When should you expose microgrowths to direct light? Most microgrowths should develop in the dark for at least three to five days prior to being exposed to direct sunlight. Some microgrowths will rapidly grow and need only two to three days without exposure to sunlight. Others microgrowths will grow slowly and will take a few weeks before they’re ready to be viewed. For an easy time of planting microgreens, choose growth periods that are the shortest.

Choose a day when you know the ground is warm and sunny; however, the soil shouldn’t be soggy. Soggy soil tends to encourage fungus germination. Microgreens seedlings should be kept in an enclosed container or plastic bag so they can root easily in water. If they’re seedlings, keep them in a pot so that they can have access to oxygen and water. Direct sun isn’t needed when growing microgreens; however, it’s important to provide good ventilation.

The harvested crop should be composted to get rid of any crop dust, but don’t add too much of it. Most compost makers suggest adding just three quarters of a pound of material to each five-gallon planting container. Harvested coffee beans and citrus fruits work well. Some seedlings don’t do well in compost; check with the manufacturer or garden center for recommendations.

During the next three months, plant seed raising bed microgreens in well-drained, soil-filled containers. Water them regularly but don’t drown them. They’ll need room to grow, so plan your garden design around space. Keep the containers moist but not wet, until the seed growing media is ready to use.

After planting, replace the seed covers and let the seeds stay there for about two weeks. The germination stage occurs during this time. Light and heat are important factors in seed germination. When to expose the microgreen seeds to sunlight and light depends on the phase of growth the seeds are in.

As seedlings mature, they may no longer need direct sunlight or be exposed to heat and light to encourage germination. You might also want to remove them from their boxes for a few weeks to give them a chance to recover from harvesting and to prepare them for planting in your garden. When you do move them, be sure to carefully pack them into your container so they’re ready to move in the future.

Microgreen seedlings can survive just fine without any additional help from you but don’t leave them alone. Mist the plants every other day with a light mist or spray bottle and then plant them into your garden. You can also follow the steps outlined above to ensure that microgolds get the proper light and heat to encourage germination. In case you need help getting started, consult a local specialist or talk to your local gardening store about what you need to do.

One more step to consider when growing microgreens is to set up a light and heat system for them at night. Microgreens don’t like very strong light or heat, so consider either shading them or covering them up as needed with plastic film. Cress grows very well, especially when giving a good growing medium, so don’t hesitate to try it in your own garden. Cress is great for growing because of its hardiness and pest resistance. Try growing a variety of varieties of cress, including curly leaf cress, hairy vetch, red sage, and wild oregano cress to give your plants a better chance of survival.

Finally, it’s crucial to take care of the microgreens once they are indoors. To begin, remove any fallen leaves or petals from your windowsill. You can then throw them into a large compost bin lined with a plastic bag and set your windowsill outside to dry.

Make sure the seeds are covered loosely with newspaper and sealed in an airtight container to discourage germination. After about three weeks, open your windowsill and remove the seeds. Use these new microgreens immediately or save them to replant later. Many commercial growers rely on this simple method, as it helps prevent mold problems and keeps the plants healthy during the dormant period between planting and germination.

When to expose microgreens to light and heat: It is not advisable to expose your new growing microgreens to direct sunlight or sudden temperatures change. Direct sunlight can kill the roots as well as the foliage, and sudden temperature shifts can cause the herb to wilt. When microgreens are indoors, make sure to store them in a cool dark place, away from windows. If you live in a warm area, you may consider growing basil from seed. Keep in mind however that many commercial growers prefer growing microgreens indoors for several reasons, including a shorter harvesting period, less need for pest control, and a smaller chance of herbicide resistance.