Today you are going to learn about how to grow microgreens without soil. So let’s begin!
Microgreens are a new and popular gardening trend in which smaller young plants are grown swiftly and harvested in their second stage of development. Growing them is simple. It doesn’t need a lot of money or a high-flying agronomic degree to do it.
Let’s begin by learning everything we can about it.
What microgreens can grow hydroponically?
Microgreens of all types and variations can thrive in a hydroponic system. Some, however, perform better than others. The following are some examples:
- Amaranth
- Basil
- Broccoli
- Chia
- Curly Cress
- Kale
- Mustard
- Radish
- Salad Mix
- Turnip
- Tatsoi
- Orach
- Borage
- Beet
- Parsley
- Peas
- Red pak choi
- Swiss chard
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What supplies do I need to grow microgreens without soil?
Before you begin, you must first determine what materials are required to develop microgreens. When you cultivate microgreens in a hydroponic system, you’re doing so in an aquatic environment. The only source of nutrients and oxygen is the water, rather than the soil.
- Seeds: Picking organic microgreen seeds is ideal, and seeds that have been exposed to or treated with chemicals should be avoided at all costs.
- Growing trays: Standard 10″ x 20″ growth trays are required. They should have holes in them to allow for water replenishment and drainage at regular intervals.
- Lights: The seeds must germinate initially, and at that point, no lights are required. After 4-5 days, growing lights are required to begin the photosynthesis process. If you have a south-facing window, consider purchasing LED grow lights or direct sunlight.
- Growing medium: To keep microgreen roots in place, use an appropriate growing medium like coconut coir or hemp mats. In hydroponic systems, this material replaces soil, which is absent.
- pH test strips: pH test kits are essential to allow for continual water testing in order to maintain the desired salinity.
- Spray bottle: For regular misting and chemical treatment, an unused spray bottle is necessary. A new bottle is ideal for ensuring that no chemicals have been introduced into the microgreen beds.
- Nutrients: Remember that the water provides all of the nutrients, not the soil. It is suggested that you use nutrients made for hydroponic growing. It’s much better if you can get fertilizer for hydroponic microgreens.
How do I grow microgreens without soil?
Now that you have the necessary supplies, here are the steps to producing microgreens without soil.
Prepare the water
It’s ideal to use distilled or rainfall; tap water can be used, but it’s best to let it sit for 24 hours or boil it to remove chlorine.
Using the pH kit, test your water and make any necessary adjustments. To raise the pH range, use wood ash or lime or phosphoric acid to lower it; this is also the time to give nutrients. Fill your spray bottle after that.
Prepare the trays
The first step is to get the growing medium in the trays ready. Coconut coir must be prepared ahead of time, but whatever you choose, make sure it is uniformly distributed around the pan. It should be one inch deep all the way around the tray. Each tray just requires one mat; do not double them because they do not appear to be thick enough.
Plant the seeds
Take a look at the seed packet and read the directions. Take two to three tablespoons of seeds and equally distribute them across the tray and growth medium. When you spread the seeds evenly around the tray, you avoid bare areas or huge piles of seeds in one area.
Maintain the moist
Keep the seeds moist after spreading them throughout the growing media using a spray bottle. Keep the tray covered to keep the medium moist, or store it in the dark.
Germinate the seeds
If you keep the seeds warm (about 70°F), they will germinate in 3-4 days. Keep the tray dark and warm during those days, but make sure there is air circulation because mold will grow without it. Spray the soil tray with water every 12 hours or so to keep it moist.
Put under grow lights
Avoid immediately watering the microgreens while under grow lights. Instead, add a cup of water into the tray and then remove the excess water after 10-20 minutes. The dry and soak method is the name for this approach. You must do this every day until the microgreens are ready to be harvested.
Wait for the harvest
Microgreens might take up to two weeks to grow following germination. Continue the dry and soak technique till then.
When the first real leaves appear, you know it’s time to harvest. Harvesting microgreens at this time is wonderful. Cut the microgreens with sharp scissors; you don’t want to cut the roots, just the stems.
