Microgreens are the tender, young seedlings of vegetables and herbs, harvested just after the first set of leaves has developed (usually within 1-2 weeks of germination). These miniature greens are packed with flavor and nutrients - in fact, research shows microgreens can contain 4 to 40 times the nutrient levels of their mature counterparts. For beginner home gardeners, microgreens offer a quick, easy, and space-efficient way to grow fresh greens year-round. This ultimate guide will walk you through everything you need to successfully grow your first tray of microgreens at home, from choosing seeds and supplies to harvesting and storing your crop.
Growing microgreens is remarkably beginner-friendly. The process requires minimal space (a kitchen counter or windowsill is enough) and only basic supplies. Microgreens also grow fast - most varieties are ready to harvest in about 7-14 days, so you get nearly instant gratification compared to traditional gardening. Plus, you can enjoy gardening even in the middle of winter by cultivating these tiny greens indoors. Whether you want to add a nutritious boost to your salads and sandwiches or just experience the joy of growing your own food, this guide will help you start microgreens with confidence. Let's dig into the basics!
What Are Microgreens and Why Grow Them?
Microgreens Defined: Microgreens are essentially baby plants - vegetables, herbs, or other plants harvested when they are very young (usually at the cotyledon or first true leaf stage). They are typically 3-8 cm tall at harvest. Unlike sprouts (which are germinated seeds eaten root and all), microgreens are grown in a thin layer of soil or growing medium and require light to develop leaves. You trim the stems above the soil line at harvest and eat the tender leaves and stems. Common microgreen varieties include radish, broccoli, sunflower, pea shoots, kale, mustard, basil, and many more, each with its own unique taste and color.
Why Grow Microgreens: Microgreens have exploded in popularity for several good reasons:
• Super Nutritious: These tiny greens concentrate nutrients from the seed as they grow. Studies have found that microgreens often provide significantly higher vitamin and antioxidant levels than the same plants' mature greens. For example, red cabbage microgreens can have dozens of times more vitamin E than fully grown cabbage leaves. Adding a handful to your meals can give a nutritional boost without much volume.
• Quick Harvest: Most microgreens are ready to eat in 1-2 weeks after planting. For instance, radish microgreens can be harvested in about 7 days, and many others within 10-14 days. This fast turnaround is rewarding for beginners - you see results very quickly compared to traditional gardening.
• Easy and Low Maintenance: You don't need a garden or yard - microgreens can be grown indoors on a kitchen counter, windowsill, or shelf. The requirements are simple: a shallow container, some growing medium, water, and light. They are generally easy to grow once you know the basics, and many varieties are forgiving for first-timers (we'll discuss some of the easiest types below).
• Year-Round Gardening: Because you can grow microgreens indoors, you aren't limited by seasons. Even in the dead of winter, you can be growing fresh greens as long as you have a little space and an adequate light source. This makes microgreens popular in colder climates where outdoor gardening is limited in winter.
• Big Flavor in a Small Package: Don't be fooled by their size - microgreens are packed with flavor. Many have a taste reminiscent of the mature plant but often more concentrated. For example, radish microgreens are crisp and spicy like a radish, and basil microgreens are intensely aromatic. Chefs love to use them to enhance dishes, and home cooks can do the same, elevating salads, sandwiches, soups, and more with a sprinkle of microgreens.
• Fun and Educational: For gardening newbies (including kids), microgreens are a gentle introduction to growing plants. It's fun to watch them sprout and grow so quickly. This can be a great project for children to learn about plants and nutrition, with a tasty reward at the end. It's also an inexpensive hobby to try out, with minimal risk and mess.
In short, microgreens offer a fast, easy, and nutritious gardening experience - perfect for beginners who want quick results and practical rewards.
