Everything You Need To Know to Get Started with Microgreens

Your First Step to Microgreen Success: Understanding the Basics!

Full Microgreen Cheatsheet below!

So, you're curious about microgreens? That's fantastic! These tiny powerhouses are not only packed with flavor and nutrition, but they're also incredibly fun and rewarding to grow right in your own home.

When you're starting out, a lot of information can feel overwhelming. You might see terms like "blackout period" or "1020 tray" and wonder what they mean. Don't worry, we're going to break down the essential categories you'd find in a microgreen growing guide or spreadsheet, turning you into a confident microgreen grower in no time!

Let's dive into what each of those important columns really means for your growing journey:

1. Plant

This one's pretty straightforward! The "Plant" column simply tells you which microgreen variety you're growing. From peppery arugula to nutty sunflower, each plant has its unique characteristics and growing requirements. Choosing a few easy ones like broccoli or radish is a great way to start.

2. Flavor

This is one of the most exciting parts! The "Flavor" column describes what you can expect your microgreens to taste like. Are they spicy and zesty like radish? Sweet and fresh like peas? Or earthy and mild like amaranth? Knowing the flavor helps you choose what to grow for your salads, sandwiches, smoothies, or garnishes.

3. Germination Temperature

If you've ever tried to grow a garden, you know that timing the planting is important—and that's because of temperature! Microgreens are no different.

The Germination Temperature is the specific range of warmth that the seeds need to wake up and sprout as quickly and uniformly as possible.

• Why it Matters: A temperature that is too cold can cause seeds to take days longer to germinate (or not sprout at all), leading to a higher risk of mold before they even have a chance to grow. A temperature that is too hot can sometimes "cook" the seeds or cause weak, spindly sprouts.

• The Sweet Spot: For most common brassicas (broccoli, kale, etc.), the ideal range is usually between 65F and 75F (18C-24C).

• The Heat Lovers: Some seeds, like Amaranth and Cantaloupe, are warm-weather crops and actually prefer much warmer soil, often up to 86F (30C).

• How to Control It: Since most homes are cooler than the ideal soil temperature, many growers use a seedling heat mat placed under the trays during the blackout period. This simple tool provides consistent, gentle warmth right to the seeds, guaranteeing fast and reliable germination.

Getting this temperature right, especially during the first few weighted/blackout days, is one of the easiest ways to ensure a successful, dense, and healthy microgreen tray!

4. Days Until Harvest (Approx.)

This tells you how long it generally takes from the day you plant your seeds until they're ready to snip and eat. Microgreens are known for being fast, and this column highlights just how quickly you can enjoy your fresh harvest. Some, like radish, can be ready in less than a week, while others might take a couple of weeks.

5. Seed Weight per Kitchen Kit (Grams)

This is the weight of seeds that is recommended for our at-home kitchen grow kit. All of the seed packets sold by Farmer You are already pre-portioned to fill our kitchen grow kits. This removes the need to own a low-weight scale and eliminates the need for any guesswork, setting you up for success on your very first grow.

6. Seed Weight per 1020 Tray (Grams)

This is a crucial measurement for getting a good, dense crop. A "1020 tray" is a standard size planting tray (about 10 inches by 20 inches, hence the name). The "Seed Weight" column tells you how many grams of seeds you should evenly spread across that size tray for optimal growth. Too few seeds, and your tray will be sparse; too many, and they might compete for resources or get moldy. This measurement ensures a perfect, lush carpet of microgreens!

7. Needs Pre-Soak?

Some seeds are stubborn! The "Needs Pre-Soak?" column indicates whether the seeds benefit from being soaked in water before you plant them. Soaking helps to "wake up" the seeds, soften their outer shell, and kickstart the germination process, leading to faster and more uniform sprouts. Peas and sunflowers are classic examples that love a good soak!

8. Weighted Days

Closely related to blackout, "Weighted Days" tells you how long you should place a gentle weight on top of your planted trays during the blackout period. This weight (often another tray, or a tray with a brick/small weight inside) helps push the germinating seeds' roots down into the growing medium and encourages them to push up with more force, resulting in thicker, stronger stems and a more even canopy. Think of it as a mini-workout for your microgreens!

9. Blackout Days

Don't let the name scare you! The "Blackout Days" column refers to the initial period after planting where your seeds are kept in complete darkness. This mimics being underground and encourages the seedlings to stretch out, searching for light. This stretching helps them develop stronger stems and grow more uniformly. During this time, trays are often stacked or covered to block out all light.

