Microgreen Growth Hacks: Unveiling the Secret to Managing Seed Hulls
If you’re growing microgreens, you’re always looking for ways to increase yield. A few days ago, one of our members asked me in an email if I had any good microgreens growth hacks. But as any urban gardener will tell you, growing these greens has challenges.
One such challenge is dealing with seed hulls that stubbornly cling to the delicate leaves of the microgreens.
Seed hulls on microgreens can hinder their growth. Dealing with seed hulls on microgreens involves a few key steps: maintaining optimal humidity levels, gentle manual removal, and using a fan for air circulation. These methods ensure the hulls fall off naturally without damaging the delicate seedlings.
This post will guide you through effectively managing this common issue.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Read on as we delve deeper into the world of microgreens and share expert tips on dealing with seed hulls.
Understanding Microgreens
Microgreens are young plantlets of edible vegetables and herbs grown less than 14 days after germination. They are smaller than baby plants but bigger than sprouts, offering a flavorful and nutrient-rich addition to any meal. These greens are not just a gourmet ingredient; they are a testament to the ingenuity of urban gardeners. With limited space and resources, city dwellers have found a way to grow food in their homes or apartments.
Over the past decade, microgreens have gained popularity among urban dwellers for their ease of cultivation and high nutritional content. They’re loaded with vitamins, minerals, and oxidants that complement any diet well. Moreover, they come in various flavors, from the spicy taste of radish microgreens to the sweet flavor of pea shoots, adding a gourmet touch to everyday meals.
But growing microgreens at home has its challenges. One of the urban gardeners’ most common issues is seed hulls. These are the protective outer coverings of seeds that can stick to the leaves of the microgreens, hindering their growth and making them prone to diseases.
The Seed Hull Dilemma — A Comprehensive Guide
Seed hulls are a natural part of the germination process. They shield the seed, providing the necessary protection until it’s ready to sprout. However, once the microgreens grow, these hulls can become a hindrance. They can adhere to the leaves, obstructing their growth and making them susceptible to mold and other diseases.
Understanding the factors contributing to this problem is essential for effectively managing seed hulls. One of the main factors is watering. Overwatering can cause the hulls to stick to the leaves, while underwatering can make the hulls complex and challenging to remove. The key is maintaining the correct moisture level in your microgreen garden. You can achieve this using a spray bottle for watering, which allows for better control of the amount of water you use and ensures even distribution. It’s also important to water your microgreens in the morning so that the surface of the plants can dry out during the day, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
Light exposure is another important factor. Microgreens need adequate light to grow, but too much light can cause the hulls to dry and stick to the leaves. On the other hand, insufficient light can lead to weak and leggy plants, making it harder to remove the hulls. Microgreens need about 12–16 hours of light per day. If you’re growing your microgreens indoors, you may need to use a grow light. Make sure to position the light about 1–2 inches above the plants to prevent “legginess.”
The choice of growth medium also plays a role in dealing with seed hulls. Some mediums, like soil, can help to remove the hulls as the microgreens grow naturally. Others, like hydroponic mats, may require manual removal of the hulls.
Your Personal Microgreen Garden — A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you have a solid understanding of the theory, it’s time to put it into practice. This section provides practical tips and strategies to apply to your microgreen garden.
First, let’s talk about setting up your garden. Pick somewhere that gets lots of light, either natural or artificial. If you’re using a grow light, ensure it’s about 1–2 inches above the plants. This step will ensure that your microgreens get the right amount of light without getting scorched.
Next, choose your growth medium. Soil is an excellent choice for beginners. It’s easy to use, inexpensive, and can help to remove the seed hulls naturally. Coconut coir or hydroponic mats are good options for a soilless medium. Just remember that you may need to remove the hulls if you choose a soilless medium manually.
Consistency is the key to watering. Keep the growth medium moist but not waterlogged. A spray bottle is an excellent tool for watering microgreens. It allows you to control the amount of water you use and ensures even distribution. It’s also important to water your microgreens in the morning so that the surface of the plants can dry out during the day, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
Let’s talk about dealing with seed hulls. If you notice hulls sticking to the leaves of your microgreens, you can gently brush them off with a soft brush or a piece of kitchen roll. If the hulls are stubborn, moisten them with water before removal.
Growing microgreens at home is a rewarding experience. Not only do you get to enjoy fresh, nutritious greens, but you also get the satisfaction of knowing that you grew them yourself. With these tips and strategies, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful microgreen gardener.
My Microgreens Growing Book available from Amazon: “CHILDREN OF THE SOIL: Nine Days To Growing Nutritious Microgreens At Home” is an excellent resource for understanding the lifecycle of microgreens and how to care for them. Find it here.
Takeaways: The Joy of Growing Microgreens
Growing microgreens at home is more than just a hobby. It’s a way to connect with nature, eat healthier, and contribute to a more sustainable future. This post is a comprehensive guide for dealing with one of the most common challenges — seed hulls. With the proper techniques and patience, you can enjoy a healthy harvest of microgreens right in your home. So why wait? Start your microgreen garden today and experience the joy of harvesting your own fresh, nutritious greens.
Related Questions
This section answers some of the most common questions about growing microgreens. From the best types of microgreens to grow at home to the benefits of including microgreens in your diet, we’ve got you covered. Feel free to email me at mailto:andrew.neves@microgreensworld.com if you have any other questions, and we’ll do our best to answer them.
What are the best tools for growing microgreens at home?
Microgreens World lists the top 10 tools recommended for everyone growing microgreens at home. These tools range from kitchen drawer essentials to garden toolshed must-haves. Explore more at “Best Tools for Growing Microgreens: Our Top Picks.”
Can I grow microgreens without soil?
Yes, you can grow microgreens without soil. Microgreens World discusses a popular soilless technique that involves growing mats or pads made from biodegradable materials. Discover what this is all about, “Growing Microgreens Without Soil: A Sustainable Approach.”
What are the most nutritious microgreens I can grow at home?
Microgreens World lists the nine most nutritious microgreens you can grow at home. With the right equipment, these microgreens can be grown indoors year-round. Explore them all at “The 9 Most Nutritious Microgreens You Can Grow at Home.”
Join the Microgreen Revolution
Ready to join the microgreen revolution? Start your microgreen garden today and experience the joy of harvesting your own fresh, nutritious greens. Share your journey with us by commenting or posting on social media. Don’t forget to tag us so we can see your progress!
For a wealth of knowledge, read the post “The Beginner’s Nutritional Guide to Incredible Microgreens” to explore more about microgreens.
And to learn how to grow microgreens, read this post “Beyond the Windowsill: Growing Microgreens on Your Balcony or Patio.“
References
- Bian, Zhong Hua, et al. “Effects of Light Quality on the Accumulation of Phytochemicals in Vegetables Produced in Controlled Environments: A Review.” Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, vol. 95, no. 5, 21 July 2014, pp. 869–877, https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.6789. Accessed 7 May 2019.
- Pinto, Edgar, et al. “Comparison between the Mineral Profile and Nitrate Content of Microgreens and Mature Lettuces.” Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, vol. 37, Feb. 2015, pp. 38–43, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfca.2014.06.018.
- Kyriacou, Marios C., et al. “Micro-Scale Vegetable Production and the Rise of Microgreens.” Trends in Food Science & Technology, vol. 57, Nov. 2016, pp. 103–115, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2016.09.005.
