How to Grow Microgreens Without Soil

Ever wondered how to grow microgreens without soil? It’s a question many home gardeners explore, especially those who want easier ways to grow fresh greens! Here, we list down tips on how you can grow indoors without dirt. The process might sound high-tech, but it is surprisingly simple.  

Why Grow Microgreens Without Soil?

Here are a few reasons why you might want to try this option at home:

1. Cleanliness - Perhaps the biggest perk is that it’s cleaner. Using soil as a growing medium can be messy and may even invite pests and mold, especially when growing conditions are not right. Other setups, like hydroponics, tend to stay tidier.   

2. Save Space - Soilless systems are ideal if you have a small space, especially if you don’t have a backyard or garden. They take up less room and can be put on countertops and shelves inside the home.   

3. Reduced Risk of Diseases - Using soilless systems may help reduce the risk of contracting soil-related diseases and infections, making it safer for indoor growers.  

Ways to Grow Microgreens Without Soil

Coconut Coir

Coconut coir is a good alternative to soil for growing greens. Made from a coconut’s husk, it’s a fibrous material that’s biodegradable, renewable, retains moisture well, provides excellent aeration, and has a great texture that makes it easy for roots to develop.

Radish, mustard greens, green pea shoots, sunflower, beet, and arugula microgreens grow well in coconut coir.

How To Use Coconut Coir:

1. Lay some coconut coir in a shallow tray and moisten it evenly with water.
2. Sprinkle microgreen seeds on top, then press them gently into the coir.
3. Cover the tray with a lid for 2 to 3 days. This will encourage germination.
4. Once sprouts emerge, uncover and provide light.
5. Mist using a spray bottle as needed until the microgreens are ready for harvest.

Growing Mats and Pads

You can use specially designed mats and pads to grow microgreens. These grow mats are made from biodegradable materials, such as bamboo, hemp, and felt (like jute or wool), offering excellent water retention and promoting optimal root growth. Broccoli, kale, chia, cabbage, chard, amaranth, and radish can grow in this medium. 

How To Use Growing Mats and Pads:

1. Place mats or pads in a tray or container and add water to saturate them. 
2. Evenly sprinkle seeds on the surface, then cover to promote germination.
3. Once the seeds sprout, uncover and expose them to light.
4. Water the mats daily to keep them moist.
5. Harvest once the microgreens are ready.

Paper Towels

Inexpensive and readily available, paper towels can be used to grow microgreens. They’re great for beginner growers trying out soilless systems for the first time. Broccoli, radish, and mustard are some of the seeds you can use for this purpose. 

How To Use Paper Towels:

1. Line a tray or dish with paper towel sheets. Soak them thoroughly, then squeeze out excess water.
2. Sprinkle seeds across the surface. 
3. Mist them, then cover them with a sheet of paper towel. 
4. Cover and place the seeds in a dark location to allow them to germinate.
5. Check moisture levels. If the paper towel feels dry, mist it to rehydrate.  
6. Once sprouts appear, uncover and expose them to light. 
7. Continue misting until the microgreens are ready to be harvested. 

Perlite and Vermiculite

These are porous minerals used for gardening. When mixed with compost, Perlite traps air pockets, improving drainage. Vermiculite, meanwhile, is best at water retention, acting like a sponge that holds both moisture and nutrients. Both offer an excellent growing medium for microgreens, replacing soil.

How To Grow Microgreens Without Soil Using Perlite and Vermiculite:

1. Mix the two in a shallow container, then moisten them thoroughly.
2. Spread seeds on the surface, then lightly press them into the mixture.
3. Cover until germination starts.
4. Once sprouts appear, uncover and expose them to light. Continue misting to maintain moisture.
5. Harvest once the greens are ready. 

Hydroponics

This option involves using a growing medium, water, and nutrients to grow microgreens in a controlled environment, which can be done indoors or outdoors. Herbs and leafy greens, such as kale, alfalfa, carrots, and basil, can be grown using Hydroponics. 

How To Use Hydroponic Systems:

1. Prepare your water by adjusting the pH level. Dissolve any nutrients in it, if using. 
2. Saturate your growing medium with water or your nutrient solution, then allow any excess to drain off in the drainage holes before putting it in a growing tray. 
3. Spread seeds on the surface, then mist them.
4. Cover until germination starts.
5. Once the seeds are sprouting, uncover and expose them to light. Instead of misting, you can pour water directly into the tray. 
6. Harvest once the greens are ready.  

Troubleshooting

Having problems growing microgreens without soil? Here’s how to fix them:

1. Seeds Not Germinating - Check moisture levels and temperature, as well as the seed packet instructions for growing them. Some microgreens may require special conditions, such as humidity and heat, to sprout.
2. Mold Problems - Reduce water frequency and improve airflow. Also, sanitize your growing trays between plantings. 
3. Color Problems - Yellow or pale green leaves might indicate low light. Move the microgreens closer to a light source or grow light. 
4. Weak Sprouts - If the young plants are floppy or “leggy,” this may indicate they are not getting enough sunlight. Find a good spot in your home so they’ll get adequate light, or use artificial lighting to help them grow.

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