Mistakes To Avoid When Growing Microgreens Indoor

Microgreens are immature greens that are usually grown from the seeds of vegetables and herbs. They are usually harvested when they are about 2-4 inches tall and are used as a garnish or as a salad ingredient. While growing microgreens is relatively easy, there are some common mistakes that can lead to poor growth and low yields. These mistakes include poor soil preparation, incorrect watering, incorrect light exposure, and poor temperature control. To avoid these mistakes, I've learned to pay close attention to details like soil quality, watering frequency, and proper light and temperature levels. Furthermore, with this knowledge, I have been able to significantly improve yield and successfully grow high-quality microgreens at home. As I have learned from experience, here are some common mistakes you need to avoid when growing microgreens.

Lacking proper air circulation inside the growing room: There are a few ways in which you can make your microgreens grow poorly. One of them is if you don't provide them with adequate ventilation. As a beginner, I spent quite a bit of time trying to figure out how critical it is to have adequate ventilation in the grow room. Poor air circulation can have a negative impact on the health of your microgreens, causing fungus and mold to grow on them.

Not paying attention to humidity and temperature: This can cause the plants to become stressed, which can further lead to nutrient deficiencies, stunted growth, and lower yields. Additionally, incorrect light exposure can cause plants to become leggy, leading to weaker stems and an increased susceptibility to disease.

Using low quality soil, reusing soil, using an improper type of soil or contaminated soil: If you have poor soil, you might want to consider investing in fertile soil that has been specifically formulated to grow microgreens, along with organic matter that has been added to it to make it even more nutritious.

Putting too many seeds in microgreen trays: This creates an environment conducive to their growth, putting plants at risk. It is extremely crucial to make sure that microgreens have enough space so that they do not become overcrowded. When planting, remember that large seeds will swell once they have been soaked, so remember to take that into account when doing so. For example, you would need to account for the extra space required when planting a tray of sunflower or green pea microgreen seeds. These seeds can swell to more than twice their original size when soaked.

Not choosing the Right Seed Quantity: Planting too few or too many seeds can lead to poor yields, as the plants may not have enough resources to thrive. This can result in a lower quality harvest, and a smaller yield. Additionally, planting too many seeds can lead to overcrowding, which can also have a negative effect on the health of the plants.

Inconsistent watering and poor water quality: There are a few things you need to avoid when it comes to watering microgreens. Typical mistakes are overwatering or underwatering. Make sure you are providing the right amount of water on a regular basis. It is wise to use filtered water, as the minerals in tap water can affect the taste of your microgreens.

Using improper lighting type and intensity: The type of light needed to grow microgreens indoors should be bright but not direct sunlight. Not using the right type of light can prevent plants from photosynthesizing properly, leading to unhealthy growth and stunted development. This can also lead to unbalanced nutrient uptake, resulting in a lower quality and quantity of the harvest.

Using the wrong type of grow tray: Different types of microgreens require different types of grow tray or soil to grow properly. If you choose a tray that is unsuitable for the type of microgreen you are trying to grow, then your plants will not be able to thrive. You may end up with a poor harvest. Using a tray that is too thin can also be a problem, as thin trays bend too easily and cause the soil to become compacted. This can stunt the growth of your microgreens. Additionally, using a tray that is too deep can also be a problem, as it can prevent the soil from receiving enough air and drainage. This can cause the soil to become waterlogged, which can lead to root rot and other diseases that can harm your microgreens.

Topping the planted seeds with too much soil: This can prevent the seeds from receiving enough light, which is necessary for them to germinate and grow. Additionally, too much soil can prevent the soil from draining properly, leading to the same issues mentioned above. Furthermore, extra soil can make it more difficult for emerging seedlings to push through the soil. This can cause them to become weak and struggle to develop. To make matters worse, this can cause soil to end up on top of the growing microgreens, which can cause them to become stunted or fail to thrive.

Not starting with the simplest to grow type of microgreen first: Some types of microgreens require more care and are more difficult to maintain than others. If you choose a difficult variety, you may not be able to harvest in time, as the microgreens may not mature as quickly as you need them to. Additionally, some microgreens may take longer to germinate and require special care, so starting with easy-to-produce varieties is essential. Although it may be tempting to choose the more exotic varieties for excitement, it's smart to experiment with the easy-to-grow varieties until you become more experienced with planting microgreens.

Ignoring pest problems: Pests like aphids and mites can quickly ruin a crop of microgreens if left unchecked. Monitor closely and take action immediately when needed.

Not harvesting your microgreens in time: It's critical to know when to harvest your microgreens so you can enjoy them at their peak freshness.