Tips & Information
Cleaning and desinfecting the growing trays after the harvest
When growing microgreens,it’s important to keep your trays clean, and sanitized. Removing soil and other residues from your growth, such as roots and dead plants, will protect against potentially harmful germs, fungus, and damping off. If you want to have strong and healthy microgreens, you have to handle your trays and other equipment with care. If you leave your trays with residual roots, plants, and medium, it can get stuck in your trays. This leftover dirt can harbor bacteria, and over time that can cause fungus to grow. First after the harvest get rid of the plants and roots. Be sure yoiu have all the roots Secondly use hot water and soap(you can add vinegar) and clean the trays thoroughly. Be sure you have removed all the plant and soil risidue. Thirdly rinse very well and spray with( a 2tbl Hydrogen Peroxide spoon and 1liter) water mixture and just let it dry. If possible let it dry in the sun. Hydrogen Peroxide is a great product not only for sterilizing your trays but it has several advantages: Antibacterial – it kills bacteria cells Anti-fungal – it treats fungal growth It kills mould and mildew and prevents damping off
You want to know what family your microgreens belong to?
Here is a small list of the most used microgreen seeds: • Amaranthaceae family: Amaranth, beetroots, chard, quinoa, spinach. • Amaryllidaceae family: Chives, garlic, leeks, onions. • Apiaceae family: Carrots, celery, dill, fennel, coriander, parsley. • Asteraceae family: Chicory, endive, lettuce, radicchio, sunflower. • Brassicaceae family: Rocket, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, purple radish, Daikon radish, red and green mustard, mizuna(Japanese mustard), curled cress, horseradish, tatsoi. • Cucurbitaceae family: Cucumbers, melons, and squashes. • Fabacea family: mung beans, chickpeas, peas, lentils. • Lamiaceae family: Herbs like mint, basil, rosemary, sage, oregano. • Poaceae family: Includes grasses and cereals like barley, corn, rice, oats, wheatgrass.
How to sprout soy beans
Sprouting soybeans is a relatively simple process that involves soaking the beans in water and allowing them to germinate and grow small sprouts. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to sprout soybeans: Start by selecting high-quality, organic soybeans. Ensure that they are clean and free from any debris. Measure out the desired amount of soybeans you wish to sprout. Keep in mind that the beans will roughly double in size during the sprouting process. Rinse the soybeans thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or impurities. Place the soybeans in a large bowl or container and add enough water to completely cover them. Leave some extra room for the beans to expand. Allow the soybeans to soak for about 8 to 10 hours. It's best to do this overnight for convenience. After the soaking period, drain the water from the beans using a colander or sieve. Rinse the soybeans again with fresh water. Take a clean, damp cloth or paper towel and spread it over a plate or tray. Spread the soaked soybeans evenly over the damp cloth. Make sure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Cover the plate or tray loosely with another damp cloth or plastic wrap to create a humid environment for sprouting. Place the plate or tray in a warm location away from direct sunlight. Ideally, the temperature should be between 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C). Twice a day, rinse the soybeans with fresh water to keep them moist. Be gentle to avoid damaging the sprouts. Continue rinsing and draining the soybeans twice a day for about 3 to 5 days, or until the sprouts have reached your desired length. The sprouting time can vary based on temperature and personal preference. The sprouts are typically ready when they reach around 1/4 to 1/2 inch in length. Once the soybean sprouts have reached the desired length, give them a final rinse and drain well. Store the sprouts in the refrigerator in a covered container or a plastic bag. They can be kept for a few days, but it's best to consume them as fresh as possible. Soybean sprouts are nutritious and can be used in salads, stir-fries, sandwiches, and other dishes. Enjoy your freshly sprouted soybeans!
Don't let temperatuture and sunlight kill your little plants
Temperature is very important for growing microgreens. The optimal temperature range for growing microgreens is between 65°F (18°C) and 75°F (24°C) This can vary depending on the type of plant, the stage of growth, and the season. For example, some microgreens like kale, lettuce, and peas can tolerate cooler temperatures, while others like basil, rocket, and amaranth prefer warmer temperatures So during the Summer period when tempertures can go into the 30's please give your little greens a place in your airconditioned place otherwise they will suffer a lot! You can put them outside in the very early morning sun or in the late afternoon sunlight. But keep in mind when temperature is plus 27C let them enjoy the A/C. They love some extra water but do not over water them!
