American Seed Microgreens are the newest addition to the family of vegetables. The seeds are very easy to germinate and will grow into tasty greens in just a few weeks. They can be planted in the spring or late summer, after the last frost but before the first frosts. They can survive very poor soils, which is typical in their native Europe but adapted to our climate here. This variety is resistant to two different kinds of insects, so they are good candidates for organic farmers. The leaves are pale yellow and contain a mild citrus scent that is used as a mild deterrent to flies.

When planting, remove all weeds and dead grass around the planting area to create a sterile planting area. The seeds should arrive in several separate sows, approximately one month apart. Now, five to six seeds per square foot, but only if you have at least six feet of space between each plant. The seeds will be small and may require that you space them loosely.

Plant the seeds so they face up. Place about a teaspoonful of each variety into a plastic or wooden basket. Do not cover the seeds too tightly, as they will become moldy. If you are not going to store the baskets for later use, cover the outer edge of each basket with a plastic bag. Place in a cool, dark location where they will remain until the plant begins to sprout.

Microgrowths will sprout leaves similar to spinach. They will reach a maximum height of two to four inches. The shoots will darken as the days go on and turn a purplish blue. Within two to three weeks the new shoots will have sprouted and will be available for harvesting.

Harvesting American Seed Micro Greens is quite simple. Just clip the tops of the leaves off and remove any brown or dried material at the base of the plant. You can then either eat the greens right then or save them in a sealed container for later eating. Alternately, you can add fresh to your daily cooking routine to add vitamins and minerals that are lost during the germination process. It is safe to eat the seeds and see immediate results.

Before planting the seeds, you should decide on a place for your planting. A good choice is a sunny spot near a window or in an area where the sun can reach all areas of the plant. If you are planting in your kitchen, make sure to line your vegetable garden bed with an absorbent mat to collect rainwater. If you are planting in a container, you will need to line the bottom of the container with a moist newspaper or kitchen towel. Keep the newspaper and towel damp and cover the plant’s roots. This will protect the seeds from drying out and prevent mold from forming.

When planting microgreens, it is important to make sure you plant them at the correct depth. Microgreens need about two to three inches of room to thrive, so make sure you plan for at least two feet of room for planting. When purchasing seeds or starting your planting, be sure to ask the retailer to get the specific details regarding germination requirements. Your seeds may germinate in an existing bed but may not germinate if they are planted in waterlogged soil.

After planting, keep the seeds covered until they begin to sprout. They will need some time to grow and have leaves. Be sure to check the tiny white berries on a regular basis for their progress. Once the berries turn yellow and fall off, you can remove the seeds and replant the plants. Make sure you clean your containers well before storing them to ensure good germination.