What You Need to Grow Microgreens
One of the best parts of growing microgreens is that you don't need fancy equipment or a lot of supplies. Here's a simple checklist of what you'll need to start your own microgreen mini-farm at home (for a more detailed breakdown, see our guide on setting up a Home Microgreens Kit):
• Quality Seeds: Start with seeds that are suitable for microgreens. While you can use regular vegetable or herb seeds, it's often best to buy packets specifically sold as microgreen seeds or from reputable suppliers, as these are untreated (no chemical coatings) and often tested for good germination and safety. You can grow microgreens from a wide variety of plants - popular choices for beginners include radish, broccoli, kale, sunflower, pea, mustard, and basil. (Tip: Avoid seeds from plants that have toxic leaves like tomato, potato or eggplant - those should not be grown as microgreens). Start with a few easy, fast-growing varieties (see our Top 5 Easy Microgreens article for recommendations). Seeds are usually sown quite densely for microgreens, so you'll go through more seeds than you would in a typical garden row - buying in bulk from microgreen seed suppliers can be cost-effective once you get the hang of it.
• Containers/Trays: Shallow trays or containers work best. You only need a couple of inches (~5 cm) of depth for soil since microgreens have very short roots. Many growers use the standard nursery trays (often called 1020 trays, about 25×50 cm) - these are flat trays that come in two types: one with drainage holes and one without. You can nest a tray with holes inside a tray without holes. This setup is ideal because it allows for bottom watering (pouring water into the bottom tray so the plants soak it up from below) and good drainage. If you don't have those, you can improvise with any shallow plastic or foil container (even take-out trays or produce clamshells) - just punch a few small holes in the bottom for drainage and set it on a waterproof surface or another tray to catch excess water. Clean, disinfected containers are important to prevent mold or disease. It's handy to have two trays of the same size so one can act as a humidity dome or blackout cover in the first stage of growth (more on that in the steps below).
• Growing Medium: Microgreens can be grown in soil or soilless media. A simple organic potting soil or seed starting mix works well for beginners. You can also use coconut coir (coir bricks that expand in water to create a soil-like medium) which is clean and easy to handle. There are also hemp mats or other grow pads specifically for microgreens; those can work, but soil/coir tends to hold moisture better and is more forgiving for beginners . Ensure your growing medium is clean and fine-textured (big clumps can impede small seedlings). If using soil, do not add any fertilizers - microgreens generally do not need additional fertilizer as they are harvested so young (the seed provides much of the nutrients the seedling needs). Fill your tray with about 2-3 cm of medium; that's plenty deep for microgreen roots. Lightly pat it flat so you have an even surface for uniform germination.
• Water Source and Mister: Microgreens need consistent moisture. It's best to have a spray bottle or mister to water them gently. A spray bottle lets you moisten the soil and seeds without displacing them with a heavy stream . In the initial stages, you'll mist the surface to keep it humid. Later on, having a way to water from the bottom (for example, pouring water into the bottom tray) is very useful to avoid wetting the leaves. Ordinary tap water is usually fine, but if your water is very high in chlorine you might let it sit out overnight or use filtered water for sensitive varieties.
• Light: Light is an essential factor for microgreens after they germinate. Early on (for the first few days) microgreen seeds actually do not need light - they often germinate in the dark. But once they sprout, ample light ensures they grow sturdy and green. If you have a bright, sunny windowsill that gets direct sun for 4-6+ hours, that might be sufficient for a small tray of microgreens. Just rotate the tray daily if they lean toward the window. However, in many cases (especially in winter or in north-facing apartments), you'll get better results using a simple grow light. You don't need anything too "special" or expensive - a basic LED or fluorescent grow light in the 5000-6500K range (daylight spectrum) works great. Microgreens generally do well with 12-16 hours of light per day for optimal growth. You can use an outlet timer to automate the on/off cycle. Position the light just 20-30 cm above the top of the greens if possible, which provides good intensity without overheating them. (For more on lighting setups, see our Beginner's Lighting Guide).
• Optional Extras: A few other items can make your microgreen journey easier: e.g. a humidity dome or cover (this could be as simple as the second tray flipped upside-down or a piece of plastic wrap with holes) to keep seeds humid during germination; a small fan to keep air circulating (helps prevent mold by reducing humidity and strengthening seedlings - even a tiny USB fan can make a difference); and clean scissors or a sharp knife for harvest. You might also want paper towels for lining containers or for wrapping stored microgreens, and some clean kitchen towels or a salad spinner for drying greens after harvest.