First of all we use a weight on the green tray to trap the humidity within the tray and it will help in the germination process. Secondly the weight is pressing the seeds into the growing medium(soil) and keep them moist all troughout the germination process. Thirdly it provides some resistance for the seeds top push off of especially as they grow, it helps them to shed their seed holes and supposedly creates a stronger base and stem because they have to fight that resistance. All three of these factors gives us more even germination and generally a stronger growth throughout the entire process.
Why using a weight on top of tray during germination?
Your greens don't look happy :-(!
Help my microgreens are growing mould!!!
Fine cobwebs between the leaves and the stem is a sign that you are growing mould in your microgreens. Don’t be confused with the fine hair which is growing on the stems. These are called root hairs and are bright white and always appear to congregate around the root itself. Remember, they radiate out from, and are attached to, the central root. Mould on the other hand can be many different colours including grey, black and even blue. Mould will never be as bright white as the root hairs. They will be more greyish. Do the watering test. Spray gentle water from above the area that you think is mould. When they are roothairs the fluffiness will disappear. If it stays fluffy it will be mould. What are the causes? A warm and humid environment, poor air circulation and moisture are the key ingredients for the mould spores to grow and thrive. Mould in your microgreens is mainly caused by too much humidity. This can happen when you are continuously giving them too much water or if they are placed in a humid environment where they are not getting the right temperature and enough light. Yes you can remove the mould! When spotted remove all the visuable mould with a soft cloth. Wipe gently across all the microgreens I know it is challenging. Try not to break and stems. Remove dead and yellow leaves. Try to remove Continue by removing all dead and yellow leaves and clean out the tray so you only have the healthy microgreens left. It’s important to go through the entire tray, leave by leave, to ensure you remove any mold. You can also use a mix of Hydrogen Peroxide (3%) and water and spray gently over the grow medium . Use about 2 tablespoons of Hyd Per with half litre of water in a spray bottle. Do not overwater the microgreens and try to reduce humidity by using humidifier if you have a lot of damp in the room and open the windows to promote airflow. Very important to keep the space where you grow your microgreen in a dry condition and with good airflow. When whole crop is affected, get rid of it and start all over again.
Nutritious value of
broccoli
Signs that your little plants are not doing well!
A)….They grow mould: When you see that you have a fine cobweb between the leaves and the stem you are suffering from mould. This is not to be confused with the fine hair which is growing on the stems of some microgreens. Mould is different as it shows itself in a way that it looks like a cobweb or silvery hair which extends from the leaves. What is causing it and how to remove it from your precious plants. We have explained the difference between root hairs and mould in another post. B)….They germinate slowly Not enough darkness Your seeds need to spend some time in darkness to germinate. If you don’t put them in a dark space or/and cover with potting mix they will not germinate evenly or sometimes not at all. Solution: Put your tray in a dark place ex cupboard, basement, shed. Put another tray on top or just cover it with anything else to make it dark. Too many seeds in the tray! The trays you are using are small. When you saw too many seeds, each seed start fighting for their space, sunlight, water and nutrients in the growing medium(potting mix). Too many seeds will stop the airflow. They will just block each other from growing. C)….Are growing unevenly After your germination and black out time your crop is not evenly growing. You have tall, short microgreens and some of them didn’t came out of their shell ☹ Bummer.. This is because you sew too many seeds or they did not all have the same amount of light Too many seeds in the tray They are all fighting for air and light! Uneven distribution of light Rotate your trays so all of the microgreens get the same amount of light or use artificial growing lights. D)….Are turning yellow When your superfood greens come out of the darkness they are yellowish. This is because they did not have sunlight to produce Chlorophyl. This is a very normal process. Once in the sunlight they start to turn green. When your greens stay yellow it could be possible that you gave them to much to drink ☹ Using the wrong fertiliser can also cause the microgreens to turn yellow. E)….Are welting Not enough water to drink or just overcrowded little seedlings. Always water the from below when they are coming out the dark period. Do not overkill with adding water. It is better to add frequently water than overfilling. When there are too many seedlings in a tray they don’t have enough space to grow and there won’t be enough food for them and they will wilt ☹ F)….They don’t smell well ☹ When your crop is starting to smell it will likely to be caused by overwatering and will create mould and the stems to rotten. Do not soak them and keep them in a dry environment. High humidity that is not unusual in Queensland will contribute to unhappy microgreens. G)….Are sticking together When you have seeds grouping you have a chance that they will clump together and will not germinate. So do not put the seeds to close to eachoter to avoid this. H)….Little pests are crawling all over Sometime when you growing microgreens you can see little insects invading your crops. It may be caused by different reasons like too much water, too little water, light and heat, use of fertilizer, and more. Keep your trays away from other plants!
