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.

The History of Microgreens and How to Grow Them at Home

We have written about microgreens before and we are still keen to beat the drum for absolutely delicious and nutritious microgreens! 

Microgreens have taken the culinary world by storm with their vibrant colours, intense flavours, and impressive nutritional benefits. 

These tiny greens, harvested just after the first leaves have developed, have a fascinating history and are surprisingly easy to grow at home. 

Here’s a dive into their origins and a guide to cultivating your own microgreens.

The History of Microgreens

Microgreens have been around for longer than you might think. While they might seem like a modern trend, they have roots that stretch back several decades.

1980s: The culinary use of microgreens began in the United States, particularly in high-end restaurants in California. Chefs were drawn to the intense flavours and delicate textures that these tiny plants added to dishes.

1990s: Microgreens gained popularity among chefs and food enthusiasts across the globe. Their aesthetic appeal and concentrated nutrients made them a favourite garnish and ingredient.

2000s to Present: The trend has continued to grow, with home gardeners and urban farmers cultivating microgreens due to their quick growth cycle and minimal space requirements. Today, they are a staple in gourmet kitchens and health-conscious homes alike.

Benefits of Microgreens

Microgreens are not just a pretty addition to your plate; they are packed with nutrients.

Nutrient Density: Studies have shown that microgreens can contain up to 40 times more nutrients than their mature counterparts. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Flavour: Despite their small size, microgreens are bursting with flavour. From the spicy kick of radish microgreens to the sweet taste of pea shoots, they can enhance any dish.

Versatility: Use them in salads, sandwiches, smoothies, and as garnishes. They are a versatile addition to any meal.

How to Grow Microgreens at Home

Growing microgreens at home is a straightforward process that doesn’t require a garden or extensive gardening experience. Here’s how you can get started:

1. Gather Your Supplies:

Seeds: Choose from a variety of seeds such as radish, broccoli, sunflower, pea, and basil. Make sure to buy seeds specifically labelled for microgreens.

Growing Trays: Shallow trays with drainage holes are ideal. You can also repurpose plastic containers.

Soil or Growing Medium: Use a high-quality potting mix or a specialised microgreens growing medium.

Spray Bottle: For watering your microgreens gently.

2. Planting Your Microgreens:

Prepare the Trays: Fill your trays with about 2.5 cm (1 inch) of soil or growing medium. Smooth the surface but avoid compacting it.

Sow the Seeds: Scatter the seeds evenly over the soil surface. Aim for a dense coverage but avoid overlapping seeds too much.

Cover the Seeds: Lightly press the seeds into the soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil or simply leave them uncovered, depending on the seed type.

Watering: Use a spray bottle to moisten the soil thoroughly. Ensure the soil is damp but not waterlogged.

3. Growing Conditions:

Light: Place the trays in a bright location with indirect sunlight. If natural light is insufficient, consider using a grow light.

Temperature: Microgreens grow best in temperatures between 18-24°C (65-75°F).

Humidity: Cover the trays with a plastic lid or cling film to retain humidity until the seeds germinate.

4. Care and Maintenance:

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist by misting with a spray bottle. Avoid overwatering as this can lead to mould growth.

Ventilation: Once the seeds have germinated, remove the cover to improve air circulation and prevent mould.

5. Harvesting Your Microgreens:

Timing: Most microgreens are ready to harvest in 7-14 days, once they have developed their first set of true leaves.

Harvesting: Use a pair of sharp scissors to cut the microgreens just above the soil line. Harvest only what you need, leaving the rest to continue growing.

6. Using Your Microgreens:

Storage: Freshly harvested microgreens can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Keep them in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture.

Culinary Uses: Add microgreens to salads, sandwiches, and soups, or use them as a garnish to elevate your dishes.

Final Thoughts

Growing microgreens at home is a rewarding and easy way to add a burst of nutrition and flavour to your meals. With their rich history and simple cultivation process, microgreens are a fantastic addition to any kitchen garden. Give it a go and enjoy the delightful freshness of home-grown microgreens!

Fresh Greens Anytime: A Guide to Growing Microgreens and Indoor Salads

In today’s fast-paced quicker than ever world, the desire for fresh, nutritious food is more prevalent than ever. But that's difficult to obtain, isn't it?

Really? What if you could enjoy the taste and health benefits of vibrant greens without relying on your local supermarket, even if you have no garden plot? 

Enter microgreens and indoor salad gardens, a simple, sustainable solution for bringing the farm to your table, no matter the season or space constraints.

The Magic of Microgreens

Microgreens are essentially the tiny, edible seedlings of vegetables and herbs. Despite their small size, they pack a powerful punch of flavour, nutrients, and visual appeal. From peppery arugula to delicate radish sprouts, the variety of microgreens available is staggering, making them a versatile addition to any dish.

Getting Started

Choose Your Seeds: Opt for high-quality organic seeds suited for microgreen cultivation. Popular choices include kale, broccoli, mustard, radish, and basil, but feel free to experiment with different varieties.

Select Containers: You don’t need fancy equipment to grow microgreens. Reuse shallow trays, seedling flats, or even repurposed food containers with drainage holes punched in the bottom.

Prepare Your Soil: Use a lightweight, sterile potting mix or seed-starting mix for best results. Re-purposed grow bags can also be brought into service. Fill your containers to within half an inch of the rim and level the surface.

Planting: Sprinkle seeds evenly over the soil surface, aiming for dense coverage without overcrowding. Gently press them into the soil, mist with water, and cover with a thin layer of soil or vermiculite.

Watering and Light: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, ideally use a spray bottle to avoid disturbing the seeds. Place your trays in a bright, sunny spot or under grow lights for 12-16 hours a day, if you have access to a grow light.

Harvesting: Microgreens are typically ready to harvest in 1-3 weeks, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Use scissors to snip them just above the soil line when the first true leaves appear.

Crafting Indoor Salad Gardens

While microgreens offer a quick and easy way to add freshness to your meals, creating an indoor salad garden takes the concept to the next level. With a bit more space and time, you can harvest a bounty of salad greens right from your kitchen worktops.

Essentials for Success

Container Selection: Choose shallow, wide containers with drainage holes to accommodate the roots of your salad greens. You can use anything from traditional pots to recycled crates or even vertical garden systems.

Soil and Planting: Opt for a nutrient-rich potting mix formulated for vegetables. Plant a variety of salad greens such as lettuce, spinach, kale, and Swiss chard, leaving space between each plant to prevent overcrowding.

Watering and Light: Keep the soil consistently moist, watering from the bottom if possible to avoid disturbing the delicate roots. Place your containers in a sunny location or supplement with grow lights, if available, to ensure adequate light levels.

Maintenance: Regularly monitor your indoor salad garden for signs of pests, disease, or nutrient deficiencies. Thin out overcrowded plants as needed and fertilise with a balanced organic fertiliser to promote healthy growth.

Harvesting: Begin harvesting your salad greens when they reach the desired size, typically 4-6 weeks after planting. Use scissors to snip the outer leaves, allowing the inner ones to continue growing for future harvests.

Bringing It All Together

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a novice with a green finger, growing microgreens and indoor salads offers a rewarding and sustainable way to enjoy fresh, nutritious greens year-round. By following these simple steps and experimenting with different varieties, you can elevate your culinary creations and nourish your body with vibrant, homegrown goodness. So why wait? Roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty, and start cultivating your own indoor oasis of greenery today!

If you have a conservatory or an orangery you can look at growing your microgreens and salad plants in them, but do make sure they can't get too hot or too cold.

Incidentally we are awaiting our next crop of microgreens to be ready to harvest. Ours grow very nicely in our conservatory.

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.