never had a turnip I liked, as microgreens both are quite good. #5) Cover the seeds with a piece of opaque plastic. I use a cut up plastic placemat. The seeds normally germinate/sprout in the dark under dirt. Plastic is your substitute for dirt. |
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#6) Flip up the latches on the side of the soap dish. Place the lid on top of the latches so the air can circulate. This forms a greenhouse effect for better plant growth. #7) Add about a teaspoon of water twice a day. Seeds should sprout by day two or three. Leave them covered until the lid of your soap dish touched by the plants. Then tuck the lid and plastic underneath. |
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Side Note: There may be fuzz on the roots. That is perfectly okay. Those small hairs are a normal part of the plant growth. They are not mold and will disappear in a day or two.
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#8) Uncover the seedlings. When the seedlings are about an inch tall I take off the plastic and expose the plant to daylight. Though yellow, they will turn green within a few hours. |
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#9) When the microgreens are five to six days old they are ready for harvesting. I take scissors and cut just above the paper towels. Please note that seed casings are not hard and taste fine. I eat them. The paper towel is thrown away. I wash and reuse the foam, wrapping it in a fresh paper towel before starting the whole growing process over again. |
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Link to series:
http://janice142.com/Articles/MicrogreensAboardSeaweed.html
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