Nutritious value of broccoli microgreens
Broccoli microgreens are a popular choice for health-conscious individuals who want to add more nutrition to their diet. These tiny plants are packed with essential nutrients that can help promote good health and well-being. In this post, we will explore the nutrients found in broccoli microgreens and the benefits they provide. Vitamins Broccoli microgreens are rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin C and vitamin K. Vitamin C is essential for maintaining healthy skin, boosting immunity, and supporting wound healing. Meanwhile, vitamin K plays a crucial role in blood clotting and bone health. Minerals Broccoli microgreens are also an excellent source of minerals, including calcium, iron, and magnesium. Calcium is essential for healthy bones and teeth, while iron is necessary for the formation of red blood cells. Magnesium, on the other hand, is critical for nerve and muscle function. Antioxidants Broccoli microgreens are loaded with antioxidants, such as sulforaphane, which can help protect against cellular damage caused by free radicals. Sulforaphane has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Fiber Broccoli microgreens are a good source of fiber, which can help improve digestion and prevent constipation. Fiber also helps keep you feeling full for longer, which can aid in weight management. Protein Broccoli microgreens are surprisingly high in protein, with some varieties containing up to 30% protein by weight. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues and is especially important for athletes and active individuals. In conclusion, broccoli microgreens are a nutrient-dense food that can provide a range of health benefits. Whether you're looking to improve your immune system, support your bone health, or simply increase your daily nutrient intake, broccoli microgreens are an excellent choice.
Growing microgreens in coconut coir, hemp mats, and potting mix each have their own pros and cons. Here's a breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of each medium: Coconut Coir: Pros: 1. Sustainable: Coconut coir is a byproduct of coconut processing, making it an environmentally friendly choice. 2. Excellent water retention: Coir holds water well, which helps maintain optimal moisture levels for microgreen growth. 3. Good drainage: It provides adequate drainage, preventing root rot and waterlogging. 4. Neutral pH: Coir usually has a neutral pH, creating a suitable growing environment for microgreens. Cons: 1. Lack of nutrients: Coir alone is relatively inert and lacks significant nutrients. Additional fertilization might be necessary. 2. Salinity concerns: Some coir products may have excessive salt content that can negatively impact plant growth. Quality assurance is important. 3. Potential compaction: Over time, coir can become compacted, reducing its ability to hold air and water. Hemp Mats: Pros: 1. Renewable and eco-friendly: Hemp mats are made from natural hemp fibers, making them a sustainable choice. 2. Good water retention: Hemp mats retain moisture and provide hydration to growing microgreens. 3. Easy to use: Mats are convenient for sowing and harvesting as they come in pre-cut sizes, reducing the need for cutting and measuring. Cons: 1. Limited drainage: Hemp mats might retain excess water, potentially leading to root rot if adequate care is not taken. 2. Prone to mold growth: If not properly managed, the moist environment on the hemp mats can lead to mold development. 3. Nutrient deficiencies: Like coir, hemp mats generally lack significant nutrients, necessitating additional fertilization. Potting Mix: Pros: 1. Nutrient-rich: Potting mixes are often formulated to have a balanced nutrient profile, providing essential elements for microgreen growth. 2. Well-draining: Good potting mixes allow excess water to drain properly, reducing the risk of overwatering. 3. Versatility: Different potting mixes are available, catering to various plant needs and preferences. Cons: 1. Costly: High-quality potting mixes can be more expensive compared to coconut coir or hemp mats. 2. Bulkiness: Potting mixes can be heavy and less convenient when it comes to transportation and handling. 3. Environmental concerns: Some potting mixes may contain peat, a non-renewable resource, which raises environmental concerns in their production. Ultimately, the choice depends on your specific requirements, availability, and personal preferences. Combining mediums or using a different growing method like hydroponics may also be alternatives worth considering.
