Growing Microgreens for Everyday Nutrition
When it comes to food, good things do come in small packages. Microgreens—those tiny, vibrant shoots you may have seen topping salads or fancy toasts—are more than just a pretty garnish. They’re nutritional powerhouses, packed with flavor, and incredibly easy to grow, even in small spaces.
At Camp Wren, we love teaching sustainable, hands-on ways to nourish your body and connect with your food. Growing microgreens is one of our favorite practices to share.
What Are Microgreens?
Microgreens are the young seedlings of vegetables and herbs, harvested just after they develop their first true leaves. Popular varieties include:
Broccoli
Radish
Pea shoots
Sunflower
Arugula
Cilantro
Beet greens
They’re typically harvested within 7–14 days of planting, making them one of the fastest ways to grow your own food.
Nutritional Value: Tiny Greens, Big Impact
Don’t let their size fool you—microgreens can contain up to 40 times more nutrients than their mature counterparts. Depending on the variety, they’re rich in:
Vitamins A, C, E, and K
Iron and potassium
Antioxidants and polyphenols
Amino acids and plant enzymes
This makes them especially beneficial for boosting immune health, reducing inflammation, and supporting energy levels—all while being gentle on digestion.
How to Grow Microgreens at Home
You don’t need a backyard or a green thumb. Here’s how to get started:
You’ll Need:
Shallow trays or containers (with drainage holes if possible)
Organic seed-starting soil or a growing mat
Microgreen seeds (make sure they’re untreated)
A sunny windowsill or grow light
A spray bottle for watering
Steps:
Fill your tray with about 1–2 inches of moist soil.
Sprinkle seeds evenly across the surface—don’t worry about overcrowding.
Gently press seeds into the soil and mist with water.
Cover with a lid or damp paper towel to create humidity until sprouts appear (usually 2–4 days).
Once sprouted, remove the cover and place in sunlight. Water daily with a light mist.
Harvest with scissors when they’re 1–3 inches tall—usually within 7–10 days.
No fertilizers, no chemicals, no fuss.
Ways to Use Microgreens
Once you’ve harvested your greens, here are a few nourishing and creative ways to use them:
Toss them into salads for extra texture and bite
Top soups, sandwiches, or tacos for a fresh, peppery flavor
Blend them into smoothies for a boost of nutrients
Garnish grain bowls, avocado toast, or eggs
Add them to spring rolls or wraps
They add color, crunch, and complexity to everyday meals—plus a sense of pride when you know you grew them yourself.
