What's In Your Wallet Wednesday? How to grow microgreens and use them in your diet!

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     As you may have realized by now, I am trying to convert everyone to gardening!  Whether you are in an apartment without a yard, or living on a quarter acre lot, or on acres of land, you can grow something and add them to your diet.  
     Microgreens are something that everyone can grow.  They are perfect for people who only have a window sill to grow on, or for people who live in cold climates and have a short growing season.  They are also great for people who have limited mobility, but would still like to grow something fresh for their diets.  
     In today's post I'm going to show you how easy growing microgreens can be and some great ways to use them!  Click Read More and see what I mean! 

     First of all, let me get you started with the video I made of me growing microgreens for the first time. 

     
     Now, let me elaborate a little more about these fabulous plants! 

Which seeds are best to grow as microgreens?
     You can find seeds that are labeled microgreens, but you don't necessarily have to use those.  You can plant seeds of broccoli, kale, lettuce, cabbage, peas, radishes, mustard, dill, basil and chives.  
       Do not plant:  Night shade vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers and potatoes because their leaves can be toxic! 

What potting soil do I use and how much?  What about the container?
      You can use a good soil mix, such as this one which is my favorite.  
       You will only need a container that is about 1.5"-2" inches deep.  
        There are many microgreen kits available on Amazon to choose from.  Some are soil-less. 
        You may also use your own trays to grow greens in.  As you see in the video, I used a food prep 
         container, using the lid as the watering dish.  Be sure to make holes in the bottom of the container           for the soil to allow the water to go up to the plants. 

What about sunshine?
     Your microgreens shouldn't be in the sun before they sprout.  When they do sprout, in about 3 days, then they will need sun.  That is also when you begin to pour water in the tray to allow them to grow.  I have a grow light over my kitchen table that I set my microgreens on.  There is also a window near there.  You could set them in a window or under a grow light. 

When do I harvest them?
     When the greens are at least an inch tall, you can cut them off at the soil.  I am hearing different answers to the question about whether they will grow back.  Since they are harvested at such a young stage, they may not.  But, that may also depend on the kind of plant the greens are from.  Also, if your greens get a little taller before you harvest them, and if you leave about an inch of plant behind, there may be a better chance of them regrowing.  I'm letting mine try to grow back right now, and I will let you know what I find out.  

Ways to Use Microgreens: 
     In the video, I showed you a couple of ways to use microgreens easily in your diet.  

On a Sandwich

In rice

This salad looks great! 

I want to try this avocado toast tomorrow! 

Try sneaking some microgreens into your kids food.  It will look like a garnish, but add nutrition! Throw them in past, lasagna, spaghetti, the list goes on.  

Use them in eggs or omelets.  Put them in a smoothie or stir fry! 

     
      Another thing that I want to mention is that sometimes you may be growing something indoors or even outdoors but you may be getting a small harvest.  Don't discount those things!  I've had a good pea harvest this year, but it is slowing down now, so I just had a few peas, about 15 pods which would have been great in a stir fry.  But, since I wanted to try rice with my microgreens, I decided to shell the peas and add them to the mix.  That was a great way to use them and allow anyone eating that rice to have a taste of those fresh peas as well.  
      Also, remember the green onions that I grow on my window sill?  A few of those chopped into the rice would also be delicious.  Also, some garlic scapes would add a lot of flavor!  Both of those things can be grown on you window sill right along with your microgreens.  

     Have I converted you to trying your hand at growing something fresh yet?  Let me know what you have tried and if you have any questions! Now I have to go out and work in my garden!