I know, I know. Sometimes, it is too tedious to maintain a whole garden, and most of us just don’t have that ample amount of time to get all the gardening work done! But, you've come to the right place, where your journey into the world of greenery is about to take off! Get ready to discover the amazing potential of indoor gardening, because here's the deal: you can grow your own thriving mini-garden right on your very own shelves! No need to worry about limited space anymore.

Now, let's talk about spinach microgreens, these tiny powerhouses of nutrition. Picture this: they're like miniature versions of fully grown plants, bursting with an incredible concentration of vital nutrients.

Spinach Microgreens

And the best part? They grow and mature at an astonishingly rapid pace. In just a blink of an eye – well, almost – in just two to three weeks (or sometimes even quicker!), you'll have a bountiful harvest of vibrant spinach microgreens ready to elevate your salad plates to a whole new level of deliciousness!

So, if you're looking for an exciting, efficient, and nutritious way to kickstart your plant-growing journey, stick around, because we've got you covered. Let's dive into the world of microgreen gardening and get those shelves blossoming with an abundance of vibrant spinach microgreens!

Benefits of Spinach Microgreens

Spinach microgreens are a nutrient-rich and versatile culinary ingredient. They are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber. They also contain antioxidants that help protect the body against cellular damage. Spinach microgreens are easy to grow at home and can be added to a variety of dishes.

Here are some of the key benefits of spinach microgreens:

• High in nutrients: Spinach microgreens contain a concentrated amount of nutrients, even more than their mature counterparts. They are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber.
• Digestive health: Spinach microgreens are a good source of dietary fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and helps regulate bowel movements.
• Antioxidant properties: Spinach microgreens contain various antioxidants, such as beta-carotene and lutein, which help reduce oxidative stress and support overall health.
• Versatile culinary ingredient: Spinach microgreens have a delightful, slightly sweet flavor that adds a fresh and vibrant element to a wide range of dishes. They can be used in salads, sandwiches, wraps, smoothies, stir-fries, and more.
• Easy to grow: Spinach microgreens are relatively easy to grow at home and don't require a large amount of space. You can enjoy a fresh and abundant supply by growing them indoors on your windowsill or using hydroponic systems.

How to Grow Spinach Microgreens

1. Gather the Materials

To start your spinach microgreens, gather your materials.

Materials Needed to Grow Spinach Microgreens

• Microgreen tray: This is a shallow tray with drainage holes. You can find microgreen trays at most garden stores.
• Coco coir (or any growing medium): Coco coir is a lightweight, water-retention medium that is ideal for growing microgreens. You can find coco coir at most garden stores.
• Spinach seeds: You can use any type of spinach seeds for this project. I recommend using a variety that is known for its mild flavor, such as baby spinach or Malabar spinach.
• Grow light strips: If you are growing your microgreens indoors, you will need a grow light. Grow light strips are a good option because they are affordable and easy to use.
• Kitchen scissors: You will need kitchen scissors to harvest your microgreens.
• Spray bottle: You will need a spray bottle to water your microgreens.

2. Soaking the Seeds

When you soak seeds, you are essentially giving them a head start on the germination process. The water will help to soften the seed coat and allow the water and nutrients to penetrate the seed. This will help the seed to germinate more quickly and evenly. There are a few things to keep in mind when soaking seeds:

• Use filtered or bottled water, as tap water may contain chlorine or other chemicals that can inhibit germination.
• Use a clean container, such as a glass jar or bowl.
• Soak the seeds in a shallow layer of water, just enough to cover them.
• Soak the seeds for 6-8 hours, or overnight.
• After soaking, drain the water and rinse the seeds with fresh water.

Soaking seeds is a simple way to improve germination rates and get your microgreens started off on the right foot. So you may be asking right now, “what are the other benefits of soaking seeds before germination?”

• Increased germination rates: Soaking seeds can increase germination rates by up to 50%.
• Reduced risk of damping off: Damping off is a fungal disease that can kill seedlings. Soaking seeds can help to reduce the risk of damping off by weakening the seed coat and allowing the seedling to emerge more quickly.
• Improved nutrient uptake: Soaking seeds can help the seedlings to absorb nutrients more quickly and efficiently.

3. Sowing on Coco Coir

After soaking your seeds, you must now prepare your tray and sow them! Prepare your microgreen tray by evenly spreading about an inch of coco coir, the chosen growing medium, across its surface. Make sure it's distributed uniformly to provide an optimal environment for the seeds.

