Growing Microgreens

What are microgreens and how are they different from sprouts?

Microgreens are seeds grown in a tray of growing medium under light and cut just above the medium once the first leaves open. Sprouts are seeds germinated in water with no soil or light and eaten whole, root and all.

The difference matters for safety, because the warm, wet conditions sprouts need are also good for bacteria.

Seed density is the secret most beginners miss. Too little seed gives a thin, floppy crop, and too much creates a damp mat. Follow a tested extension guide for the seed you choose and adjust after your first tray. A few extra words on terms: baby greens are grown longer than microgreens and cut at a larger size, and they are a separate, less fragile crop.

What equipment do I need to start?

You need shallow trays with drainage, a clean growing medium, a way to water gently from below or with a fine mist, and a bright light. A sunny window can work in some seasons, but a simple grow light gives steadier results through winter.

Choose a spot with airflow. A small fan on low reduces the damp air that encourages mold.

Light matters more than people expect. Seedlings stretching pale and thin are asking for more light, and those that are dark and compact are getting enough. Plan a shelf or table where trays stay level, since sloped trays drain unevenly and cause wet spots.

• Shallow trays with drainage holes
• A solid tray beneath to catch water
• Clean growing medium
• A bright light source
• A small fan for air movement

Which seeds are easiest for beginners?

Fast, forgiving choices include radish, kale, mustard and sunflower or pea shoots, which are larger seeds with different handling. Buy seed sold for sprouting or microgreens from a reputable supplier, not garden seed that may be treated.

Start with one or two types and learn their pace before adding more.

Some seeds are soaked or covered for the first days, others are not. Look up each variety instead of assuming one method fits all. Keep a log of seed supplier, lot number and sowing date. If a batch has trouble, you will know where to look.

How do I prevent mold and damping off?

Most failures come from overwatering, crowded seed and still air. Sow evenly, not in thick piles, water at the base, and let the surface dry slightly between waterings.

Wash and sanitize trays between crops. Throw out any tray that smells sour or shows fuzzy growth, and never eat from a tray that looks doubtful.

Growing medium choices include peat mixes, coir and fiber mats. Use something clean and free of fertilizers or additives that are not meant for food crops, and do not reuse medium from a failed tray.

• Sow evenly, not in piles
• Water from below when possible
• Let the surface dry slightly between waterings
• Sanitize trays between crops
• Discard any tray that smells sour

When and how do I harvest?

Cut with clean scissors or a sharp knife when the first true leaves show, usually within a couple of weeks depending on the crop. Rinse gently if needed, dry well, and refrigerate in a clean container.

Microgreens are delicate and keep for a short time, so grow only what you can use or sell within a few days.

If a tray goes bad, throw it away outside and wash the tray before reuse. Trying to rescue a moldy tray is not worth the risk. Grow to a schedule so a new tray is ready as the last is cut, and you are never left with extra crop that wilts.

• Cut with clean scissors
• Dry well before packing
• Refrigerate in a clean container
• Use within a few days

Can I sell microgreens?

Sales rules for microgreens depend on your state and county, and farm food safety rules may treat them differently from other produce. Do not assume you are exempt.

Ask your state department of agriculture, your county health department and your extension office what licensing, testing or labeling applies before you sell.

Treat microgreens as a small, careful, daily practice. If you want to grow more, scale up slowly and keep your cleaning routine the same as you add trays.

What does it cost to start?

Cost categories include trays, growing medium, seed, lighting, a shelf or rack, a fan and cleaning supplies. Seed is often the largest ongoing cost, and it varies by type and supplier, so compare sources before buying in bulk.

Add your time to the budget. Daily watering, cutting and cleaning is real labor. Track it for a month before deciding whether to grow more.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Homestead & Small Farm Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.