How to Grow Microgreens at Home (Beginner Guide)

You can grow fresh, flavorful greens on your kitchen counter in as little as 7 to 14 days with no garden required and a green thumb is optional.

Close-up of green microgreens growing densely in a black and green tray, with white stems and labels visible in the background.

In this guide, I'll walk you through exactly how to grow microgreens at home using a simple setup, plus the tips I learned in a hands-on class at Horn Farm so you can avoid the most common mistakes.

Growing Microgreens at home - A Quick Overview

Beginner tip: If this is your first time growing microgreens, start with radish or broccoli. They grow quickly, don't require soaking, and are the most forgiving.

Prepare soil.
Sow seeds.
Cover and germinate.
Move to light.
Water from below.
Harvest in 1-2 weeks.

Before You Start Growing Microgreens

Before you start growing microgreens, there are a few key things that will make the difference between a successful first harvest and a frustrating one.

A banner reading "Horn Farm" hangs from a table in a greenhouse, with supplies and growing trays visible on the tables.

The Seeds Matter

The seeds you choose will directly affect how well your microgreens grow.

Look for seeds labeled specifically for microgreens or sprouting. Organic is a great option if available. These are tested for high germination rates and are safe for dense planting.

If you're deciding where to spend a little extra, this is the place to do it-better seeds mean more even growth and better results.

One of the reasons microgreens are so popular is because of how they grow.
At this early stage, the plant is still pulling all of its energy from the seed (called the endosperm). That's where the nutrients and flavor are stored.
As the plant grows larger, that energy gets spread out so the flavor becomes milder.

By harvesting microgreens early, you're catching them at their most flavorful stage.

The taste is more concentrated, and the greens add a stronger punch to everyday dishes like sandwiches, salads, and eggs. If this is your first time, start with radish or broccoli as they grow quickly and are the most forgiving. or spicy salad mix if you want to try a blend. I am NOT a fan of broccoli as l talk about it in my roasted broccoli post but I am adding broccoli microgreens to the way I will be eating broccoli from now on.

How to Grow Microgreens (Step-by-Step)

Three rectangular plastic trays in pink, green, and purple are stacked on a black grid surface. The green tray has drainage slots.

Prepare the Tray for Microgreens

Add about 2 quarts of your preferred soil to the tray with the slits in it.

Spread as evenly as possible, avoiding divots and mounds. Click to get the trays I use from Bootstrap Farmer.

Soil Leveling Tip

A person holds a white board above a green tray filled with soil, preparing for planting in a greenhouse setting.

Bill taught us that you can use a cutting board to press the soil evenly. I suggest using one of the solid trays if a cutting board is not available.

Soak Seeds (If Needed)

If your seeds need to soak before spreading, now is the time to get that started. See the chart for more information.

A bright green tray filled with soil and small white particles, set on a metal grid surface, prepared for planting or seed starting.

Moisten Soil

Add a light mist of water over the soil. Here is the Mister Bottle I purchased.

Different Seed Shakers For Different Seeds

Assorted empty and partially filled plastic containers, a digital kitchen scale, and a clear scoop are arranged on a metal outdoor table.

Use old spice jars with different-sized holes that will allow the seeds to sprinkle out.

Grams Matter

A hand holding a clear container filled with mustard seeds above a soil tray.

Microgreens grow best when the seeds are close together-but not overcrowded.

A good rule of thumb: you want the surface of the tray fully covered with seeds, but not stacked on top of each other. If you can see piles, you've added too many.

A green tray filled with a mixture of soil and granular seeds, placed on a slatted surface.

Sow Seeds Evenly

Using an up-cycled spice container, sprinkle the seeds across the surface as evenly as possible. I used a left to right and then a top to bottom spreading pattern across the tray.

Close-up of stacked plastic trays in pink, green, and purple on a metal grid table, with water droplets visible on the edge; people are blurred in the background.

Cover and Let Germinate

Lightly press seeds into the soil and cover the tray.
Keep in a dark spot for 2-4 days.
Add about 15 pounds of weight on top. (think cast iron pan, a few pans of pasta sauce, stack of books)

Close-up of densely packed yellow and green sprouts growing in a rectangular tray, with a person in camouflage clothing in the background.

Move to Light

Once seeds have sprouted, remove the cover and place the tray in light.

A bright window works well, or you can use a simple grow light for more consistent results.

12 hours light 12 hours dark

During the growth cycle, microgreens like to have cycles of light and darkness. I plan to do a 12 light 12 dark with the top cover being my black out medium but some growers will do an 18-hour light, 6 hour dark cycle. See what works best for your lifestyyle.

A person holds up a black seedling tray with small plants growing, showing roots protruding from the bottom; another person stands in the background.

