Monday, February 11, 2013

Mini Garden with Microgreens

Today is I started my own microgreens! (I started this post 5 days ago)  
What are migrogreens you ask?  They are "micro" version of produce!  They're like sprouts but without the jar and the rinse/drain cycle. 
Broccoli and Radish microgreens
From FreshOrigins:
"A microgreen is a seedling having a a central stem which has been cut just above the soil line during harvesting. It has two fully developed cotyledon leaves, and usually one pair very small, partially developed true leaves. Differences in the size and leaf configuration are based upon the specific plant variety. For example, Micro Borage is a very large microgreen. At 1″ in height, it has a pair of very large cotyledon leaves and no true leaves. By comparison, Micro Mint has extremely tiny cotyledon leaves and will have 3-4 sets of true leaves at about 1″ in height. More typical in size and leaf configuration for micro greens is Micro Basil at about 1-1 1/2″ in height, and 1/2″ to 1″ in width across the top and includes  the cotyledon leaves and one set of very small true leaves."

There are LOTS of varieties of veggies/herbs that can be grown as microgreeens such as Radish, Broccoli, Alfalfa, Arugula, Beets, Basil, Cabbage, Celery, Chard, Chervil, Cilantro, Cress, Fennel, Kale.

Today I started with Radish and Broccoli 
You can make your own.  Buy sprouting seeds and save $.
*2/12/13 Update:  Mary's Heirloom Seeds is sponsoring a giveaway HERE.

I used a recycled container.

Add a layer of dirt filling the container approx 3/4 to the top.  Spray the dirt with water.  Do not pour water over the dirt or you'll displace the soil.

Sprinkle seeds over the dirt.  I sprinkled one side with Radish and the other with Broccoli.
Radish (L), Broccoli (R)
Add a thin layer of dirt and thoroughly wet top layer with water using a spray bottle.

Label your greens (optional).  Place in a sunny spot to grow.  Spray once per day.


After 36 hours, the seeds are already germinating!

Day 3 (below)

Day 4 1/2 (below)

You can buy a Microgreens Seed Combo pack from from Mary's Heirloom Seeds.  After 6-10 days I'll snip the microgreens just above the soil and added them to salad.  They would be great on homemade pizza! 
Featured at In and Out of the Kitchen , Tutorials Tips and Tidbits and Weekend Wonders! 

Linking up HERE and Wildcrafting Wednesday. 

33 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love your little micro green setup! I've been sprouting in jars for a while, but a friend of mine does in-ground micro-greens and they are the best I've ever had! The dirt definitely makes a difference. We are having a workshop here in Branson, MO tomorrow all about how and why to soak and sprout! It will be fun. :) Thanks for sharing this!

Unknown said...

I love this idea! I just pinned it as part of the Pintastic Link-Up... and I fully intend on trying it!

Unknown said...

I just love this idea! We used to eat sprouts all of the time when we lived in Fl. I don't know why, but we quit. I will have to give this a try.

I am very interested in your protein mix. Can you tell me more about it?

Thank you for linking up to the In and Out of the Kitchen party! I look forward to seeing what you bring next week!

Cynthia at http://FeedingBig.com

Ochi Bernadas said...

Hey, I'm a new follower! Found you at the Monday meet-up! I don't have a green thumb so I'm not sure if I can pull this off but thanks for all the tips!

Follow back? :)

xoxo
ochibernadas.blogspot.com

Mary Smith said...

Thanks for stoppping by!
Cynthia: the Protein Mix includes Garbanzo Beans, Green Pea, Adzuki and Mung Beans. It's a great mix for beginners and takes 3-6 days to sprout, depending on how big or mature you like to sprout.
I also recommend Mung Beans. They are EASY!

AngieOuellette-Tower said...

They look delicious & so cute!! I'm stopping by from Humble Bumble blog hop.
Thanks
Angie
godsgrowinggarden.com

newyearsresolutionexercise said...

I just love this idea! I may have to try this. I know that some sprouts are very good for you. Love your new follower.

Enzie Shahmiri said...

What a great idea, I have never heard of micro greens until I read your post. Very informative.

Becca said...

My family used to eat alfalfa sprouts. How cool that there are a variety of sprouts that can be eaten. :)
Thanks for linking up!

Crafts a la Mode said...

Believe it or not I was reading a magazine today about microgreens and telling my daughter (with the greenhouse) that we should grow some of these. I guess they are extra healthy. Thanks for showing how. Linda

mail4rosey said...