The number of Blackout days includes Weighted Days. This means that if a plant needs 2 weighted days and 4 black out days, It will spend of its black out days weighted and spend the last 2 of its blackout days unweighted.

10. Notes on Germination

This column provides specific insights or tips related to how a particular seed sprouts. For example, some might be slower to germinate, some might need warmer temperatures, or some might be prone to certain issues if not managed correctly. These notes help you anticipate and address any unique needs during the crucial sprouting phase.

11. Other Tips

This is your go-to for any additional advice or tricks for growing that specific microgreen. This could include anything from optimal harvesting times, how to prevent common issues like mold, or special considerations for watering or airflow. These little nuggets of wisdom can make a big difference in your success!

By understanding these categories, you're not just reading a spreadsheet; you're learning the language of microgreen gardening. Armed with this knowledge, you're well on your way to harvesting your own vibrant, nutritious, and delicious microgreens!

Microgreen Growing Cheat Sheet

Scroll to the Right for even more information -->>

Plant	Flavor	Optimal Germination Temperature Range	Days Until Harvest (Approx.)	Seed Weight per Kitchen Grow Kit (Grams)	Seed Weight per 1020 Tray (Grams)	Needs Pre-Soak?	Weighted Days	Blackout Days
Arugula	Peppery, pungent, spicy	70F to 75F (21C to 24C)	10–14	10	30	No	2–3	3–5
Cabbage	Mild, fresh, slightly peppery/ sweet	60F to 75F (16C to 24C)	8–12	10	30	No	2–3	3–4
Broccoli	Mild, slightly bitter, fresh	70F to 75F (21C to 24C)	7–10	10	30	No	2–3	2–4
Sunflower	Nutty, crunchy, slightly sweet	72F to 75F (22C to 24C)	7–12	15	50	Yes (4–8 hours)	1–2	2–3
Peas (Shoots)	Sweet, fresh, crunchy, "pea" flavor	60F to 77F (15C to 25C)	10–20	60	175	Yes (8–12 hours)	2–3	3–5
Cantaloupe	Mild, subtle melon/ cucumber flavor	75F to 95F (24C to 35C) - Requires Heat	10–16	15	50	Yes (6–12 hours)	2–3	3–5
Radish	Spicy, hot, peppery bite	70F to 80F (21C to 27C)	5–8	10	30	No	1	1–2
Mustard	Pungent, spicy, horseradish-like	65F to 75F (18C to 24C)	8–12	10	30	No	2–3	3–4
Amaranth	Earthy, mild, very visually striking	70F to 86F (21C to 30C) - Prefers Heat	14–21	7	21	No	0	0
Kale	Mild, fresh, slightly cabbage-like	70F to 75F (21C to 24C)	8–14	10	30	No	2–3	3–4

Additionally, here are some extra tips for each of our seeds:

Plant	Notes on Germination	Other Tips
Arugula	Can be slow to germinate; ensure consistent moisture.	Harvest before true leaves emerge for best flavor. Prone to damping off if overwatered.
Cabbage	Generally quick and uniform; keep warm and moist.	Great beginner microgreen. High yield potential.
Broccoli	Very fast and easy to germinate; excellent uniformity.	One of the fastest microgreens. High nutritional value.
Sunflower	Requires significant soaking; check for and remove hulls at harvest.	Needs good airflow to prevent mold/fungal issues.
Peas (Shoots)	Soak helps quicken germination; lay thick layer of seeds.	Harvest when 4-6 inches tall. Can often be re-harvested once.
Cantaloupe	Germination can be erratic; keep heat consistent.	Unique flavor, less common microgreen. Needs warmer temps.
Radish	Extremely fast; can germinate in less than 24 hours.	Fastest microgreen. Monitor closely to avoid leggy growth.
Mustard	Similar to Cabbage/Broccoli, quick and easy.	Can be mixed with milder greens for a flavor kick.
Amaranth	Needs light for germination, but blackout helps uniformity. Very tiny seeds.	Needs to be harvested before it gets too tall/lanky. Can have vibrant red/green colors.
Kale	Good germination rate; keep consistently moist but not saturated.	Excellent nutritional profile. Good beginner crop.

Happy growing! 🌿