How to Grow Microgreens Indoors

Don’t have a backyard or lots of space?

That’s perfectly okay.

You can still grow your own plants, and that’s where microgreens come in. 

Microgreens are the perfect way to grow fresh greens indoors, and you don’t need a ton of space or gardening tools to do it. 

These small plants are full of flavor and nutrients, and they’re easy to grow. Seriously, anyone can do it (no green thumb required).

Whether you’re in an apartment or just have a small corner to spare, why not give microgreens a try? They’re also a great way to start micro-homesteading — growing your own food in small spaces, with minimal effort, and no backyard required.

In this article, I’ll explain what microgreens are, share a few of the best ones to grow indoors, and show you just how easy it is to get started.

Let’s get into it.

What are Microgreens?

At first, I thought microgreens were just seeds or a specific type of plant you grow indoors. But after learning more, I realized they’re actually young plants harvested early, just a few weeks after sprouting.

These young plants can be anything from kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts to herbs like basil, cilantro, or radishes.

I was honestly amazed when I found out that microgreens can have up to 40 times more nutrients than fully grown plants. I mean, who would've thought something so small could pack in more vitamins compared to mature plants?

What's even better is that microgreens are really easy to grow indoors (even if you think you have the blackest thumb), and you don’t need a garden at all.

You can literally have your homegrown greens on your windowsill or even on the countertop in just a few days.

Why Grow Microgreens?

Easy to Grow

Microgreens are simpler and easier to grow than you might think. As I mentioned earlier, you don’t need much space or any complicated tools to get started.

All you really need is a small tray, some soil (or even no soil!), and a packet of seeds. You don’t need a big garden or special equipment.

Just a little space on your windowsill, countertop, or even a shelf will do.

Growing them is low-maintenance, too. Just keep them moist and ensure they get plenty of light, whether it’s from a sunny window or a basic grow light.

Before you know it, you’ll have homegrown greens ready to harvest.

Gives You Quick Harvest

Microgreens grow quickly, usually becoming ready to eat in about 7 to 14 days. If you don’t want to wait too long for a harvest, they’re a great option.

In just a couple of weeks, you can have fresh greens for your meals. Since they grow so fast, you can also get multiple harvests in a short time, providing you with a steady supply of greens with minimal effort.

Added Flavor to Your Meals

Growing your own microgreens can add a burst of flavor to your meals. They’re perfect for salads, sandwiches, or as a quick garnish. You can also add them to wraps, sprinkle them on soups, or toss them into grain bowls.

They’re easy to incorporate into pretty much anything.

On top of that, they come with health benefits, being full of vitamins and antioxidants, making your meals effortlessly healthier.

Year-Round

If you live in a place with harsh weather or limited outdoor space, growing microgreens indoors allows you to garden year-round.

You don’t have to worry about changing seasons or unpredictable weather—your microgreens can thrive no matter what’s happening outside.

Whether it’s winter or summer, you can have fresh, homegrown greens right at your fingertips.

Low Maintenance

One great thing about microgreens is that they don’t require much care.

Just make sure they get enough light and water them when needed. Microgreens are pretty forgiving if you miss a day or two. If you forget to water them, they’ll usually recover with a bit of attention.

They don’t need constant monitoring, so they’re ideal for those who don’t want to worry about their plants all the time.

As long as they have access to some light, they will continue growing with minimal effort and time.

What are the Best Microgreens to Grow Indoors?

If you're looking to grow microgreen indoors, you'll be happy to know there are plenty of options you can choose from.

Here’s a list of some of the best microgreens you can try growing at home:

• Arugula
• Broccoli
• Radish
• Sunflower
• Pea Shoots
• Basil
• Cilantro
• Kale
• Mustard Greens
• Beet Greens
• Swiss Chard
• Cabbage
• Fenugreek
• Watercress
• Amaranth
• Buckwheat
• Dill
• Chia
• Parsley
• Turnip Greens

I would recommend skipping seeds like eggplants, tomatoes, and peppers if you’re growing microgreens indoors.

These plants are part of the nightshade family, and while they are safe to eat when they're fully grown, their young leaves and stems can have a toxin called solanine.

It's not something you want in your microgreens, since it can be harmful if you eat too much of it. So, it’s safer to stick with the other options listed above that don’t have that risk.

You can find microgreen seeds at most garden centers, health food stores, or online.

There are actually quite a few websites that focus on selling seeds specifically for growing microgreens indoors, so you have plenty of options to choose from.

If you're not sure where to start, look for starter kits that include everything you need, like trays, growing mediums, and a mix of seeds.

