Microgreens are an excellent choice of fresh food for your garden, but they’re also a very tasty way to add flavor to any dish you make. Although the use of microgreens in any recipe requires some careful planning, there are some important guidelines that can help you enjoy your microgreens to the fullest. The following three factors can help you decide whether they’re safe to consume or not.

Plants. First, carefully select your plants. Take into account the climate of your area, as some plants, like roses, prefer warm weather to grow, while others, like tomatoes, will need cool weather to thrive. Make sure that you’ve chosen plants that are resistant to frost and will be fine in your garden.

Feeding. Now, as with any type of vegetable, you’ll want to give your microgreens plenty of water. In addition, you’ll want to include plenty of organic fertilizers and avoid feeding your plants in the fall and winter. Most vegetables will go dormant in the fall and winter, and with so many microgreens and sprouts available, it’s hard to think about stopping their growth.

Seed. Finally, before starting your seeds in your garden, do some research to ensure that you have the best seeds available. Some types of microgreens grow better with different types of soil than others, so it’s important to find the right seeds. However, you should be prepared to invest in a bit of seed time as you grow microgreens, as they tend to take longer to germinate than sprouts do.

Growing microgreens is a fun, relaxing, and extremely rewarding experience, but it’s also not without its challenges. The key to knowing when to stop is to understand the process and how the microgreens are grown. By taking the time to learn about your microgreens and following these guidelines, you’ll have the safest and freshest microgreens that you’ll ever have.

Let’s get started. Choose your plants.

Plants react differently to different conditions. If you’re using roses, which do well in most climates, find out how much sunshine they prefer and what time of year they do best. These plants can easily become overgrown and should be given space to spread out.

Make sure that your microgreens are well drained. This makes them much more likely to survive than sprouts, and they’ll grow more quickly, too. Check the pH level and look for signs of stress, like ragged edges or yellowing leaves. If you have concern for the health of your microgreens, simply place them in water for a few minutes, then re-pot them.

Clean your soil. Some microgreens need a richer soil than others, so if you’re going to be growing just one or two, use the same soil for all of them. You’ll end up with healthy, bright-colored, thriving plants in no time. If you’re growing more than two, however, try to be selective about the soil and give each plant a slightly different environment.

Sprout them as soon as you see them. Do it when you see them on their own, but do it carefully. You don’t want to risk ruining them with a weak sprout, or worse, over-watering them before they’re ready.

Choosing your microgreens. Choose your microgreens based on their color and size. Choose something with a darker color for cooler climates, and lighter colors for warmer climates. You’ll end up with flavorful, vibrant plants that are sure to please your family.

Life is full of surprises. Enjoy yours by following these simple guidelines.