Now that you have your supplies ready, let's go through the actual process step-by-step.
Step-by-Step: How to Grow Your First Microgreens
Growing microgreens involves a short sequence of steps: prepare the tray, sow seeds, encourage germination, then provide light and water until harvest. We'll use a generic example applicable to most microgreen varieties (like radish, broccoli, or pea shoots). As you gain experience, you can adjust for specific seeds, but this basic method will get you started successfully:
Step 1: Prepare Your Tray and Medium - Place 2-3 cm of your moistened growing medium (soil or coir) into the tray with drainage holes. The medium should be damp but not soaking wet - like a wrung-out sponge. (If using a dehydrated coco coir brick, hydrate it first by soaking in water per its instructions.) Spread the medium evenly and gently press or tamp it flat so you have a smooth, level surface. An even surface helps all seeds have similar contact and depth, which leads to uniform growth. Make sure the medium reaches the corners and that there are no big air pockets. If your medium isn't pre-moistened, use a spray bottle to mist it thoroughly now. The soil should be moist all the way through but there should be no standing water pooling at the bottom.
Step 2: Sow the Seeds - Sprinkle your microgreen seeds evenly across the entire surface. Don't be shy - microgreens are sown densely compared to normal gardening. You want a carpet of seedlings. As a rule of thumb, the seeds can be spaced just a few millimeters apart; they will all grow together in a thick mat. Try to spread them as uniformly as you can so no area is too clumped or too bare. For small seeds (like broccoli, mustard, basil), you can just scatter them on top of the soil; no need to bury them. For larger seeds (like sunflower or pea), it can help to very lightly cover them with a thin layer of soil or vermiculite - just enough to keep them damp. In any case, after sowing, press the seeds gently into the soil using your palm or a piece of cardboard to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. This helps them absorb moisture and germinate uniformly. Finally, mist the seeded surface with your spray bottle so the seeds and topsoil are nicely damp.
Step 3: Create a Dark, Humid Environment for Germination - Most microgreen seeds germinate best in the dark with high humidity. After sowing and misting, cover the tray to block out light and hold in moisture. You can use an upside-down identical tray as a lid (if it's opaque), or place the tray inside a large plastic bag or under a loose piece of plastic wrap. Some growers even stack one tray on top of another if they've planted multiple - the weight can help keep seeds in contact with the soil (just don't crush them; a very light weight is used by some for certain seeds like peas). The idea is to maintain a moist, humid environment, almost like a mini-greenhouse in the dark, which triggers robust germination. Keep the covered tray in a warm spot. Room temperature is generally fine, but around 20-24°C is ideal for most seeds to sprout quickly. For example, you could put the tray on top of your refrigerator or near a radiator (just not somewhere that gets cold drafts). Check on the tray once per day: If the soil surface looks dry, give it a gentle mist of water. You should start to see tiny sprouts (roots or shoots) in 2-4 days for fast-germinating seeds like radish, or up to a week for slower seeds.
Step 4: Uncover and Give Light (Post-Germination) - After 3-5 days, most of your seeds should have sprouted. You'll see pale stems pushing up; often they look yellow or whitish at first - that's normal because they've been in the dark. At this stage, remove the cover and expose the young microgreens to light. If using sunlight, move the tray to your bright windowsill (south-facing windows usually have the best light). If using artificial lights, place the tray under the grow light. Microgreens need a lot of light to grow healthy: aim for about 12-16 hours of light per day now. Under good light, the seedlings will quickly turn green and begin growing upward. Make sure the light isn't so close that it overheats the plants - if using a strong grow lamp, keep it a safe distance as per the lamp's instructions (many LEDs can be 15-30 cm away). Without sufficient light, microgreens will stretch and become tall and floppy (leggy), so don't skimp on this step. If only indirect sunlight is available, consider supplementing with a lamp or the greens may grow slowly and thin. Also, now that the cover is off, the humidity will be lower - this is good to prevent mold, but it means you must pay attention to watering.
