This seems to be easily doable at home requiring very less space and extremely healthy! While it can be constant source of inspiration, lively hobby, it can also add on as a source of income..!

I am interested in gardening and have been trying a variety of gardening techniques, setting up a foodscape and growing flowers, fruits and vegetables outdoors. My mother on the contrary seems to have a green thumb and wherever she plants anything, it sprouts full of life! This year, gardening outdoors are mixed results so far! Flowers are growing well but veggies do not seem to be lasting long enough with the changing weather. So, thought I will try Microgreens…. watched a few videos and felt inspired to try it! Am not sure whether it would be great and profitable at this juncture… but am sure if I do continue this through summer, I can plan to sell some at the local farmers market at least!

What do you need to grow Microgreens?

1. Microgreen growing trays: 20×10 trays would be good as we would be planting a lot of seeds covering the entire area. Each tray would be approx $1-$2, buying them in bulk (10-20) would be much less. One set of these trays can come for many years (of course, a good rinse and wash before re-planting is necessary). If the trays have holes to drain the water, make sure you have a tray to collect the water below, else layout some sticks at the bottom and then lay the cocopeat on it for best results (This creates a layer between the bottom of the tray and cocopeat for roots to grow and extra water accumulation).

2. Cocopeat: While there are multiple videos that talk about growing them anywhere from tea bags to broken bottles or just the hydroponic route (with soil / cocopeat), using this is much better and cleaner! Especially if you are looking to grow them in the basement with a Grow-light, then cocopeat is the best option!

3. Microgreens Grow light: I did not know if this was necessary and tried it just indoors near the kitchen window. It works well with sunlight as well. Did not need the grow light. Now, if I use 20 trays and try it out in the basement, yes – this would be a neccesary option. The Feit electric 2 feet Microgreen Grow light is about $40 and we need one light per shelf for best results. I have not found an alternate yet. Will update this post once I get to find one that works.

4. Seeds to grow: 1 pack of seeds (Fenugreek, Mustard good for starters) – Go with a brand that has worked for you. Not all brands that are out there online selling seeds seem to work out (my trials with flowering seeds and they turning out to be weeds was a terrible experience). Home depot, Burpee seeds seem to work for most.

5. Hydrogenperoxide: If you are growing in the basement and without soil, spraying this over the coco peat after sowing the seeds and before putting a handful of soil would help!

6. Shelves: Standard wire shelf sold at Home depot / Amazon works. Costs about $20.

If you are interested and do not have the time to shop for multiple items above, you can order the readily available kit with shelves, grow lights and trays, it would cost around $300. About 6 months of growing food consistently will get us a return on investment on the initial costs.

Sharing the video that inspired me to try this out!

Loved the experience of growing Microgreens.. feels satisfying..!

I enjoyed sharing my experience with this, if you liked it, please like, share with your friends and subscribe to the learningthursdays blog.