Growing Broccoli Microgreens: A Step-by-Step Guide
Hey everyone! Today’s post I share some detailed information on how to grow broccoli microgreens. Broccoli microgreens are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making them a fantastic addition to your meals. In this guide, I'll take you through the process of growing broccoli microgreens from start to finish, so let's dive right in!
Gather Your Supplies: To begin growing broccoli microgreens, you'll need broccoli seeds. These seeds are small compared to other microgreens but offer a distinct flavor and texture. Additionally, prepare a container for planting. While a 10 by 20 flat is commonly used, I'll be demonstrating in a smaller container repurposed from mushroom packaging. The growing medium of choice for this guide is coconut coir, which should be pre-moistened to prevent expansion or contraction after planting.
Planting the Seeds: Unlike some microgreens, broccoli seeds do not require pre-soaking. Spread the seeds evenly on top of the pre-moistened growing medium. Be careful not to overplant, as broccoli seeds are small and can be easily overcrowded. Once planted, lightly water the container once more. Avoid covering the seeds with soil; instead, place another container on top to create darkness, mimicking the germination process.
Providing Weight and Darkness: It's crucial to add weight on top of the broccoli seeds to encourage root penetration and ensure the microgreens grow straight and tall. By placing a weighted container on top, you create the ideal conditions for healthy growth. Leave the container covered for three days, allowing the seeds to germinate in a dark environment.
Uncovering and Watering: After three days, remove the cover to reveal the emerging shoots. The shoots may appear yellow due to the lack of sunlight, but some edges might have green shoots that received minimal light. From this point, water the container every other day using a spray bottle to provide adequate moisture for healthy growth.
Ensuring Proper Air Flow: To prevent mold growth, it's important to place the container near an airflow source, such as an AC or heat vent. Proper air circulation helps maintain a healthy environment for the microgreens. Coconut coir's moisture retention capabilities, combined with proper airflow, will prevent mold and ensure the microgreens thrive.
Harvesting and Enjoying: Around two more days later, the shoots will reach a height of about an inch, and after two additional days, they will grow to about two inches. Finally, when the shoots are around three inches tall, they are ready to be harvested. Using scissors or a knife, carefully cut the top two inches of the shoots. These freshly harvested broccoli microgreens can be added to soups, salads, sandwiches, or any dish of your choice.
Note: If you're interested in exploring other microgreens, be sure to check out my video on the top five microgreens you must grow for even more microgreen inspiration.
Conclusion:
Growing broccoli microgreens is an accessible and rewarding process. By following these steps, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of nutritious and flavorful microgreens. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting your microgreen journey, broccoli microgreens are a fantastic addition to your indoor garden. I hope you found this video informative and inspiring. Stay tuned for more gardening adventures, and I'll see you in the next video!