Grow fresh microgreens indoors using an empty strawberry clamshell. In just 12 days, you’ll have a vibrant, nutrient-rich microgreen salad ready to harvest. No sunlight required.
Key Takeaways:
- Growing microgreens requires only a shallow tray, quality seeds, a growing medium, water, and adequate light.
- Most microgreens are ready to harvest in as little as 7 to 14 days, depending on the variety.
- Bottom watering helps reduce mold while encouraging stronger root development.
- Good airflow and moderate temperatures improve germination and reduce disease problems.
- Radish, broccoli, sunflower, pea shoots, and kale are among the easiest microgreens for beginners.
- Keeping trays and tools clean minimizes the risk of mold and bacterial contamination.
- Microgreens can be grown indoors throughout the year using natural sunlight or LED grow lights.
- Harvest microgreens once the first true leaves begin to appear for the best flavor, texture, and nutrition.
Overview
Growing microgreens is one of the easiest ways to produce fresh, nutrient-dense greens indoors. Most microgreens are ready to harvest within 7 to 14 days, making them an excellent choice for beginners and experienced gardeners alike. To grow microgreens, spread seeds evenly over a moist growing medium, keep them covered during germination, and then provide bright light, good airflow, and regular bottom watering until harvest. Popular beginner varieties include broccoli, radish, sunflower, pea shoots, kale, and mustard because they germinate quickly and produce reliable yields. Proper moisture control, airflow, and cleanliness help prevent mold and improve overall success.
What do I need to grow Microgreens indoors?
Strawberry clamshell container: A two-quart strawberry clamshell is the ideal size for growing healthy microgreens indoors.
Potting mix or seed-starting mix: Both options work well for microgreens. Avoid using garden soil, as it is too dense and heavy for successful seed germination.
Microgreen seeds: You can find quality seeds online or through trusted seed catalogs. I recommend Johnny’s Selected Seeds for their organic varieties, convenient pre-mixed blends, and the option to create your own custom seed mix.
That’s all you need to get started. I also like placing the clamshell on an old cookie baking tray to catch excess water and keep my countertop protected from moisture.
How Do I Plant Microgreen seeds?
- Moisten 4 cups of potting mix with lukewarm water until it is evenly damp but not soggy.
- Spread the moistened potting mix evenly across the bottom of the clamshell container.
- Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of seeds evenly over the surface of the potting mix.
- Cover the seeds with a light layer of potting mix, just enough to bury them. Close the clamshell lid and place the container in a bright location with indirect daylight. Direct sunlight is not necessary.
Once your microgreens sprout, usually by day 2 or 3, open the clamshell and remove the cover to improve airflow and encourage healthy growth.
Water the microgreens from the bottom to keep the soil evenly moist without disturbing the seedlings. Place the clamshell in a shallow pan with about ½ inch of water, allowing the soil to absorb moisture through the drainage holes. Once the soil is fully moistened, remove the clamshell from the pan. Avoid leaving it in standing water, as overly wet roots can lead to rot.
How Do I Plant Microgreen seeds?
Easy. Cover a section of your countertop with plastic wrap or a few layers of newspaper before harvesting. This helps keep loose soil contained and makes cleanup quick. When you’re finished, simply gather the plastic wrap or newspaper with the leftover soil and compost it or return it to your garden if appropriate.
Using clean kitchen scissors, cut the microgreens just above the soil line. Hold the tops of the microgreens gently as you snip them to keep the harvest neat and reduce the chance of getting soil mixed in with the greens, saving you extra cleaning time.
Enjoy your harvested microgreens in sandwiches and salads. Here is a great way to store them. (click here)
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FAQ:
What size strawberry clamshell works best?
What type of soil should I use?
Where should I place the clamshell for best results?
When can I expect my microgreens to sprout?
How should I water the microgreens?
How do I harvest and store microgreens?
Final Thoughts
Growing microgreens is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to enjoy fresh, nutrient-dense greens right from your own home. Whether you’re working with a sunny windowsill, a small kitchen counter, or a simple recycled container, you can harvest vibrant microgreens in as little as 7–14 days with minimal effort. They require very little space, are budget-friendly, and offer an easy way to add color, flavor, and nutrition to everyday meals. Research consistently shows that microgreens can contain concentrated levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants compared to their mature counterparts, making them a smart addition to a healthy lifestyle.
I’d suggest skipping the plastic wrap part as it’s a terrible way to discard biodegradable soil.
Based on your suggestion, I have amended the instructions and I agree, thank you for pointing that out.
Don’t wrap and throw out the soil in plastic wrap!! Reuse it! Or at least put it into a compost bin!! Soil is not garbage
Great Tip and I always add the used soil to my vegetable garden. I should have made that more clear in the blog.