G.I.Y. Microgreens Grow Kits FAQs
Extra information to help you grow beautiful, delicious microgreens!
HOW MUCH LIGHT DO MY MICROGREENS NEED TO GROW?
Microgreens are very young plants, so for their ~10 days of growing they only need a moderate amount of light to give them rich color and an abundance of nutrients! We recommend finding a space for your tray that receives day-long indirect light or a few hours of direct light. Note that watering levels will vary based on temperature and amount of sunlight, so monitor your microgreens carefully and adjust lighting and/or water accordingly.
WHERE SHOULD I PUT MY MICROGREEN TRAY TO GROW BEST?
Microgreens will grow best at moderate temperatures (65-75°F) and with either day-long indirect light or a few hours of direct light. Find a spot in your home that will provide these conditions. Radish, Peas, and Sunflower might need good ventilation, so you may place a small fan near tray to avoid mold.
Tip: place your tray in a location where you’ll see it every day! This will remind you to add water and you’ll be able to see just how quickly your microgreens will be ready to harvest!
HOW MUCH WATER DO I ADD TO MY MICROGREENS? AND HOW OFTEN?
In general, microgreens will grow well in damp but not over-saturated soil. Seeds prefer a more moist environment during germination. We recommend the following watering guidelines:
● Day 1: After expanding your soil discs with 2 cups of water (one cup for each disc), plant your seeds and spritz with water using the included spray bottle to wet the seeds for germination. Then cover. (Peas and Sunflower require 3 discs.)
● Day 2: No water needed while your tray is covered and seeds are germinating. Peek under the cover to see if germination is taking place. You should see the plants beginning to emerge from the seeds.
● Days 3-4: By day 3, you should see the microgreens sprouting from their seeds. Lightly spritz seeds with water daily. Watering levels can vary based on temperature and amount of sunlight, so if you notice your soil is drying out, add an extra spritz per day. Day 4 is typically a good day to take off the cover and expose the microgreens to light. If exposed to light on either day, begin bottom watering by adding 1 cup water to the bottom tray, or 3 spray bottles full.
● Days 5-6: Your cover should be off by now and the microgreens should be exposed to light. Continue bottom watering by adding a cup of water to the bottom tray each day. You could use 3 bottlefuls using the included spray bottle. Lift the top tray and you should be seeing some nice white roots!
● Days 7- 10: Your microgreens should be ready to harvest during these days! While waiting to harvest or if you are harvesting little by little, continue to add ½ cup to 1 cup water in the bottom tray per day until all microgreens have been harvested.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR MY MICROGREENS TO GROW?
Your microgreens should be ready to harvest between day 7 and day 10 after planting. Greens will have grown several inches above the lip of the tray, though seedling height will vary based on lighting and soil conditions during growth.Microgreens can be harvested and eaten at any point once they’ve grown above the soil. Be sure to harvest all your greens by Day 10, as they can begin to lose their fresh flavor much beyond this time.
WHAT DO I DO IF MY SEEDS AREN’T GERMINATING?
Microgreen seeds germinate best in soil kept consistently moist throughout the first few days after planting at an ideal temperature of 70°F. Your germination lid helps maintain soil moisture and increase humidity to give your seeds the best chance to grow. If you haven’t seen adequate germination within 3 days of planting, check your soil moisture and add more water to your tray if it is too dry. If you continue experiencing germination issues, please reach out to our team and we’ll help you get growing!
WHAT IS THE WHITE GROWTH IN MY SOIL?
This is a question asked most often, and much of the time what you are seeing are the microgreen roots! Our microgreens have bright white roots that have fine silky fibers (called root ‘hairs’). Sometimes during growth in small containers like your grow tray, roots and root hairs can be visible above the soil. Don’t worry - this is a sign that roots are growing strong and will support healthy microgreen growth! Mold, on the other hand, looks webby and there might be an odor. If mold should form, spritz with 3% Hydrogen Peroxide. To avoid mold, place a small fan near the tray. If you’re concerned, send us a pic of your tray and we’ll be happy to take a look!
WHAT IS COCO COIR ANYWAY?
Well, for starters it’s not the coco that you add hot water to and drink on a brisk wintery day! It’s a renewable and sustainable growing medium. Coco coir is actually a byproduct of the coconut fiber industry. Between the outer husk and the actual coconut is a layer of fibrous threads. While the outer husk and coconut may be used for textiles and other coconut products, the coco coir is usually set aside. This leftover byproduct is then compacted into bricks or sold loosely for use in agriculture. Compared to its more controversial counterpart peat, coco coir is completely renewable, and is viewed as the more sustainable medium.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us. Email at info@humminghillsfarm.com with any questions you may have. We want you to be successful growing these so you can have as much joy as we do growing them!