Victory Garden: Harvesting Fresh Greens

While I focus mainly on growing produce in the gardens, I do realize that many don’t have access to grow in the ground and have limited space for container gardening. If you live in a city, have poor lighting on your property, rent, or simply don’t have the time or finances to invest in starting a garden, I have another option for you!

Microgreens aren’t limited to someone with limited space, either. We have space in our green house dedicated to microgreens as well!

You may have seen them at a local farmer’s market or in a health food shop with a significant price tag on them. I’m not saying that price isn’t reasonable; however, it is something you can grow inexpensively at home and provide yourself with fresh, nutritionally dense food.

Why microgreens?

Micro greens are an amazing source of nutrition. (In some cases, up to 40% more nutrients than a fully developed plant!) They contain digestive enzymes and are a good source of fiber.

They grow quickly! From planting to harvest, you can expect anywhere from 10 to 21 days depending on what you’re growing.

Flavors can vary in intensities of their full grown counterparts from mild and sweet to a peppery zest that can liven up a basic stew.

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What You Need:

• Organic Seeds – Radish, sunflower, broccoli, arugula, beets, and many more options are available!
• Organic Potting Soil
• Stainless Steel Pruning Shears
• Seed Trays (I prefer using trays without drainage holes. Just take care not to overwater!)
  I like the 10″x20″ trays. This gives our family of 4 plenty of greens for several meals.
• Spray Bottle for watering
• Storage Shelf (Optional)
• Grow Lights (Optional) or a sunny window!

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What to do:

Add in a thin layer of organic, well draining soil. Flatten soil with the palm of your hand, but try not to pack it down too much. Use a spray bottle to moisten the soil.

Generously spread your seeds out ontop of the soil. Gently pat seeds into the soil and spray the surface down well.

*Unless you’re familiar with the sprouting times and growing conditions needed for different seed varieties, I would not mix seeds together for germinating. Instead, simply mix your different varieties together after harvesting if desired.

Check your trays daily to monitor moisture content. Your seedlings will like to be kept damp, but too much moisture will cause mold or can drown the fragile developing roots.

Keep an eye out for the true leaves to start peeking out between the seed leaves, this is your sign for harvesting! Once the true leaves have fully emerged, your greens will begin losing nutrients as the plant uses that built up nutrition to grow.

The leaves and stem are both edible.

Cut your micro greens close to the soil but give yourself enough room that you aren’t getting any of the potting mix in with your cut greens. You can hold onto the leaves and gently pull upwards for better access to cut the stems.

Once your greens are harvested, wash with cool, fresh water. Gently dry before storing in an airtight container. (I prefer to store my greens in either Stasher bags, or a glass container.)

You can compost what’s left in your try or if you see other seeds just starting to germinate, feel free to allow them time to grow and harvest from this same batch again! Just monitor for any mold developing on the soil.

I do not recommend reusing this soil to reduce the risk of plant diseases developing or mold. Compost the remaining roots and soil, toss to your chickens, or add to a worm bin. Wash your tray with a natural soap and hot water before reusing.

Add your fresh greens into soups, salads, to garnish pasta, or toss a healthy handful onto an omelet!