Trays (any size/type tray will do; I used a couple of baking pans)
Organic, untreated seeds (check out Mumm’s Sprouting Seeds and Johnny’s Selected Seeds)
Instructions
Step 1: For sunflower seeds and wheat grass (hard winter red wheat) — soak the seeds/grain in warm water (~70 degree) for 8 hours or overnight in a glass jar (a glass canning jar with a mesh top works well). Drain well. Place the jar in a warm, dark space, rinsing and draining 2 times a day, until they start to sprout and you see a small white root (this will take a few days). For other seeds, you can skip this step and move on to step 2. To give you an idea how much sunflower seeds to start with: 1/2 to 3/4 cup for a 9 X 9 tray is plenty.
Step 2: In a bucket, moisten the organic potting soil with water (moist but not soaked). Fill the trays/containers with soil to within 1/2 inch of the top of each container. Level the soil with your hand.
Step 3: Sprinkle the seeds across the entire soil surface. For smaller seeds, like the radish, broccoli raab, and arugula, you want 1/4 inch spaces between seeds. For larger seeds, like the sunflower, the seeds should be touching, covering the entire surface of the soil. Make sure each seed is in contact with the soil surface (otherwise they will not germinate).
Step 4: Mist the seeds with a spray bottle (which will gently push the seeds into the soil) until the soil surface is damp.
Step 5: Stack the containers on top of each other and place an empty container on top. The stacking keeps the seeds in the dark and in contact with the soil, ideal for germination. Keep the trays in a warm place (ideally between 72-75 degrees) for about 3-5 days. Each day check the moisture, if they are dry, mist with water.
Step 6: After about 3-5 days, as the seedlings start to push up, they are ready to be put under the light. The broccoli raab, radish, and arugula will be ready to be put under the light first, after about 2-3 days, while the sunflower seeds will take a bit longer, about 4-5 days.
Step 7: Place the containers in front of a windowsill. Make sure to keep the soil moist. The microgreens need about 12 to 14 hours of light per day. Rotate the trays every few days so that all the seedlings get equal exposure to sunlight.
Step 8: Harvest the seedlings with scissors when the leaves are fully formed and are about 2-4 inches long (a few days to a week or so, depending on the microgreen).
Step 9: Enjoy! Use a bit as garnish to liven up just about any dish.
The microgreens can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Although, I just harvest as needed.
The soil can be composted (with redworms) and recycled