HomeYouth LessonsProject S.O.W: Food Gardening with Justice in MindUnit 1: Cultivating Community1.5 Growing Microgreens

1.5 Growing Microgreens

Three female teens holding microgreen trays
Teens displaying microgreen trays newly planted.

Skill Level

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Learner Outcomes

  • Gain confidence at sowing seeds, plant care, and harvesting.
  • Plant microgreen seeds in containers in groups.

Life Skills

Keeping records, communications, sharing, marketable/useful skills, teamwork, healthy life-style choices, self-responsibility

Time

20-30 minutes

Microgreens
Radish microgreens in plastic clamshell container.

Materials

  • Microgreens seeds and seed packets (Plants commonly grown as microgreens include: arugula, broccoli, basil, beets, cilantro, collards, peas, radish, sunflower, and Swiss chard)
  • Containers for planting – should be clean, lightweight and have drainage holes (small plastic pots, plastic clamshell, recyclable containers, seeding trays, etc.)
  • Potting soil- Do not use garden soil or compost
  • Plastic labels or popsicle sticks for labeling
  • Pencils or markers for labeling
  • Spray bottle
  • Plastic tablecloth or tarp to cover table or floor if activity is indoors

Space

An area with space for youth to plant and a table can be useful to lay out materials

Introduction

Growing microgreens is a chance for the group to practice sowing seeds and plant care. Microgreens can be rewarding to grow because of the relatively short time from planting to harvesting. Typically, microgreens can be harvested 7-21 days after planting. Microgreens do great in indoor spaces and do not need special light requirements. When deciding on appropriate containers in which to plant, plastic recyclable “clamshells” – those plastic containers in which produce is often purchased that close – work very well. Make sure containers have drainage holes. Before planting, make sure to read the seed packet. This can provide valuable information such as how deep to plant the seeds and time to germination. When watering, water gently so the tiny seeds don’t get pushed too far down into the soil. Use a spray bottle or water from the bottom. Microgreens can be harvested with scissors when they are several inches tall or have grown their first true leaf. Microgreens are a great addition to sandwiches, salads, soups and more.

Vocabulary

Sow: to plant a seed for growth

Germinate: to sprout or begin to grow

Before the Activity

If you have time, start a tray of seeds a week to 10 days before teaching this activity, then you can show participants what their seedlings will look like when they germinate. Prepare materials needed for planting, make sure the containers you will use have drainage holes. If the container does not have drainage holes, you can use a knife, scissors, or a nail to make a few holes int the plastic.

Activity

Opening Questions
  • Ask the group if anyone has started plants from seed before? What were their challenges and/or successes? What do seeds need to grow?
Experience
  1. Discuss what seeds need to germinate: warmth, water, and air. It is commonly thought that seeds need light to sprout. Usually, seeds do not need light, but need a specific soil temperature to sprout. After seeds have sprouted, then make sure they are place in a sunny windowsill and/or under grow lights.
  2. Show the materials needed to plant the microgreen seeds and label your container with the plant variety and date.
  3. Demonstrate how to fill the containers with soil, smoothing the top surface to allow for even germination. Then, sprinkle seeds on top and cover them lightly with more soil making sure to have good soil to seed contact.
  4. Discuss how to water your seeds and microgreens. You want to water the container gently with a spray bottle as to not disturb seed placement. Before planting, you should pre-moisten the soil. After sprouting, microgreens respond well to “bottom watering” (placing water in tray under the microgreens container). Water only when the soil surface is dry.
  5. After demonstrating how to plant, break the group up into groups of 3 or 4 people. Have each group plant a container of microgreens.
  6. Place planted containers in appropriate location for germination.
Reflection Questions
  • How did it feel to plant seeds?
  • What do you imagine that they will taste like when we eat them?

 Learn More

Acknowledgements

This activity was adapted from the NYS Seed to Supper curriculum* and Cornell Garden-Based Learning activity “Growing Microgreens.”
References: Chapter 3 – Planting Your Garden
* NYS Seed to Supper curriculum was adapted with permission from Seed to Supper joint program of Oregon Food Bank and Oregon State University Extension Service. Any courses based upon these materials, are to be offered equitably and free of charge.

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