Growing Microgreens at Home or for Your Pub or Restaurant

Microgreens are tiny, flavour-packed greens that are easy to grow and can elevate your dishes with minimal effort and maximum impact. 

Whether you're a home cook looking to add a nutritious garnish to your meals or a chef seeking to impress diners with vibrant plate presentations, microgreens are a brilliant solution. 

This guide will show you how to grow, harvest and use microgreens — and which seeds are safe or unsafe for the purpose.

What Are Microgreens?

Microgreens are young seedlings of edible vegetables and herbs, harvested just after the first true leaves develop. They’re more mature than sprouts but younger than baby greens, offering a punchy flavour, delicate texture and high nutritional value.

Popular in fine dining and trendy cafés, microgreens can also thrive in your own kitchen, back garden, or even in the corner of your pub kitchen.

 Why Grow Microgreens?

Fast turnaround: Harvest in 7–21 days

No garden required: Ideal for windowsills, shelves or small growing tents

Minimal equipment: Just seeds, soil (or a growing medium), light, and water

High profit potential: Especially for pubs, cafés and restaurants offering upscale dishes

Nutrient rich: Up to 40x more nutrients than mature leaves of the same plant

Safe vs Unsafe Seeds for Microgreens

Safe and Popular Seeds:

Broccoli

Radish

Rocket (Arugula)

Cress

Kale

Basil

Coriander (Cilantro)

Peas

Sunflower

Beetroot

Chard

Mustard

Seeds to Avoid:

Tomato

Potato

Aubergine (Eggplant)

Pepper (Chilli/Bell)

These belong to the nightshade family and their greens can be toxic.

Always ensure seeds are labelled specifically for microgreens or organically grown, free from fungicides or chemical treatments.

How to Grow Microgreens

What You’ll Need:

Shallow trays or containers (even recycled takeaway containers work)

Growing medium: organic potting soil, coconut coir, or grow mats

Spray bottle or fine watering can

Light source: a sunny window or LED grow light

Seeds

Step-by-Step:

Prepare the Tray

Fill your tray with 2–4 cm of growing medium and level it out gently.

Sow the Seeds

Sprinkle seeds densely but evenly. No need to bury them—just press them down lightly.

Moisten Gently

Mist the seeds with water using a spray bottle.

Cover and Germinate

Cover the tray with a lid or another tray to create a dark, moist environment. Keep in darkness for 2–3 days.

Uncover and Grow

Once seeds sprout, remove the cover and move the tray to a well-lit spot. Water lightly once or twice a day.

Harvest

Use clean scissors to snip the greens just above the soil line when they are 2.5–7.5 cm tall, usually in 7–21 days.

How to Use and Serve Microgreens

Microgreens can be used in countless ways:

Garnish for soups, steaks, and brunch plates

Tossed into salads for texture and colour

Blended into smoothies for added nutrients

Topped on burgers, wraps, or tacos

Stirred into omelettes, risottos or pasta dishes

As a stand-alone salad with vinaigrette and shaved cheese

Restaurants and pubs can use them to:

Add visual flair

Elevate flavour with spicy or citrusy notes

Signal freshness and seasonality to diners

Tips for Pubs and Restaurants

Grow on-site: Small trays can be stacked vertically in kitchens or storage areas.

Label dishes: Let diners know their garnish is house-grown — great for menus and social media.

Host microgreen workshops: Great for community engagement and PR.

Growing microgreens is a sustainable, delicious, and profitable way to enrich your menu or home meals. They require little space and effort but offer huge rewards in flavour, health benefits, and presentation.

Embracing the Magic: Growing and Eating Your Own Microgreens

In a world where the hustle and bustle of everyday life often leave us disconnected from nature's wonders, there exists a magical realm awaiting exploration right in our homes - microgreens. These tiny, vibrant greens hold a universe of flavour, nutrition, and joy within them. 

Growing and consuming microgreens isn't just about cultivating a crop; it's a journey of discovery, mindfulness, and satisfaction. Join me as we embark on this enchanting adventure of growing and savouring our own microgreens.

Unveiling the Magic of Microgreens:

Microgreens, the miniature versions of leafy greens and herbs, are harvested when their first true leaves emerge. Despite their small, or even tiny, size, they pack a powerful punch of flavour, colour, nutrients and taste.

From peppery rocket to delicate basil, each variety offers a unique culinary experience. But the magic of microgreens doesn't stop at their taste; it extends to their cultivation process and the satisfaction derived from nurturing them.

The Joy of Cultivation:

Growing microgreens is a delightfully simple yet rewarding endeavor suitable for seasoned gardeners and novices alike. All it takes is a shallow container, some soil or growing medium, seeds, and a sunny windowsill or a grow light. And your children will love to be involved, too.

Witnessing the transformation from seed to sprout and eventually to lush greens is akin to witnessing a miniature miracle unfold before your eyes. The act of caring for these tiny plants fosters a sense of connection to nature and an appreciation for the cycles of growth.

Mindful Nourishment:

Beyond the act of cultivation lies the true magic of microgreens - their role as a source of nourishment for both body and soul. Incorporating these miniature wonders into our diets introduces a burst of freshness and flavour to our meals. 

Whether sprinkled over salads, sandwiches, or soups, or blended into smoothies, microgreens elevate dishes with their vibrant hues and concentrated taste. Moreover, knowing that these greens were nurtured with our own hands adds an extra layer of satisfaction to every bite.

Nutritional Powerhouses:

Despite their tiny size, microgreens are nutritional powerhouses, often containing higher concentrations of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than their mature counterparts. Research suggests hey may possess potent health benefits, including improved immune function, reduced risk of chronic diseases, and enhanced digestion. By incorporating microgreens into our diets, we not only tantalise our taste buds but also support our overall well-being, too.

Cultivating Connection:

In today's fast-paced world, cultivating a connection to the food we consume can feel like a distant luxury. However, growing and eating microgreens offer a tangible way to bridge this gap. By tending to these tiny plants, we rekindle our bond with nature and gain a deeper appreciation for the origins of our food. Furthermore, sharing the experience with friends and family fosters a sense of community and joy in the simple act of growing and eating together. Why not set up a microgreen swap club with family members, neighbours or work colleagues? 

In a world inundated with convenience and instant gratification, the magic of growing and eating your own microgreens serves as a gentle reminder to slow down, savour the moment, and reconnect with the natural world. 

From the thrill of watching seeds sprout to the satisfaction of harvesting a bountiful crop, every step of the journey holds its own enchantment. So, why not embark on this magical adventure today? Grow your own microgreens, and let the magic unfold in your greenhouse, your conservatory, your windowsill or your kitchen shelf or counter.

Incidentally, we grown our microgreens in our conservatory.