The pros and cons of potting mix, hemp mats and coco coir
Storing microgreens
Storing seeds properly is important to ensure their viability and germination. There are some general principles that apply to most seeds, but some seeds may have specific requirements. Here are some tips and tricks on how to store seeds long term: Dry the seeds thoroughly before storing them. Moisture can cause seeds to rot, mold, or sprout prematurely. You can dry the seeds by spreading them on a paper towel or a screen in a well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can damage the seeds. The drying time may vary depending on the type and size of the seeds, but it usually takes a few days to a week. Store the seeds in airtight and moisture-proof containers. Glass jars, metal tins, or plastic bags are good options. You can also use envelopes or paper packets, but make sure to seal them well and place them inside another container. Label the containers with the name, variety, and date of the seeds. Keep the seeds in a cool and dark place. The ideal temperature for seed storage is below 40°F (4°C), which can be achieved by storing them in a refrigerator or a freezer. However, make sure to avoid temperature fluctuations, as they can reduce the seed viability. If you store the seeds in a freezer, let them thaw gradually before planting them4. You should also keep the seeds away from light, as it can trigger germination or degrade the seed quality. Check the seeds periodically for signs of damage or deterioration. Look for any mold, insects, or sprouting. Discard any seeds that are damaged or infected. You can also test the germination rate of some seeds by placing them on a damp paper towel and observing how many of them sprout within a week or two
Growing microgreens in a high temperature and humid climates.
What's wrong with my little plants?
“Keep the little seeds/pants inside when it is too hot and too humid!” Mould can be a real challenge when growing microgreens in hot and humid conditions. However, there are strategies you can use to prevent it and ensure a successful harvest. Mould thrives in stagnant air, high temperatures, and high humidity. Prioritize good ventilation and keep temperatures below 26°C (78°F). Weighing seeds during germination can restrict airflow, increasing mould risk. In hot, humid climates, remove weights after 24 hours to allow airflow. Continue germinating but in a dark, well-ventilated area. Monitor for mould carefully. Remove affected seeds promptly. Please have a look at https://www.easymicrogreens.com.au/tips to get an idea how mould looks like. Just continue with spraying the seeds twice a day as you would do in normal temperatures and humidities. If mold persists, use a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution (2 tablespoons per 500ml water). If it does not go away please start all over again. When growing greens in a temperature and humidity-controlled area(airconditioning) just follow the germinating and growing process as specified in growing instructions. For further questions please feel free to contact me on 0457448062
Microgreens are easy to grow. They don’t need much time or resources. But you may have some difficulties that can harm the health and quality of your microgreens. Some of the usual problems are slow germination, mould growth, yellowing and wilting of microgreens. You can prevent these problems by taking some precautions. When you have a problem with your microgreens, the best way to solve it is to find out the reason, fix it, and stop it from happening again. We have investigated the most common problems, tried different solutions, and found the best methods for growing healthy microgreens. In the next list, you will see 8 possible problems that you may face and learn how to identify, solve, and avoid them. We have talked about mould before so we wont address it in this post. Microgreens are germinating very slowly. You think you have done everything right but your microgreens are not germinating as fast as they should. There may be different reasons for this. We have some common causes that can slow down germination. Not dark enough Microgreen seeds need darkness to germinate. This is called the blackout period. If you don’t put them in a dark place or cover them with soil (depending on the seed type) they may not germinate or they may germinate poorly. Most plants need light to grow and stay healthy, but not all plants need light to germinate. Some seeds actually prefer the dark. This is true for most of the plants that are sold as seeds. You don’t need special equipment to germinate in the dark. Just put your tray or container in a dark cupboard or cover it with another tray or something else that blocks the light. If you keep your microgreens in the dark and keep the medium moist, you will see the seeds germinate in a few days. A lack of light. Just as not having enough darkness can affect germination, not having enough light can affect growth. Once the seeds have germinated and you take them out of the dark, they need light to grow well. If you don’t have natural sunlight or enough light in your growing area, you can use artificial growing lights as an alternative. Too many seeds Microgreens are usually grown in small pots. This means that each seedling has to compete for limited resources, such as water, sunlight, and soil nutrients. You may think that using more seeds on one tray will give you a bigger harvest, but it will backfire. If you plant too many seeds, they will not germinate as fast and as evenly as they should. Too many seeds will also reduce the air circulation and prevent the seedlings from growing well. Uneven sunlight When your microgreens are ready for the light, they need to get an equal amount of sunlight. The seedlings will naturally grow towards the light and if not all of them get it, only those that do will grow. Depending on your setup and your ability to provide light, you need to make sure that you rotate the tray so they get an equal amount of light. If you cannot provide your microgreens with natural sunlight, you can use artificial growing lights instead. Microgreens turning yellowish During the blackout period, your microgreens may look yellowish because the chlorophyll in the leaves has not done photosynthesis yet. This is normal and the microgreens will turn green when you put them under light. Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to make food from carbon dioxide and water. Photosynthesis in plants usually involves the green pigment chlorophyll and produces oxygen as a byproduct. If your microgreens keep looking yellowish and do not turn green, it may be because you are watering them too much or not giving them enough sunlight. As you have read in this article, these are common problems that can ruin your microgreens. Another thing to consider is the use of fertilizer. If you are using a fertilizer mixed with your soil or water, you may use one that is not suitable for microgreens. Microgreens normally do not need fertilizer because they grow so fast, but some mediums that do not have any nutrients may benefit from it. It is always important to make sure that the fertilizer you use is made for microgreens. Microgreens are wilting If you see that your leaves are wilting, it means that they are either getting too little water or too many seedlings. Lack of water One of the most common reasons for wilting microgreens is simply that they are not getting enough water. When you let them dry out, they will start to wilt, just like full-size vegetables. It is important to keep the microgreens moist and not dried out. How do we prevent under watering A good solution is to water your microgreens from below. This gives you a controlled way of keeping the medium moist rather than dry or soaked. To water your microgreens from below, you need two trays on top of each other; one tray with holes and one without. You put your medium and seeds in the top tray with holes. Then you put this tray inside one without holes. Start by filling the bottom tray with water which gives the roots access to constant water. You should not overfill the bottom tray but instead, keep it under control and add more water regularly. Check your bottom tray 24 hours after watering to see if it is completely dry or if there is still water. You will then find out how often you need to fill it up. Too many seeds As we said, using too many seeds on a tray will give you trouble. The over-seeding will make the seedlings compete for limited space and resources, and the whole crop may end up weak and wilting. Microgreens are smelly If you smell something bad from your microgreens, it may be because they are moulding. Foul-smelling microgreens are likely to be overwatered, and the plants have developed mould or stem rot. It can also be caused by other factors such as overcrowding, high or low temperatures, poor airflow, or high humidity. But most likely, it is the mould that makes the stems rot. You need to watch your microgreens and make sure they are moist but not soaked and always in a dry place. If the humidity is high, it will make the microgreens go bad. Grouping microgreens You may think that adding more seeds will give you more harvest, but that is not true. It will do the opposite. Microgreens need room to grow and they cannot be stuck together as it may stop them from germinating. The problem will be worse if you are growing sticky seeds like chia. They will form a gooey gel-like layer when they are wet and you will have trouble if they stick together. So it is important to keep some space between the seeds and you will have a healthy crop. Pests It is rare to get pests when you grow microgreens indoors. But depending on where you put them in your home or if you are growing in a greenhouse, pests may get to your microgreens. They may be plant lice (also called aphids), thrips, whiteflies, or other pests. You will know that you have to deal with these small pests when you see them on your crops making the leaves change shape and/or turn yellow. Why do those little pests appearing Pests may come to your garden and microgreen setups for different reasons. It may be because of any of the reasons we have explained in this article; too much water, too little water, light and heat, fertilizer, and more. Pests usually do not come to microgreen crops if you grow them in separate trays from other plants. But if you have your trays near other plants and gardening projects, pests may spread to them. How to prevent those little creatures It is easier to prevent pests than to get rid of them. When it comes to microgreens, you rarely get pests. But there are some things you can do to make sure you do not have to face this issue. Always give your microgreens the growing conditions they need so they can grow well. Do not put your trays near other indoor plants when growing indoors. Make sure you do not use soil that has been used before. In this case, it may have pests. We do not recommend to reuse medium for growing microgreens but rather use it for other gardening projects. Always use mediums that are made for growing microgreens and when using soil, you need to buy commercially prepared potting soil and not one that you have taken from outside, which can have pests. How to get rid of them If you notice that you already have unwanted pests, you need to get rid of them. If you see that you have pests, you need to decide if you can keep the growth or throw it away. Depending on how severe the damage is, you may be able to clean the pests from your crops. To get rid of any unwanted pests, you should first learn about the insects and then find out how you can specifically remove them from your crops. The most common method is to use pesticides, but you need to be careful before you spray anything on your microgreens, as it may harm not only the greens but also make them unsafe to eat later. As we said for prevention, it may be because you have put your microgreens near other plants that attract these pests. Then you should move them where they are not close to other plants.