Microgreens, as their name suggests, are small, leafy varieties of vegetables. They are ideal for growing indoors under low light circumstances and as a quick snack. Microgreens have some of the finest growing tips in the vegetable category and are easy to maintain. The following are five growing tips on planting microgreens.
Planting microgreens is easier than you might think especially if you use a greenhouse. Unlike other members of the family, microgreens can tolerate some frost. It is not necessary to add soil to support the growth of baby greens, as there is no need for added nutrients. There are different varieties available depending on what is available in your local supermarkets. Filling the plant pots with some soil before putting them in the greenhouse will also help to condition the seeds for planting.
Focusing on Zesty, refreshing flavours is one way to boost the popularity of microgreens. They are available in different flavours including butterscotch ginger and butterscotch carrot. Some varieties have a hint of tartness, others have more of a delicate taste. A range of websites offer a range of zesty flavours that compliment the microgreens and can be used as starting point when developing your own collection.
Planting microgreens will depend entirely on your preference. As mentioned, they grow well in any kind of climate but there are varieties that are best planted in warmer areas such as your garden. Although it sounds contradictory, you should plant them about three to six inches deep as they prefer a deeper soil. Your growing tips for this are to add plenty of compost as it helps the roots to spread out and spread their wonderful flavor. If you can keep the plants around six to eight inches apart then you are off to a good start!
After planting microgreens ensure that they get sufficient amounts of sunlight so they can start to bloom. This can be done by covering them in a plastic bag during the day and covering them again at night. Microgreens can be harvested from all parts of the plant but the preferred spots are just below the leaf canopy and slightly above the ground as they are most flavorful when just reaching the ground. Once microgreens have bloomed, you need to check them to ensure that they are all covered in fresh juice. It is best to check them frequently throughout the growing season ensuring that no green has been missed.
Apart from flavoring, the main reason why microgreens are gaining popularity is because of their high nutritional value and excellent source of antioxidants. The seed of this type of lettuce is very rich in vitamin A, which is essential for overall good health as this vitamin helps strengthen the immune system and fight off various infections. As, well as the vitamin A there is cinched which provides a significant amount of Vitamin C which will also help strengthen your body’s immune system. Other important nutrients found in microgreens are beta carotene, which is essential to improve eyesight and Vitamin E which works as an antioxidant fighting free radicals. As well as all these vitamins, the lettuce is also rich in other minerals which are essential to providing you with a great tasting treat every time you pop open a can of this tasty treat.
There are many varieties of microgreens available in the market today including the popular varieties like Iceberg, Fusilli, Blue, Lettuce, Red, Bermuda and Swiss. In addition to these varieties, there are also others like the original carrot, beet greens, kale, radishes, and red cabbage that provide a different flavor. With all these varieties it is hard to choose one type of microgreen that has excellent health benefits. However, choosing a variety that is easy to eat and are extremely delicious should make your decision an easier one.
As you can see by now, the popularity of microgreens are increasing as people become more aware of their nutritional benefits. They are perfect for adding flavor to your baby’s favorite foods without adding extra calories or fat. The key to enjoying these benefits is to choose the right variety of microgreens to add to your child’s diet so they are getting the exact amounts of vitamins and minerals needed. With new varieties coming on the market every day, it is a good idea to keep learning about new additions to the market.