Step 5: Watering and Ongoing Care - Water is critical throughout the microgreen growth cycle. The goal is to keep the growing medium consistently moist, but not waterlogged. In practical terms, check your microgreens at least once daily (twice if your environment is very dry or warm). If the soil surface looks or feels dry, it's time to water. In the first few days after uncovering, you can continue using the spray bottle to mist the young shoots and soil gently. Be careful not to blast the delicate seedlings; a fine mist is best. However, as the plants grow a bit larger (after they're a few centimeters tall), bottom watering is the preferred method to avoid problems. To bottom water: pour a small amount of water into the bottom (solid) tray, then set the perforated tray (with your microgreens) back inside it. The soil will draw up water from below through the drainage holes. After a few minutes, if any water remains unabsorbed, pour it out to avoid the plants sitting in stagnant water . Bottom watering keeps the foliage dry and prevents oversaturation of some spots - this greatly reduces the risk of mold and damping-off disease. It also encourages roots to grow downward. Continue to water as needed - this might be daily or every second day, depending on temperature and humidity. Never let the soil completely dry out (wilting can happen quickly), but also avoid making it muddy. As a guideline, soil that is dark and moist to the touch is good, but if you press it and water squeezes out, it's too wet . If you ever notice a patch of white fuzzy growth, determine if it's just root hairs (harmless - they disappear when watered) or actual mold. Proper watering and airflow (and not over-seeding) usually prevent mold. (For an in-depth discussion on watering techniques and mold prevention, see our article on Watering Microgreens the Right Way.)
During this growing phase (typically days 4-10 of growth), also ensure the microgreens have good airflow. If they are in an enclosed area, open a window occasionally or use a small fan to keep air moving. Good air circulation helps foliage dry and prevents fungal issues. Additionally, if your seedlings seem to all lean one way towards the window/light, rotate the tray 180° each day for more even growth. In terms of temperature, normal room temperature (18-22°C) is fine. Slightly cooler temperatures (after germination) can actually produce sturdier growth, whereas very warm temperatures (>25°C) can encourage mold.
Step 6: Harvest Time! - The exciting part comes roughly one to two weeks after planting (exact timing depends on the variety and your conditions). Most microgreens are best harvested when they have fully developed their cotyledons (the first leaves that were inside the seed) and possibly just as a tiny first "true leaf" starts to emerge. At this stage they're usually 3-8 cm tall. They should look leafy and vibrant. If you wait too long, some types may get a bit chewy or bitter, so it's better to cut when they're young. To harvest, use a sharp knife or clean scissors. Hold a bunch of microgreens gently and snip just above the soil line, cutting the stems cleanly. It's best to harvest close to when you plan to eat them for maximum freshness and flavor. (Pro tip: Avoid watering right before harvest; if the greens are a little dry at harvest time, they'll store better. Some growers stop watering 8-12 hours before harvesting to let the plants dry out slightly). You typically cannot get a second crop from microgreen stubs (with a few exceptions like pea shoots which sometimes regrow a bit), so after cutting, their job is done.
Step 7: Enjoy and Store - Give your freshly cut microgreens a quick lookover. If you see any seed hulls (for example, sunflower or beet seed shells sometimes cling to the leaves), you can pick them out or rinse the greens to remove them. It's generally a good idea to rinse microgreens in cool water before eating to remove any traces of growing medium or dust. After rinsing, gently dry them using paper towels or a salad spinner - wet greens don't store well. If you're eating them immediately, no further prep needed - toss them on foods as a nutritious garnish or salad. If you need to store them, line a container with a dry paper towel and place the microgreens inside, then cover loosely and refrigerate. Properly stored dry microgreens can last about 5-7 days in the fridge. Keeping them dry is key to avoiding rot: the paper towel will absorb excess moisture. Remember to always handle them with clean hands and use a clean container to avoid introducing any bacteria, since you'll likely be eating them raw.
Finally, don't forget to clean up after harvest. Dump out the used soil and root remnants - they can be added to your compost. Wash and sanitize your trays and tools (a mild bleach solution or hydrogen peroxide works well to kill any mold spores) so they're ready for your next planting. Microgreens are most fun when grown in continuous batches, so you might start your next tray every week or two to have a steady supply (this is called succession planting). Before long, you'll be experimenting with all kinds of seeds and refining your technique.
