Growing microgreens without using land

Under the influence of the fashion for a healthy lifestyle, it has become popular to germinate vegetable and spice seeds on the windowsill to obtain a leafy mass saturated with vitamins. Some even consider growing microgreens without land as a way to earn extra money. You will first need to stock up on seeds, the necessary equipment, and consumables.

Ways to grow microgreens at home

Microgreens represent a stage in the development of a culture that takes an intermediate stage between newly emerged seedlings and fully formed leaves. Cutting in this case is carried out after the first two leaves appear on the plants.

When growing microgreens at home, no special seeds are required at all, from which compact plants will be obtained. For planting, take ordinary seeds. However, it is necessary to create optimal conditions for plant growth: organize lighting in the winter season, maintain the desired humidity level.

There are many ways to germinate seeds.

• In the first case, you will need low containers for planting seeds and a substrate consisting of a mixture of black soil, peat, compost, and sand. Store-bought universal primer is also suitable.
• The second method involves growing microgreens without using a substrate. In this case, the plants will have to be fertilized with special nutrients.
• The third option for planting greenery involves the use of special equipment. You can start with the simplest device, where all processes are manually regulated.

How to plant microgreens without soil?

Before planting seeds on microgreens, the selected substrate is placed in the tray. This could be:

• perlite;
• vermiculite;
• coconut fiber;
• linen rug;
• jute backing.

Some use plain cheesecloth or paper towel for this purpose, keeping costs to a minimum. Thin material is laid in several layers to retain sufficient moisture.

Particular attention should be paid to spreading the seeds, they must necessarily lie down evenly. Crowded seeding can lead to mold growth.

Then the seeds are moistened from a spray bottle and the container is closed with a transparent lid or tightened with cling film. Small holes must be made in the cover (film) for air to reach the crops.

The seeds can hatch within a day. At this point, the shelter must be removed.

The required parameters of temperature and illumination depend on the requirements of the grown crop. Usually it is + 18-22 ° C. Watering greens with a spray bottle is carried out 2 times a day. The substrate should always remain moderately moist. Cutting is carried out when the plant stems reach a height of 7–10 cm. You can harvest the crop gradually, by thinning.

Equipment for the production of microgreens

In the West, industrial equipment has long been used to produce microgreens at home. Special devices began to appear in Russia as well. Devices for growing microgreens can be manual or automatic. Their use will allow even a novice gardener to easily get high quality products. Some vegetable growers organize small businesses in this segment with the subsequent sale of microgreens.

Automatic models do not require the use of soil.Caring for crops takes very little effort, because the humidity and temperature regime is maintained automatically.

When buying equipment, you need to pay attention to the following parameters:

• device power;
• number of sections;
• the ability to regulate the water pressure.

Models can be equipped with an automatic irrigation system with a timer that sets the required interval. The functionality of the device determines its final price.

• For beginners, opt for a simple, manual two-tray model. Such equipment does not take up much space, has only the most necessary functions and is inexpensive.
• More experienced users can pay attention to fully automated devices - sprouters. Human participation in the process of growing greenery using this model is minimized. Thanks to the automation, watering will be carried out at a given time, you only need to change the water in the device daily. In sprouters, greens can be grown all year round, they do not consume a lot of energy and are distinguished by an affordable price.
• The most advanced models take full control of the seed germination process. Sensors inside the working chamber allow you to maintain the required microclimate by regulating humidity, temperature and lighting. These devices also have automated programs for each crop. Sprouters can be controlled even from a distance using a smartphone through a special application.

It is possible to grow microgreens at home in a short time and at minimal cost. It will be interesting for beginners to experiment with planting different crops and different materials that replace the soil. Even children can be involved in the lesson. A fascinating hobby will give a lot of positive emotions and at the same time enrich the menu with vitamins.