These kits make it easy to get started without having to buy everything separately. You’ll find them on sites like Amazon or at specialty gardening stores.

And if you're interested in growing things naturally, many seed companies offer organic or non-GMO seeds, so you can feel good about what you’re growing.

How Do You Grow Microgreens?

Now, we’re getting to the main goal of this article—the most important part you’ve been waiting for.

So, how do you really grow microgreens?

It's actually easier than it sounds. Here's a simple step-by-step guide to help you get growing.

1. Choose Your Seeds

First, pick the seeds you want to grow. Microgreens come in a variety of types, like broccoli, radish, kale, and arugula. You can find mixes made specifically for microgreens or choose your favorites based on taste and nutrients.

Just make sure to get seeds labeled for microgreens, as these are usually treated to help them grow faster and thrive in small spaces.

2. Prepare Your Tray or Container

Next, grab a shallow tray or container with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

If you don’t have a proper tray, you can use a small baking dish or even a recycled container like a yogurt cup. Just make sure to poke a few holes in the bottom for drainage.

3. Add Your Soil (Hemp Mat also works great)

Once you have your tray, you can add regular soil, but if you want something cleaner, coconut coir or a hemp mat works well too.

Just spread a thin layer (about 1 to 2 inches) of your chosen medium across the bottom of the tray.

Make sure it’s even so the seeds can grow properly. An even layer helps all the seeds get enough water and nutrients. Once that’s done, you’re ready to plant your seeds.

4. Plant the Seeds

Scatter your seeds evenly over the surface of the growing medium. You can be generous with how many you use, but don’t overcrowd them—you want to leave a little space for them to grow.

Gently press down on the seeds to ensure they’re making good contact with the soil (or mat). Some people like to cover the seeds with a light layer of growing medium, but it’s not really necessary for most microgreens.

5. Water them Gently

Gently water the seeds using a spray bottle or a watering can with a small opening. You want the soil to be damp but not soaked.

It's important to keep the moisture level steady. If the soil dries out, your seeds might not sprout. But don’t give them too much water either, as that can lead to mold or rot.

Just aim for a nice balance.

6. Provide them Light

You may want to place your tray in a spot where it will get plenty of light, like a sunny windowsill or under a grow light.

Microgreens need about 4-6 hours of light each day to grow well. If you’re using natural light, make sure they get enough, but not too much direct sunlight (which can burn them).

If you’re using a grow light, leave it on for 12-16 hours a day, keeping it a few inches above the plants.

7. Maintain the Temperature

Microgreens grow best at temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C). Try not to place your tray near a drafty window or in a spot that gets too hot, like right next to a heater.

Look for a warm, steady place in your home where they can get some light but aren’t exposed to extreme temperatures.

A kitchen counter or a table near a window can work well; just make sure it doesn’t get too cold at night or too hot during the day. Keep it comfortable, and your microgreens should thrive.

8. Harvest Your Microgreens

Once your microgreens have grown their first true leaves (or cotyledons), it’s time to harvest. Use scissors or a sharp knife to cut the greens just above the soil level.

You can either harvest them all at once or simply take what you need when you’re ready to use them.

The great thing about microgreens is that they grow quickly, so after you harvest your first batch, you can start a new one right away. That way, you’ll always have fresh greens on hand.

When Should You Harvest Your Microgreens?

So, you’ve done all the work, and now it's time to harvest your microgreens.

Generally, you’ll want to harvest them once they’ve grown their first set of “true leaves” (these are the second set of leaves that appear after the tiny seed leaves).

Depending on the type of microgreens you’re growing, this can take anywhere from 7 to 14 days.

Once they reach about 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) in height and you see those true leaves, it’s time to grab your scissors and cut them.

Don't worry if you're unsure—they’ll look ready when they have plenty of leaves and the stems feel sturdy.

The flavor is usually perfect at this stage, so try not to wait too long to harvest, or they might lose some of their taste.

After you harvest, you can eat them right away or store them in the fridge for a few days. Microgreens taste best when they’re fresh, so it’s best to use them as soon as you can.

And that’s it—pretty simple, right?

Now you can enjoy your fresh, homegrown greens and get started on your next batch.

Pro-Tip: Soak Your Seeds Before Planting

If you soak your microgreen seeds (like broccoli, radish, or mustard) in water for about 8–12 hours before planting, it really helps get the germination process going.

It's because soaking softens the seed coat and helps them sprout faster. Just remember to drain them well before you plant, so they don’t get too soggy.

It’s an easy way to give your microgreens a quick start.

Happy growing!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)