Water Properly

It is best to water the micro greens from the bottom. The moisture from the initial mist of water should be a great start. You want the roots to be 'reaching' through the bottom of the slotted tray, looking for moisture. If the underside of the slotted try is dry and the tray feels light, add a thin mist of water to the bottom tray.

Water Tip

If you're unsure, it's better to underwater slightly than overwater-too much moisture is the most common cause of problems.

Close-up of sprouting seeds with white root hairs highlighted by a circle and arrow labeled "Root Hairs.

Root Hairs Are Not Mold

If your tray smells sour or looks fuzzy, it's usually a sign of too much water or not enough airflow.

But know that root hairs are not mold.

Stop Watering

The day before you are to harvest, stop watering them. The lack of moisture will help intensify the flavor and reduce the moisture in the container, reducing the risk for mold.

First Leaves

A pair of tweezers holds a small green seedling in front of a red bucket and trays of soil in a greenhouse setting.

Microgreens are ready to harvest once they have their first set of leaves (called cotyledons).

You don't need to wait for full-sized leaves beyond these two. This early stage is when flavor is at its best.

A tray of microgreens with pink stems sits on a wooden table; three people stand in the background inside a greenhouse.

Harvest

Harvest when your microgreens are about 2-3 inches tall and have their first set of leaves.

Cut just above the soil line so you don't pull soil into your greens.

Use a long sharp greens cutting knife and with a sawing motion hold the greens and slice them off.

Alternatively a pair of clean kitchen snips can be used.

How to Store Microgreens

Closed container

Store your microgreens in a closed container with a piece of dry paper towel at the bottom.

Allow the greens to 'off gas' for 20 minutes before closing the container.

Make sure your microgreens are completely dry before storing-extra moisture will shorten their shelf life.

Brassicas Growing Guide

All brassicas thrive on coco coir medium with minimal initial water needs.

Crop	Sowing Density	Medium	Soak Time	Bury Seed	Germination	Blackout	Grow Time
Broccoli	20g	Coco Coir	None	No	3 days	2 days	10 days
Cabbage, Golden Acre	20g	Coco Coir	None	No	3 days	2 days	10 days
Cabbage, Red Acre	20g	Coco Coir	None	No	3 days	2 days	10 days
Kale, Red Russian	20g	Coco Coir	None	No	3 days	2 days	10 days
Kohlrabi	20g	Coco Coir	None	No	3 days	2 days	10 days
Mustard (all types)	20g	Coco Coir	None	No	3 days	2 days	10 days
Pak Choi	20g	Coco Coir	None	No	3 days	2 days	10 days
Rutabaga	20g	Coco Coir	None	No	3 days	2 days	10 days
Turnip	20g	Coco Coir	None	No	3 days	2 days	10 days

Radishes Growing Guide

Radishes offer various color options and spicy flavors for your microgreens lineup.

Crop	Sowing Density	Medium	Soak Time	Bury Seed	Germination	Blackout	Grow Time
Radish, Daikon	32g	Coco Coir	None	No	3 days	2 days	10 days
Radish, Sango	32g	Coco Coir	None	No	3 days	2 days	10 days
Radish, Rambo	32g	Coco Coir	None	No	3 days	2 days	10 days
Radish, Triton Purple	32g	Coco Coir	None	No	3 days	2 days	10 days

Leafy Greens Growing Guide

Leafy greens varieties offer diverse flavor and texture profiles. Sunflower requires soaking and is prone to mold-use H2O2 if needed.

Crop	Sowing Density	Medium	Soak Time	Bury Seed	Germination	Blackout	Grow Time
Arugula	20g	Coco Coir	None	No	3 days	2 days	10 days
Spicy Salad Mix	20g	Coco Coir	None	No	3 days	2 days	10 days
Sunflower	125g	Coco Coir	12 hours	No	4 days	2 days	10 days

Root Vegetables Growing Guide

Root vegetables require longer germination times. Bury seeds to prevent hull sticking on beets. Celery requires daily misting during germination.

Crop	Sowing Density	Medium	Soak Time	Bury Seed	Germination	Blackout	Grow Time
Beet, Detroit Dark Red	45g	Coco Coir	None	Yes	5 days	None	10 days
Beet, Bulls Blood	45g	Coco Coir	None	Yes	3 days	2 days	10 days
Carrot	20g	Coco Coir	None	Yes	5 days	5 days	21-28 days
Celery	20g	Coco Coir	None	No	10 days	7 days	21-28 days

Peas & Shoots Growing Guide

Peas provide hearty, nutrient-dense shoots. Both varieties require soaking before planting for optimal germination.

