Here are some tips you can use to grow better microgreens.
Microgreens make a great addition to any dish, since they are so versatile that they can serve as your star or perfectly compliment just about any cuisine. These tiny greens grow quickly and offer a lot of nutrition and flavor, making them extremely appealing for connoisseurs, health-nuts, and cooking enthusiasts alike. Since microgreens are a low-cost crop, they’re a great option for many sizes of farming operation. Here are just a few tips for growing better microgreens.
Proper Drainage is Key
Moisture is great for healthy microgreen growth–in fact, higher humidity actually results in crisper microgreens. But when the plants retain too much moisture, standing water around the roots can cause a variety of issues. Algal and fungal growth can ruin your microgreen crops, so it’s important to stay on top of drainage. Don’t overwater these plants, and be vigilant about moisture retention to ensure you’re growing healthy produce.
Prevent Mold and Fungus Growth
Moisture doesn’t just cause problems at the root of your microgreens, but can actually cause all sorts of mold and fungus growth that frequently poses a threat to microgreen growers. The combination of humidity and heat can trap moisture that can actually harm the plants. While keeping on top of drainage and ventilation can help with these issues, it’s also important to spread out your seeds. Seeds should be spread in a single layer, as growing too close can trap a lot of the moisture that causes mold issues or fungus growth. But if you’re proactive about these issues and still find yourself battling fungal growth, try spraying a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution to combat this stubborn issue.
Use the Right Equipment
Having the right equipment can make the growing process more efficient than ever. This can help you get microgreens from seeds onto the dinner plate in no time. Keep your blades sharp, and record growth, harvest, and labor times to keep track of efficiency. This can help you make changes to your process and equipment.
Try a Propagator
A propagator, or enclosed chamber for growing seedlings, can be extremely useful for growing microgreens. This machine uses a heating element and water to create a humid environment that will allow seedlings to grow quickly. Your microgreen harvest can as much as double with the use of a propagator.
HYDROPONIC MICROGREENS FROM BAYWATER FARMS
Baywater Farms is a sixth-generation family-owned and operated farm servicing Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Delaware beaches, and the Eastern Shore. Baywater Farms is capable of meeting the demands of your produce distributor, restaurant produce supplier, CSA produce supplier, or wholesale produce supplier while maintaining the integrity and character of a small farm. Baywater Farms is about more than just hydroponic lettuce—we also grow heirloom beefsteak tomatoes, shishito peppers, field lettuces, custom grows, watermelon, Maryland’s own fish peppers, and more. When you work with Baywater Farms, you work with an experienced, ethical, and local farm dedicated to providing the highest-quality heirloom produce possible.