Ooh, that does look perfect for homemade pizza.

Leah said...

I've grown micro greens, but used salad greens - never thought to try broccoli, but maybe I will do that next time. I love them on sandwiches - a little balsamic dressing, slice of good cheese, and micro greens on crusty bread is a great lunch.

What's for dessert? said...

Mary, you have a lovely blog and your posts are very useful. I'm your ne follower and tips for mini garden with microgreens are great, I think I'll give it a try with broccoli.

Unknown said...

This is such a great idea! I have never really heard of microgreens before, but after reading this I am definitely interested! I will definitely be researching this a little more and I just may have to give it a try! Thanks for sharing!

-Lindsey
appleofmamaseye.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Wow! What a cool idea! I had no idea you could do that. I am a new follower! :) Thanks!

Barb said...

AGGHH! I just recycled a plastic container for strawberries. I would love to try this and it makes a great project for the kids.

Thanks for sharing this at Fabulously Frugal Thursday.

MandaBurms FarmStay for Cats. said...

Thank you - you have motivated me to get back inot growing mine.
Love leanne

Ladies Holiday said...

those are so good, not to mention CUTE! thanks for sharing on the PHOTO FRIDAY BLOG HOP.

Have a great weekend :)

A Daughter of the King said...

Okay, I'm convinced! Gonna try this for sure!

Unknown said...

Hi! Came over from The Thriftiness Miss party! This is so interesting,,,I really don't have a green thumb, but I don't think I can mess this one up...would any seed of the produce you mentioned above will work or do the need to be labeled Micro-Greens...thank You so much for the post! Lizy at https://www.facebook.com/JustDipItInChocolate

Rhonda Albom said...

What a wonderful and healthy way to grow sprouts. Congrats. I am visiting from Paula's bloghop.

Rhonda
www.laugh-quotes.com

Mary Smith said...

Lizbeth, you can use any garden seeds. However, I would look at "sprouting" seeds because you will get more seeds for your money.
Here's a Link:
http://marysheirloomseeds.com/sprouts.html

Anonymous said...

I LOVE this. Also a great way to use seeds that you don't need for the garden. I find even small seed packets usually have more than I can use in my garden in one year and they really do best when they are fresh. Thanks so much for sharing! I'm thinking pea shoots would also work this way. Yum!

Lisa Lynn said...

Great way to have greens in the winter :) Especially for us northerners! Thanks for sharing on The HomeAcre Hop!

Unknown said...

Gonna have to try this, seems easy enough! Just hopping around from the blog hop. fitandbeyond40.com

Betsy Pool said...

What a great way to grow sprouts! Thanks for linking up at Romance on a dime!!

Betsy Pool said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Joy said...

I love the microgreens! I have grown sprouts in a jar, but I want to try this!! Thanks!

Following you on Bloglovin and Mary on FB.

~Joy (Yesterfood)
http://yesterfood.blogspot.com

Mind Body and Sole said...

I'm glad you shared this on Wildcrafting Wednesday, but I'm wondering what happens after you snip them back. Do they regrow? What's the benefit of this over sprouting?

Kanne26 said...

I started growing my own microgreens about 2 and a half weeks ago. I had a successful crop of sunflower micros and now a basic salad mix. I have a question for you: My latest batch of sunflower is coming in shorter than the first, and the roots are lifting up out of the soil. Any ideas as to what I may be doing wrong?

Mary Smith said...

Hi Kanne26, I tried to respond but you're a no-reply so I hope you get this. If your microgreens roots are growing out of the soil it is possible that the seeds were not planted deep enough. Or, it could be they need more water or sunlight.

Question: Are you re-using the soil? It could be that the nutrients are being depleted if you are using the same soil over and over.

Just a thought. I hope this helps!

Kanne26 said...

Yes! Thank you!

I made a note to keep checking your blog for a reply. Sorry about the 'no-reply status'!

No, I'm not reusing the soil, the soil is planted the recommended 1.5 inches (per the instructions, and it worked fine last time) and they've been getting sufficient water. So of the possibilities you mention, it's probably lack of sun. I live in WA, and our sunny days are not consistent yet... so maybe I need to get a grow light to supplement these stretches of over-cast days. Thanks for your quick reply!!

Mary Smith said...

No problem! I'm always happy to help/answer questions.
Occasionally I have to use a light for seedling. I just use a regular small light fixture with a special bulb.
Have a wonderful day!