Microgreens are young vegetable and herb seedlings harvested at the first true leaves, usually about three weeks after sowing. You only need a shallow tray, soilless potting mix, untreated seed and a bright window or grow light. They are one of the fastest edible crops you can grow indoors, even in winter.
What are the best microgreens to grow?
South Dakota State University Extension lists arugula, basil, beans, beets, broccoli, cabbage, celery, chard, cilantro, fennel, kale, mustard, peas and radish. Buy untreated seed, preferably USDA certified organic, so there is no seed coating to eat.
How do you grow microgreens step by step?
- Fill a tray. Use a shallow tray, such as a standard 1020 greenhouse flat, or ordinary pots. Fill it nearly full with a moistened soilless potting mix.
- Sow thinly. Scatter the seed thinly, press it into the mix and do not cover it. For large seed such as peas, space seeds about ½ to 1 inch apart. Small seed can go closer.
- Saturate. Water thoroughly after sowing with a fine-nozzle can, or set the tray in warm water until the mix soaks up to the top.
- Keep it humid. Cover the tray with a plastic bag to hold humidity near 100% until seedlings emerge, then open the bag gradually over a couple of days.
- Give light. Use a sunny windowsill, supplemental fluorescent or LED lights, or full sun. Our grow light DLI calculator helps if you use lamps.
- Feed lightly. After seedlings are up, you can give half-strength water-soluble fertiliser, such as 20-20-20, keeping it off the stems and leaves. Use plain water when the mix dries.
- Harvest at about three weeks. Cut just above the mix when plants have three or four true leaves.
How do you harvest and store microgreens?
Cut with clean scissors or a sharp knife. Rinse in cool water in a strainer, shake off the water, then pat dry or use a salad spinner. Eat them right away, or refrigerate in a sealed container for about a week.
How do you keep microgreens food-safe?
The same extension guide stresses a few habits, because you eat these plants raw:
- Wash your hands before planting and harvesting.
- Use new or sanitised trays and pots, and clean cutting tools.
- Mix only as much fertiliser as you need, and clean containers between uses, since germs can multiply in nutrient solution at room temperature.
Microgreens or full-size crops?
Microgreens give you a harvest in weeks, but only a small amount per tray. If you want a bigger harvest later, use our seed starting calculator or read when to start seeds indoors.
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Frequently asked questions
Do microgreens need fertiliser?
SDSU Extension suggests half-strength water-soluble fertiliser once seedlings are up, with plain water when the mix dries. The crop is ready in about three weeks.
When do I remove the plastic cover?
Once seeds emerge, open the bag gradually over a couple of days rather than all at once.
How long do harvested microgreens keep?
About a week in a sealed container in the refrigerator, according to the extension guide.
Reviewed November 2026. Sources: South Dakota State University Extension: Growing microgreens at home
