Microgreens 101: A Beginner's Guide

If you’ve ever noticed tiny green leaves decorating a restaurant plate or topping a fresh salad, you’ve probably seen microgreens. They may look delicate, but they are packed with flavour and nutrients.

For many people, they are the easiest way to start growing fresh food at home. They have gained popularity because they grow quickly and require little space. Whether you have a garden, balcony, or even just a sunny windowsill, they make it possible to grow your own greens almost anywhere.

Microgreens at a Glance

FEATURE	DESCRIPTION
What they are:	Young vegetable or herb seedlings
Time to harvest:	Usually 7-21 days
Growing space:	Small trays, windowsills, indoor shelves
Common varieties:	Radish, sunflower, pea shoots, & broccoli
How they are used:	Salads, sandwiches, garnish
Difficulty:	Beginner-friendly

What Are Microgreens?

Microgreens are young vegetable or herb seedlings that are harvested shortly after their first leaves appear. Most varieties are ready to harvest between 7 and 21 days after planting.

They sit somewhere between sprouts and baby greens in the plant’s life cycle. Unlike sprouts, which are grown in water and eaten whole, they are typically grown in soil or another growing medium and harvested by cutting the stems just above the surface.

Because they are grown to be eaten fresh, the seeds used must be untreated and suitable for growing food crops. Seeds that have been treated with chemicals or coatings intended for agricultural planting should not be used for microgreens.

Despite their small size, they often have strong flavours and vibrant colours, which is why they are widely used in cooking.

Types of Microgreens

Many vegetables can be grown as microgreens, and each variety brings its own taste and texture.

Some popular types include:

Radish – fast growing with a spicy bite
Sunflower – crunchy with a mild, nutty flavour
Pea shoots – sweet and tender
Broccoli – mild and fresh
Mustard – slightly peppery
Beet – colourful with an earthy flavour

Why People Grow Microgreens

One of the main reasons microgreens have become so popular is because of how simple they are to grow. Unlike many vegetables, they don’t require large gardens or long growing seasons.

Many people enjoy growing them indoors, using a small tray placed near a window or under grow lights. With just seeds, soil, water, and light, it’s possible to grow a fresh tray of greens in less than two weeks.

Because they grow quickly and don’t require much space, they are often the first crop people try when they begin growing food at home.

Microgreens Health Benefits

Another reason microgreens attract attention is their nutritional value. Because they are harvested early in the plant’s life cycle, many varieties contain concentrated amounts of vitamins and antioxidants.

Some commonly discussed health benefits include:

natural vitamins such as A, C, and K
antioxidants that support a balanced diet
a fresh way to add greens to everyday meals

Microgreens vs Sprouts

Microgreens are sometimes confused with sprouts, but they are grown and harvested differently.

Sprouts

grown only in water
harvested after just a few days
eaten whole, including the root

Microgreens

grown in soil or another growing medium
harvested once small leaves appear
stems and leaves are eaten

Choosing Seeds

If you're ready to try growing these small plants yourself, the most important place to start is with good-quality seeds. Because they are eaten young and fresh, the seeds used should always be untreated and suitable for food production.

Popular beginner varieties include:

Radish microgreens– fast growing with a spicy flavour
Sunflower microgreens– crunchy and nutty
Pea shoot microgreens – sweet and tender
Broccoli microgreens – mild and easy to grow

These varieties germinate quickly and grow reliably indoors, making them perfect for beginners.

Other Resources

If you’re ready to explore further, the following guides will help you get started:

Growing Instructions Microgreens
Microgreen Growing Guide
Sprouting Growing Chart

Once you understand the basics, growing microgreens becomes a simple and rewarding way to produce fresh greens at home.