Microgreens are one of the easiest and most rewarding things you can grow at home. They are fast, nutritious, space-efficient, and perfect for beginners who want fresh food without a garden. If you’ve ever wondered how to grow microgreens but felt unsure where to start, this guide breaks it down into simple, manageable steps that actually work.
You don’t need expensive equipment, farming experience, or a greenhouse. With a few basic tools and the right process, you can harvest fresh microgreens in as little as 7 to 14 days. Let’s walk through exactly how to grow microgreens in 7 simple steps, from seed to harvest.
Microgreens are young vegetable greens harvested shortly after germination, usually when the first true leaves appear. They sit between sprouts and baby greens in terms of growth stage.
Common microgreens include:
Despite their small size, microgreens are packed with flavour and nutrients. They are often used in salads, sandwiches, smoothies, and as garnishes, but many people grow them simply for everyday meals at home.
Before we get into the steps, it helps to understand why microgreens are such a popular choice.
Whether you’re growing for personal use or planning to sell later, learning how to grow microgreens properly from the start makes everything easier.
The first step in learning how to grow microgreens successfully is choosing the right seeds. Not all seeds are suitable for microgreens.
Avoid seeds meant for large-scale farming unless you know they are safe for microgreen use.
If you’re just starting out, these are easy and forgiving:
They germinate quickly and give consistent results, which helps build confidence.
Microgreens are usually grown in shallow trays. You don’t need anything fancy.
A common size is around 275 x 530 mm, but any shallow tray works as long as it has drainage holes.
You’ll need:
Always start with clean trays. Wash them with warm water and mild soap, especially if they’ve been used before. This reduces the risk of mould and disease.
Clean trays are a small detail, but they make a big difference when learning how to grow microgreens consistently.
Microgreens need something to grow in. The most common options are:
Coco coir is very popular because it’s clean, light, and holds moisture well.
Fill the tray with about 2 to 3 cm of growing medium. Level it gently with your hand. Do not compact it too much, roots need air.
Lightly moisten the medium before adding seeds. It should feel damp, not soggy.
This is one of the most important steps in how to grow microgreens properly.
Microgreens are grown close together, but overcrowding can cause mould and poor growth.
Each type of microgreen has a different seed density. As a beginner:
Once seeds are spread, lightly press them into the growing medium using your hand or a flat tray.
After sowing, microgreens need a short germination period in darkness.
This encourages strong root development and even growth.
Once the seedlings start lifting the top tray, they are ready for light. This step is often overlooked, but it plays a big role in how strong your microgreens become.
Now the green part begins.
Microgreens need light once they emerge. You can use:
They need about 12 to 16 hours of light per day.
Water from the bottom by adding water to the tray underneath. This prevents disturbing the seedlings and reduces disease risk.
Key watering tips:
Good light and proper watering are essential if you want to master how to grow microgreens with healthy color and flavor.
Harvesting is the most rewarding step.
Microgreens are usually ready when:
Harvesting at the right time ensures the best taste, texture, and nutrition.
When learning how to grow microgreens, beginners often make the same mistakes. Avoiding these will save time and frustration.
Avoid common beginner mistakes and start your microgreens journey with clarity and confidence.
Microgreens don’t need complicated solutions, just consistency and cleanliness.
If you don’t eat them immediately, storage matters.
Always wash just before use, not before storage.
Yes. One of the biggest advantages of microgreens is that they can be grown all year, indoors, regardless of season.
As long as you control:
You can keep producing fresh greens continuously.
Learning how to grow microgreens doesn’t need to be complicated. By following these 7 simple steps, you can grow fresh, healthy microgreens at home with minimal space, time, and effort.
Start small, learn from each tray, and adjust as you go. Microgreens are forgiving, fast, and incredibly rewarding, which is why so many people fall in love with growing them.
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can experiment with different varieties, tray sizes, and even growing for profit. But it all starts with understanding the fundamentals, and now you have them.
Passionate about growing and empowering others! I’m a microgreens grower and business enthusiast based in South Africa, focused on helping people grow nutritious greens from home and turn small spaces into thriving businesses. Through local insights, hands-on experience, and a love for sustainability, I’m building a community of growers who want to live healthier, earn extra income, and make a positive impact, one tray at a time.