The idea of growing miniature versions of vegetables at home without soil sounds pretty high-tech and futuristic. But in reality, it's a lot easier than you think! When we talk about growing microgreens at home without soil, there's not much difference between growing on hydroponics and growing on soil.

Photo of microgreens on substrate

What you will need

Trays

You can buy plastic trays (trays) that fit your size. It is convenient and inexpensive. However, no one is stopping you from making your own version of the tray from improvised materials.

Microgreens grow without soil

Seeds

It is better to buy organic seeds specifically designed for growing microgreens. Ordinary seeds of the right plants will also work, just make sure that they have not been treated with fungicides.

Microgreens seeds

Lighting

If there is an opportunity to place the plants on a windowsill - great, this light will be quite enough. If you need artificial lighting - T5 fluorescent lamps will do (they are preferred by producers of microgreens). But ordinary cheaper T8 bulbs will also do the job.

Substrate

Although we have decided to grow the microgreens without soil, they do need substrate (although there are special hydroponic systems with no substrate at all). Coco coir, perlite, vermiculite, moss, peat, mineral wool or plant fiber mats can be used as substrate. The substrate serves as a support for the plants in hydroponics.

A pH meter or test strips

Needed to find out the pH of your water. Your water may already have a good level of acidity for growing microgreens, but it's best to check. Once you know the pH of your water you can make any necessary adjustments.

Sprayer

Buy a new spray bottle that has never contained chemicals or been used for any other purpose.

Nutrients.

Ideally, find a specially formulated fertilizer for growing microgreens on hydroponics. If that's not possible, that's okay, any complex hydroponic fertilizer will work. Some people believe that microgreens get most of their nutrients from the seeds and do not need additional fertilizer substances added to the water. Although microgreens will grow hydroponically without adding any additional nutrients to your water, the difference when you add fertilizer is noticeable.

Microgreens with and without fertilizer

Guess which of the trays the microgreens were grown in without fertilizer?

Growing microgreens at home without soil - a step-by-step guide

1) Water Preparation.

Ideally have water pH in the 5.5 to 6.5 range. Check your water and adjust the acidity if needed. Many hydroponics fertilizers already contain substances that adjust the pH to the right level. How much nutrients to add to the water will be written in the instructions of each particular fertilizer. Since we are growing microgreens, we will not use much fertilizer either. It is a good idea to let the tap water stand for 24 hours before using it, so that all the chlorine is gone.

2) Substrate preparation

Fill the substrate with nutrient solution and let it soak in. Put the wet substrate into the tray.

3) Sow seeds

Spread the seeds evenly over the entire surface of the substrate. Each type of microgreen requires a different seed density. For example, a 5 gram bag of mustard seed is enough for a 26x10cm tray, and the same bag of radish is enough for a 16x10cm area). Once you have planted the seeds, spray them with a sprayer, using clean water or a nutrient solution.

4) Cover the seeds.

It's best to cover your "bed" with a light-tight cover. A second tray, turned upside down, works great.

5) Germination and Sprouting.

It's best if your microgreens germinate in complete darkness. Open the tray for another spraying approximately every 12 hours. Germinating seeds and young sprouts should remain in the dark for the first 3-5 days, depending on the type of microgreens.

6) The active growth stage.

After about 5 days, your microgreens will begin to grow well. You can remove the lid and expose the tray to light. From this point, you can water them by adding small amounts of water directly into the tray rather than spraying. You can water them with balanced pH water, or you can continue to use a weak hydroponic solution. I suggest reducing the solution to about 1/4 of its original concentration for constant watering.

7) Harvesting.

Cut microgreens.

After 10-12 days, most varieties of microgreens will be ready to harvest. Yay! You have grown microgreens without soil. Use sharp scissors to cut the plants off at the base of their stems. After harvesting, the microgreens should be rinsed under cold water. That's it, you can enjoy the flavor and aroma! If you've grown a lot of microgreens