Unlike your typical garden vegetables, microgreens are planted closer together and therefore require a slightly different planting approach. These nutritious and delicious mini-plants can easily give you high-yield harvests, even in the smallest of spaces. However, if you don’t plant them correctly, you risk losing entire trays to mold or bacteria. You can avoid such disappointment by learning the right way to plant each variety. Start mastering microgreen planting techniques now.

Large Seed Microgreen Planting Techniques

Strategies for Planting - Different Micros

When you’re working with larger seeds like tetragonia or sunflower, beware of mold. These seeds easily touch one another, and their discarded husks are a potential breeding ground for bad bacteria. To combat this, you need a deft touch. Start by spreading the seeds evenly across your growing tray. Then, sprinkle a light layer of substrate over the seeds. This simple step can significantly reduce the risk of mold and ensure your microgreens grow healthily.

Tiny Seeds: Sowing for Success

Smaller seeds, such as amaranth, will look more sparse in the tray making it easier to accidentally over seed the tray. Covering these seeds can spell doom for your harvest as these tiny sprouts struggle to break through. To avoid this, gently press the substrate. Then, sow your small seed microgreen varieties directly on top of the substrate. Gently press them down without burying them, allowing their delicate roots to anchor. By resisting the urge to cover them, you provide the perfect conditions for their rapid growth.

Needle-Like Seeds: The Pinch Perfect Method

Microgreens with seeds shaped like needles, like marigold gem, need precision planting. Scatter the seeds as evenly as possible into non-pressed substrate. Next, lightly pinch the seeds into the soil to prevent clustering and provide them with enough substrate to root into without being entirely covered. This method ensures that each seed has adequate space and resources to grow into a healthy, robust microgreen.

By understanding the specific needs of each type of microgreen seed, you can maximize your harvest and enjoy these nutrient powerhouses in your salads, sandwiches, and garnishes. Remember, successful microgreen planting isn’t just about sowing seeds; it’s about sowing them right.