Microgreens & Sprouting — FarmPal

Grow nutrient-dense greens year-round indoors with minimal space, equipment, and time investment.

Time Required
Sprouts: 5 minutes daily for 3-7 days. Microgreens: 10 minutes daily for 10-14 days.
Season
See notes

Benefits

  • •Fresh greens in 7-14 days from seed
  • •Up to 40x more nutrients than mature plants
  • •Grow year-round regardless of weather
  • •Minimal space can grow in a kitchen window
  • •Low startup cost seeds, trays, and light

Steps

1
Understand the Difference

Sprouts are germinated seeds eaten whole (root and all) in 3-7 days. Microgreens are young plants grown in soil and harvested above soil line at 7-21 days.

  • 💡 Sprouts need no light or soil just water and drainage
  • 💡 Microgreens develop first true leaves and are cut at stem
  • 💡 Both are nutritional powerhouses but techniques differ
2
Start with Easy Varieties

Begin with fast-growing, forgiving varieties before moving to more challenging crops.

  • 💡 Easy sprouts: mung beans, alfalfa, lentils, broccoli
  • 💡 Easy microgreens: sunflower, pea shoots, radish, arugula
  • 💡 Avoid nightshade family (tomato/pepper) microgreens toxic at this stage
3
Set Up Your Growing System

Sprouts need jars with mesh lids or sprouting trays. Microgreens need shallow trays with 1-2 inches of growing medium.

  • 💡 Mason jars with mesh lids are perfect for sprouting
  • 💡 10x20 nursery flats work well for microgreens
  • 💡 Coco coir or potting mix both work for microgreens
4
Master the Growing Process

Sprouts need rinsing 2-3 times daily. Microgreens need consistent moisture, good air circulation, and light after germination.

  • 💡 Sprouts must drain completely to prevent mold
  • 💡 Weight microgreen trays during germination for straight stems
  • 💡 Add light when seeds germinate a sunny window or grow lights
5
Harvest and Store

Harvest sprouts when tails are 1-2 inches. Harvest microgreens when first true leaves appear.

  • 💡 Cut microgreens just above soil line with sharp scissors
  • 💡 Harvest in morning for best shelf life
  • 💡 Store dry in refrigerator wash just before eating

Tools Needed

Wide-mouth mason jars with mesh lids (sprouts)
Shallow growing trays (microgreens)
Coco coir or potting mix
Spray bottle
Grow lights or sunny windowsill
Sharp scissors for harvesting
Quality seeds for sprouting/microgreens

⚠️ Safety

  • •Use seeds specifically for sprouting treated seeds are toxic
  • •Rinse sprouts thoroughly to prevent bacterial growth
  • •Discard any batches with off smells or slimy texture
  • •Some seeds (kidney beans) are toxic when sprouted research first
Seasonal Notes
Year-round indoor growing. Start more trays in winter when outdoor greens are unavailable. Great supplement to outdoor garden.