Next, scatter the spinach seeds onto the coco coir, ensuring they are well-distributed. You can use a spoon or even your bare hands for this task, as long as the seeds remain on top and are not buried. Gently press down on the seeds with a light touch, ensuring they have sufficient contact with the coco coir. This will aid in their germination and establishment.

Once the seeds are in place, mist them with water to provide the necessary moisture for their growth. It's important not to overwater; a gentle misting will do the trick.

Finally, cover the tray with a lid or another tray to create a humid environment that helps retain moisture. Surprisingly, spinach microgreens need to be exposed first in darkness, so keeping them covered will mimic their ideal growing conditions.

4. Water Management in Spinach Microgreens

When the seeds have not yet developed roots, it is important to water them using a spray bottle. Providing water is crucial for the seeds, but it's essential to avoid excessive watering to prevent the development of molds.

Watering in Spinach Microgreens

Once you observe roots growing beneath the white-colored tray, you can transition to watering the plants by adding water to the green-colored basin below. This approach is more convenient because you no longer need to water them on a daily basis. The roots will now take on the task of absorbing water from below, performing their natural function.

5. Lighting

After allowing the seeds to germinate and develop roots, typically within a period of 4-5 days, it is time to introduce them to grow lights. These lights provide the necessary spectrum of light that mimics sunlight, supporting the photosynthesis process which is crucial for plant growth.

By exposing the microgreens to grow lights for 12-18 hours a day, you can enhance their growth and promote a healthier appearance.

6. Harvesting Spinach Microgreens

Spinach microgreens are ready to harvest when they are 10-14 days old, or when some of the shoots are already bending. To harvest, simply cut the microgreens through the part of the shoot that is not too close to the coco coir. Use sharp scissors to cut the microgreens. This will help to prevent them from getting bruised.

After cutting, you can then rinse them gently with cold water because this will help to remove any dirt or debris. If you want to store your spinach microgreens, you can keep them in the refrigerator for a few days (3-4 days). However, the general rule is that the fresher the microgreens, the better they will taste.

So, if you want to enjoy the best flavor and taste, it is best to harvest your spinach microgreens and eat them right away.

Tips to Remember!

As a recap, take note of the following points to heighten your success in your spinach microgreen journey:

• Soaking the spinach seeds speeds up germination.
• Maintain moisture in the soil during the germination process.
• Expect signs of germination within 2 to 3 days.
• Avoid over-watering to prevent mold growth and hindered growth.
• For better storage, reduce water supply to spinach microgreens 8-12 hours before harvesting to allow them to dry slightly.
• Enjoy the rewarding experience of your microgreen journey!

Here's a complimentary article: How to Grow Chia Microgreens: From Seed to Superfood

FAQs

What kind of container should I use to grow spinach microgreens?

Shallow trays or containers with drainage holes are commonly used options. These trays should be at least 1-2 inches deep to accommodate the root growth. Additionally, you can use specialized microgreen trays that often come with drainage holes and provide an ideal depth for the microgreen roots to develop. Alternatively, you can repurpose containers like shallow plastic clamshells or even use recycled materials as long as they are clean and have drainage.

Can spinach microgreens be grown without soil?

Yes, spinach microgreens can be grown hydroponically or using other soilless methods. Hydroponic systems involve growing the microgreens in a nutrient-rich water solution, usually with the help of an inert medium like coco coir, hemp mats, or vermiculite. These mediums provide support to the roots and allow for nutrient absorption. Other soilless methods include using stacked trays or vertical systems that utilize materials like felt or burlap. These methods promote root development and provide a moist environment for the microgreens to grow.

Conclusions

Growing spinach microgreens starts with selecting a suitable container, such as a shallow tray or a specialized microgreen tray with drainage holes. It is also important that you soak your seeds for uniform germination. In order to ensure harvest, consistent moisture by watering must be provided to the microgreens but being careful not to overwater and cause root rot.

Provide the spinach microgreens with proper lighting, either natural sunlight or artificial grow lights, for 12-18 hours a day to support healthy growth and vibrant green leaves. Harvest the microgreens when the true leaves have fully formed, typically within 10-14 days, ensuring they reach a height of about 2-3 inches.

After harvesting, rinse the microgreens, pat them dry, and store them in an airtight container or ziplock bag lined with paper towels in the refrigerator. Consume the microgreens fresh or within a few days to enjoy their optimal flavor and nutritional value. Happy growing!