Crop	Sowing Density	Medium	Soak Time	Bury Seed	Germination	Blackout	Grow Time
Pea, Dun	300g	Coco Coir	12 hours	No	4 days	2 days	10 days
Pea, Speckled	300g	Coco Coir	12 hours	No	4 days	2 days	10 days

Herbs & Specialty Greens Growing Guide

Herb and specialty green varieties offer diverse flavors and extended harvest windows. Basil and cilantro are popular culinary options. Weight helps root development for basil varieties.

Crop	Sowing Density	Medium	Soak Time	Bury Seed	Germination	Blackout	Grow Time
Amaranth, Red Garnet	8g	Coco Coir	None	No	3 days	2 days	14-28 days
Basil, Genovese	10g	Coco Coir	None	No	5 days	5 days	21-28 days
Basil, Opal	10g	Coco Coir	None	No	5 days	5 days	21-28 days
Basil, Lemon	10g	Coco Coir	None	No	5 days	5 days	21-28 days
Chard, Rainbow Swiss	60g	Coco Coir	None	Yes	5 days	None	10 days
Chives	60g	Coco Coir	None	No	10 days	None	21 days
Cilantro	30g	Coco Coir	12 hours	Yes	10 days	None	15 days
Cress, Upland	8g	Coco Coir	None	No	3 days	2 days	10 days
Cress, Curled	12g	Coco Coir	None	No	3 days	2 days	10 days
Leek	60g	Coco Coir	None	No	10 days	None	21 days

Specialty Microgreens Growing Guide

Specialty varieties add unique options to your lineup. Popcorn requires burying seeds to prevent mold. Wheatgrass is ideal for juicing and can regrow. Nasturtium is prone to mold-use H2O2 if needed. Wheatgrass should not be stacked and requires minimal water.

Crop	Sowing Density	Medium	Soak Time	Bury Seed	Germination	Blackout	Grow Time
Chia, Black	12g	Coco Coir	None	No	3 days	2 days	8 days
Nasturtium, Jewel Mix	50g	Coco Coir	None	Yes	7 days	None	14 days
Popcorn	200g	Coco Coir	12 hours	Yes	5 days	3 days	8 days
Wheatgrass	200g	Coco Coir	8 hours	No	3 days	None	8 days

Seasonal Favorite

Two jars of seedless blackberry jam on a wooden table.

This is the best homemade seedless black raspberry jam recipe made with fresh or frozen black raspberries.

Black Raspberry jam Recipe

How to Use Microgreens in Cooking

Add to Sandwiches and Wraps - Sunflower and pea shoots add crunch and mild flavor.
Toss Into Salads - Use alone or mix with lettuce for extra texture.
Finish Soups and Pasta - Sprinkle on top just before serving.
Upgrade Breakfast - Great on avocado toast, sous vide eggs, or breakfast sandwiches.

Microgreens vs Sprouts

Microgreens and sprouts may look similar, but they are grown and used very differently.

Microgreens

Grown in soil or a growing medium.
Cut above the soil line.
Harvested after the first leaves appear.
More flavor, texture, and variety.
Used as a fresh ingredient or garnish.

Sprouts

Grown in water (no soil).
Entire plant is eaten, including the seed.
Harvested very early (just after sprouting).
Softer texture and milder flavor.

The biggest difference comes down to how they're grown and how they're used in food.
Microgreens are treated more like a leafy green, while sprouts are often added for crunch.

Do Microgreens Regrow After Harvest?

Most microgreens do not regrow after cutting.

Once you harvest them, the plant has used up the energy stored in the seed and won't produce a second crop.

Best practice: compost the soil (or refresh it) and reseed
Exception: pea shoots may give a small second harvest, but it's usually weaker

For consistent results, it's better to start a fresh tray each time.

Frequently asked questions, answers and tips:

While I try to share all the information you need to make this recipe in your home with restaurant-quality results, there still may be a question or two. Or these are questions I have received from the community about this recipe. I do my best to answer them as clearly as I can. I hope this helps.

Do microgreens need sunlight?

A bright window works, but a grow light gives more consistent results.

Can you grow microgreens without soil?

Yes, you can use grow mats or coco coir instead of traditional soil.

How often should you water them?

Check daily. Add water when the tray feels light or dry underneath.

Are microgreens worth growing at home?

Yes-fast harvest, small space, and they add fresh flavor to everyday meals.

What are the easiest microgreens to grow?

Radish and broccoli are the fastest and most beginner-friendly.

I am Sarah Mock. Welcome!

Sarah Mock is a classically trained Chef and a graduate of Johnson & Wales University. A culinary blogger for 17 years, Sarah helps the home cook prepare her recipes with professional results.

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