Want fresh microgreens and micro herbs all year round? You might have seen my previous post about using plastic water bottles as seed-starting containers. If you missed it, you can see the instructions and some helpful photographs here: “How To Start Seedlings in Repurposed Plastic Bottles.” This same method works great for growing microgreens and micro herbs on your porch or windowsill, too.
Seeded Plastic Bottles
About once per week, plant a pinch of seeds in the soil. Use one or two containers per person, per day—or more, depending on the amount you expect to consume.
Sprouted Micro Greens
When the microgreens are ready, harvest them as needed with clean scissors. After you’ve harvested all of the sprouts in a bottle, turn the soil over with a spoon and reseed. The roots (or radicles) of the previous plants will break down and help nourish the new seedlings.
Harvested Sprouts
For economy’s sake, I prefer to get seeds in bulk, or gather them, or buy 4 seed packets for $1 when they go on sale during the summer at the dollar stores. Some of my favorite seeds to use are spinach, kale, basil, arugula, and mesclun.
What seeds do you use for microgreens or micro herbs? What’s your favorite way to save money buying large amounts of seeds? Let us know in the comments below!
This article was submitted by Donna Lucy as an entry in The Grow Network’s Spring 2015 Writing Contest. It was originally published on June 18, 2015. The author may not currently be available to respond to comments, however we encourage our Community members to chime in to share their experiences and answer questions!
COMMENTS(4)
Sounds like a good system. 🙂
I like the idea of starting them once a week for a constant supply.
I’m just starting out and I bought a small bag on Amazon of mixed seeds to do this way. I have discovered though that the seeds sprout at different speeds so it will be better when it’s only one type of seeds at a time, I think.
Lexie, I believe you’re correct; I’ve had that issue with sprouts. I have been more successful with singular seeds. I’ve done mixed and sure enough, many didn’t sprout as well as others and got slimy. I’ve not had the issue with single seeds.
Also, I’ve seen many tutorials on line about microgreens. While I applaud the reusability of plastic bottles, I can assure you the amount growing in one cup wouldn’t nearly be enough for even one meal. Growing in flats where you cut each days worth has better advantages for me.