How to Grow Microgreens on Your Windowsill

Despite their inconspicuous size, microgreens are packed with more nutrients than their larger counterparts.

They also add an extra layer of flavour to your home-cooked meals and are much easier to grow. And the best part is, they don’t need an outdoor garden to thrive. They’ll do just fine on your windowsill.

The following guide will help you transform even the most modest area of your home into a green, pint-sized powerhouse.

Choosing the Right Types

Microgreens are easily available. You’ll find them at your local garden centre or online stores. Organic seeds yield a cleaner, healthier harvest, so look for those when shopping around.

If you’re not set on a specific type, try different varieties. Turning it into a playful experiment keeps things interesting, which in turn makes it easier to stick with this clean eating habit in the long run. Who knows, it might even lead you to an unexpected favourite!

If you’re feeling a bit spoilt for choice, start with radish, broccoli, or pea shoots. These are perfect for novices, as they grow rather quickly and with minimal fuss.

If you need additional advice on which types would thrive in your area, a trusted, professional gardening service will point you in the right direction.

Essential Supplies

You don’t need much to start your miniature garden. In fact, you’ll probably find most of the necessary tools around the house or at nearby shops.

For starters, you need some shallow trays to hold your soil and seeds, along with a plastic lid to cover them. If you’re looking to save some money and reduce waste, old containers and tea towels would be a suitable alternative.

Make sure you purchase high-quality potting soil as well. Ideally, you’ll want to opt for an organic kind.

Finally, keep a reusable spray bottle handy so you can water your plants without drenching the soil.

Setting up Your Windowsill Garden

The perfect spot for your mini garden is by a south-facing window that gets plenty of uninterrupted natural light.

Microgreens also need consistent airflow to grow strong and fight off mould, so keep that in mind when choosing where to place them.

If you’re short on space, try stacking your trays. This little trick saves space while still allowing air to circulate smoothly.

As they sprout, you’ll have to rotate the trays now and then to guarantee that all your plants are getting enough sunlight. So, make sure your setup allows for easy movement.

Planting and Watering Techniques

Now that you’ve found the perfect spot, start spreading the soil evenly in each container. Then, scatter your seeds at equal distances to keep them from crowding.

Make sure you pack them tightly before covering them with a thin layer of dirt to promote healthy development and maximise your harvest.

You also need to keep the soil damp at all times. Spray it lightly, yet thoroughly, before covering it with a lid or towel until leaves begin to sprout.

Check the potting mix regularly and mist it gently every other day, or as necessary, to keep it sufficiently hydrated.

Once seedlings begin to emerge, wait a couple of days before removing the cover, and keep watering them as they grow. Most microgreens take around 6–8 days to mature.

Optimal Growth Conditions

Steady growth is only possible in a controlled setup. These tiny wonder plants thrive in bright settings that get around 12–16 hours of sunlight a day. If your home doesn’t get enough natural light, full-spectrum LED grow lights will save the day.

Temperature matters just as much. In the UK, where cold waves tend to strike without warning, a space heater can be a real lifesaver. By providing consistent warmth, it’ll give your delicate sprouts the best chance to flourish.

Stale air is quite common in enclosed spaces, and it usually spells trouble for growing plants. Fungal diseases spread more quickly without proper circulation. To prevent them, set a fan or AC unit on low to keep the air moving without disturbing the fragile stems.

Excess moisture is equally damaging to young plants. Overwatering leads to mould development, so make sure to mist the soil lightly to maintain the right level of dampness. If it gets oversaturated, a blast of direct light can speed up the drying process.

Once again, remember to rotate your planters to ensure even light exposure and promote consistent, even development.

Lastly, check on your tiny garden regularly to catch pests before they take over. If you spot any signs of trouble, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap. Both are effective and safe solutions that’ll keep unwanted invaders at bay.

Harvesting Microgreens

Early harvesting is critical for these delicate plants. You’ll know they’re ready when they sprout leaves and reach a height of 1–2 inches. That’s when they’re at their peak nutritional value. 

To promote quick regeneration, pick the ones with plenty of foliage, and trim them at the soil line using sharp scissors.

For a regular harvest, implement continuous planting. This method involves sowing small batches every couple of weeks. This way, you’ll always have a steady supply of fresh greens.

Storage and Preservation Methods

Airtight containers are your best bet for preserving the crunchy texture and freshness of your greens.

You can stretch their shelf life even further by drying or freezing them. Both are viable options, but while the heat intensifies their flavour, the cold keeps them vibrant long after they’ve left the pot.

First off, wash your greens carefully. Then, dab away the excess moisture. Place each leaf on a sheet of parchment paper afterwards, and then let them air dry in a warm, draft-free corner.

After they become completely dehydrated, transfer the crisp leaves to a tightly sealed jar. Now, they’re ready to add a burst of flavour to your soups, salads, or roasted vegetables.

If you’d rather freeze them, give them a good rinse first. Then, shake them vigorously and dab them dry to prevent ice crystals from forming on top of them.

Finally, place them on a paper-lined metal tray to dry a little more before popping them in resealable bags and into the freezer.

Conclusion

Microgreens go with pretty much every dish. Whether they’re a main ingredient or a supplementary seasoning, they can enhance your salads, soups, sandwiches, and smoothies.

The best part is, you don’t need fancy skills or a large yard to grow them. With these straightforward steps, you can enjoy the invaluable advantages they offer without much hassle.