Tips for Beginner Success
Growing microgreens is straightforward, but here are a few extra tips and common mistakes to help you succeed on your first try:
• Start with Easy Varieties: Not all microgreens are equal in difficulty. As a newbie, pick reliable, fast-growing varieties that have a high success rate. Good choices include radish, peas, broccoli, kale, and sunflower, among others. These tend to germinate quickly and are less prone to issues. (Check out our Top 5 Microgreens for Beginners for detailed recommendations.) Save trickier seeds like cilantro or beet for when you have a bit more experience, since those can be slower or have special requirements. Starting simple will boost your confidence.
• Use Clean, Quality Supplies: Sanitation can make the difference between a lush microgreen crop and a moldy flop. Always use clean trays and fresh growing medium for each batch. Rinse your seeds if recommended by the supplier, and consider sanitizing seeds that are known to carry more microbes (some growers rinse seeds in a mild hydrogen peroxide or vinegar solution before planting, especially for sunflower or pea, which have been called "dirty" seeds). While this level of caution might not be necessary for a small home grow, being clean and using good quality seed minimizes the chance of nasty mold or contamination. Also, ensure your water is clean (when in doubt, use filtered or boiled-then-cooled water if you have had mold problems).
• Watch Water and Humidity Levels: Two of the most common problems for beginners are overwatering and poor airflow, which together create a perfect environment for mold. Remember: moist, not soggy. It's better to underwater slightly than overwater - if you check daily, you'll catch if things are dry. Make sure excess water can drain away. If you're growing in a very humid environment, take the cover off a bit earlier and use a fan to keep the air moving. Conversely, in very dry homes, you might need to mist more frequently. Pay attention to your climate and adjust - the soil and seedlings will tell you what they need when you check them each day. By controlling moisture and humidity, you control the mold risk.
• Give Enough Light: Spindly, pale microgreens are usually a sign of insufficient light. If you notice your sprouts growing very tall and flimsy with small yellowish leaves, they likely need more light. Try moving them to a brighter spot or closer to a window, or add a grow light. Microgreens grown under strong, full-spectrum light will be short, thick-stemmed, and dark green, which is what you want. Remember, a simple daylight LED lamp can outperform a weak windowsill in many cases - and it doesn't need to be expensive or high-tech.
• Harvest at the Right Time: Timing the harvest can affect flavor and texture. Generally, younger is better than older for microgreens. Most are at their best as soon as they've opened their seed leaves and maybe a hint of the next leaves show. If you wait until they're much taller or have several true leaves, some types (like mustard or radish) may become tougher or spicier than you want. If you're unsure, sample a couple of sprouts each day as they grow - you'll get a feel for your preference. When in doubt, harvest a bit on the early side and store the extras in the fridge. You can always plant another tray! Also, use sharp scissors to avoid crushing stems, and handle the greens gently to reduce bruising (which can shorten shelf life).
• Experiment and Have Fun: Part of the joy of microgreens is experimenting with different seeds and techniques. Once you've successfully grown one or two batches, branch out. Try mixes of seeds, different soil alternatives, or grow on a piece of burlap or a hemp mat to see how it compares. Try both soil and hydroponic methods to see which you prefer. Microgreens offer a lot of room for experimentation because the cycle is so quick. You might also try staggering plantings a few days apart to have a continuous supply of fresh greens (so when one tray is finished, another is ready to harvest). Keep notes of what works well for you.
By following this guide, even a complete beginner can grow a successful crop of microgreens. Remember that nature is pretty forgiving at this scale - seeds want to grow. Your job is simply to give them a suitable environment and a little daily care. Soon you'll be snipping your own homegrown microgreens to sprinkle on any dish you like, impressing your family or friends with these colorful, nutrient-dense greens. Happy microgreen growing!
Internal Links: For more specific tips, check out our other beginner-friendly guides, such as setting up your microgreens kit, how to ensure proper lighting, watering techniques to avoid mold, and the easiest microgreens to grow for newbies. With the knowledge from this Ultimate Beginner's Guide, you're well on your way to microgreens success. Enjoy the journey from seed to salad in just days!