Microgreens & Sprouting Guide
Microgreens are one of the most nutrient-dense and space-efficient crops you can grow. A single 1020 tray of sunflower shoots goes from seed to harvest in 10–14 days. No grow room required — a sunny windowsill or a simple LED panel is enough to get started.
What You Need to Grow Microgreens
Microgreens Kits
Complete beginner kits include trays, grow medium, seeds, and instructions. The fastest way to get your first harvest without sourcing everything separately.
Seeds
Use seeds specifically rated for microgreens or sprouting — untreated and non-GMO. Popular varieties: sunflower, pea shoot, radish, broccoli, wheatgrass, arugula, beet, and amaranth. Browse all seeds →
Grow Trays & Mats
Standard 1020 trays are the industry standard. Use a solid tray under a mesh/perforated tray for bottom watering. Grow mats (jute, burlap, or hemp fiber) are a popular soilless alternative to potting mix for many varieties.
Seeders & Tools
Manual and electric seeders make high-volume planting significantly faster. Tampers, spray bottles, and harvest scissors round out the toolkit.
Lighting
Microgreens don't need high-intensity lighting. A T5 fluorescent fixture or a low-wattage LED panel placed 2–4 inches above the canopy is sufficient. Natural window light works for small-scale home production.
Sprouting Kits
Jar sprouters and tray systems for growing alfalfa, mung bean, lentil, clover, and other sprouts entirely in water — no soil or grow medium needed.
Beginner vs. Commercial Production
Home Kitchen Production
Start with 1–2 trays, a simple LED or a south-facing window, and a few seed varieties. Sunflower and pea shoots are the most forgiving. Bottom watering reduces mold risk. Total setup cost: under $50.
Commercial & Market Scale
Stack multiple LED grow light strips on wire shelving. Use an electric seeder for efficiency, heat mats for germination, and a grow tent for humidity control. Wheatgrass, sunflower, and pea shoots are the best sellers at farmers markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between microgreens and sprouts?
Sprouts are germinated seeds grown entirely in water — the seed, root, and shoot are all eaten. Microgreens are grown in a medium (soil or mat) and only the stem and leaves above the medium are harvested. Both are nutrient-dense; sprouts have slightly higher risk of bacterial contamination due to the warm, wet, no-air-flow conditions.
Why are my microgreens getting moldy?
Mold is most often caused by overwatering, poor airflow, or seeding too densely. Bottom water only (pour water into the bottom tray and let it wick up). Run a small fan nearby during the covered germination phase. Don't overseed — crowded trays trap moisture.
How long do microgreens take to grow?
Fast crops: radish, arugula, mustard — 6–9 days. Medium: sunflower, pea shoots, beet — 10–14 days. Slow: basil, cilantro, parsley — 16–21 days. Wheatgrass: 7–10 days.
Can I regrow microgreens from the same tray?
Most microgreens are single-harvest crops — you cut the shoots just above the grow medium and compost the roots. Pea shoots are an exception; they will often produce a second and third cut if you leave the growing tip intact.
What grow medium is best for microgreens?
A quality potting mix (1–2 inches) is the most versatile and works for all varieties. Grow mats (jute, burlap, or hemp) are cleaner and lighter for commercial production — they work well for sunflower, pea, and wheatgrass. Browse trays and mats →