Best Microgreens for Beginners to Grow
Which Microgreens Are Best for Beginners To Grow? A Concise Guide
Key Takeaways
- Beginner-friendly microgreens: Arugula, radish, cabbage, broccoli, and basil are excellent for beginners due to their fast growth cycles, easy cultivation, and mild flavors.
- Flavor profiles: Microgreens offer diverse flavors, from the peppery kick of radish to the nutty sweetness of sunflower. Consider your taste preferences when selecting varieties.
- Nutritional value: All microgreens contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, but each variety boasts unique nutritional profiles. Choose a mix based on your dietary needs and preferences.
- Growth requirements: Light, water, and temperature needs vary among microgreens. Research the specific requirements of your chosen varieties to ensure optimal growth.
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It can be exciting and challenging to start growing microgreens. One question I get all the time is, “Which microgreens are best for beginners to grow?” Thanks to their nutritional value and ease of cultivation, microgreens are becoming more popular as young seedlings for vegetables and herbs. For those new to this endeavor, selecting suitable varieties is crucial for a successful and enjoyable experience.
For beginners, the best microgreens to grow are radish, broccoli, cabbage, arugula, and basil. These varieties offer easy cultivation, quick growth cycles, and a range of flavors from spicy to sweet. They are nutrient-rich, ideal for novice gardeners seeking health benefits and culinary versatility.
Embarking on the journey of growing microgreens can be both exciting and a bit daunting for beginners. Microgreens, the young seedlings of vegetables and herbs, have gained popularity due to their nutritional value and ease of cultivation. For those new to this endeavor, selecting suitable varieties is crucial for a successful and enjoyable experience.
In this post, you will explore the best microgreens for beginners, ensuring a rewarding introduction to this form of urban agriculture.
Understanding Microgreens
Before diving into specific varieties, it’s essential to understand microgreens. Microgreens are young vegetable greens, typically harvested just after the cotyledon leaves have developed and before the true leaves emerge. They are known for their high nutrient content and can be grown from almost any vegetable or herb seed.
Microgreens Flavor Profile
Microgreens offer a diverse spectrum of flavors, catering to various taste preferences:
- Peppery: Arugula, radish, mustard, watercress.
- Nutty: Sunflower, beet, amaranth, buckwheat.
- Sweet or grassy: Pea shoots, corn, wheatgrass, barley.
- Spicy: Radish, cabbage, kohlrabi, kale.
- Earthy: Broccoli, cauliflower, turnip, radish.
Microgreens Nutritional Value
All microgreens are nutrient powerhouses, boasting high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. However, specific varieties offer unique nutritional profiles:
- Vitamin A: Kale, broccoli, beet, amaranth.
- Vitamin C: Broccoli, sunflower, radish, pea shoots.
- Vitamin K: Kale, broccoli, mustard, collard greens.
- Iron: Sunflower, amaranth, pea shoots, beet.
- Calcium: Sunflower, broccoli, mustard, amaranth.
Microgreens Varieties
| Radish Microgreens | Radish microgreens are a top recommendation for beginners due to their easy growth and quick harvest cycle. They can be ready for harvest in as little as 7 days. Radishes are hardy and resilient, making them less prone to errors in watering or lighting. Their spicy flavor adds a zesty kick to salads and sandwiches, making them a culinary favorite. |
| Broccoli Microgreens | Broccoli microgreens are another excellent choice for beginners. They are known for their health benefits, including high levels of vitamins and antioxidants. Broccoli microgreens have a mild, pleasant flavor and are relatively easy to grow, typically ready for harvest in 7 to 10 days. They are also known for their anti-cancer properties, making them nutritious to any diet. |
| Cabbage Microgreens | Cabbage microgreens, especially varieties like Red Acre, are easy to grow and visually appealing. They usually take about 10 to 14 days to harvest. Cabbage microgreens add a mild, sweet flavor to dishes and contain nutrients like vitamins C and K. |
| Arugula Microgreens | Arugula microgreens are known for their peppery flavor and versatile addition to various dishes. They are a bit slower to grow than radish and broccoli, typically ready for harvest in 10 to 14 days, but are still suitable for beginners. The best time to harvest arugula microgreens is when the first true leaves form, which have the most intense flavor at this stage. |
| Basil Microgreens | Basil microgreens are a gourmet choice for beginners willing to wait a bit longer for their harvest. They can take up to 3 weeks to mature but are not particularly challenging to grow. Basil microgreens offer a unique flavor, making them a delightful addition to many. |
| Microgreens Blend | Premixed microgreens blends are an excellent option for those who prefer a variety. These blends can include vegetables such as amaranth, arugula, beets, broccoli, cabbage, kale, radishes, and herbs like basil and fennel. Seed companies design premixed blends to provide uniform growth rates, a range of textures and colors, and well-balanced flavors, making them a convenient choice. |
Microgreens Cultivation Tips for Beginners
Growing microgreens requires some essential equipment and knowledge. Here are some tips to help beginners get started:
- Pick the Right Seeds: As my business partner would say, “Wrong seed, bad business.” Find certified pathogenic-free or certified organic seeds from a reputable source. See our top picks here ==> Picking the Best Seeds to Grow Microgreens (microgreensworld.com).
- Choose the Right Medium: Microgreens can be grown in soil or hydroponic mediums. I recommend soil for beginners due to its ease of use.
- Proper Watering: Microgreens require consistent moisture but should not be overwatered. Using a spray bottle can help control the amount of water.
- Adequate Lighting: Microgreens need sufficient light to grow but can be grown under natural or artificial light. A sunny windowsill or a simple grow light can suffice.
- Harvesting: Harvest microgreens when the first true leaves start to develop. Use clean scissors to cut them just above the soil line.
Starting the Microgreens Growing Journey
Starting with these beginner-friendly microgreens can provide a fulfilling introduction to microgreen gardening. They offer a blend of ease of cultivation, rapid growth, nutritional benefits, and culinary versatility. As you gain confidence and experience, you can explore various microgreens, each bringing unique flavor and texture to your homegrown produce.
Microgreens offer the beginner gardener a world of flavors, textures, and colors. Starting with these easy-to-grow varieties can provide a successful and enjoyable introduction to microgreen cultivation. As you gain experience, you can explore more varieties and discover the wide range of culinary and nutritional benefits microgreens offer.
References
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“The 9 Most Nutritious Microgreens You Can Grow at Home.” Microgreens World, https://microgreensworld.com/what-microgreens-to-grow/. Accessed 11 Dec. 2023.
“Top 30 Microgreens You Can Easily Grow Indoors.” Microgreens World, https://microgreensworld.com/top-30-microgreens-you-can-easily-grow-indoors/. Accessed 11 Dec. 2023.
“12 Best Microgreens for Beginner Growers | Easy Choices to Get Started.” Johnny’s Selected Seeds, https://www.johnnyseeds.com/growers-library/vegetables/microgreens/micro-greens-top-picks-for-getting-started.html.
