Easiest microgreens to grow for beginners
What's the story
Microgreens are the tiny versions of vegetables and herbs, packed with nutrients and flavor. They are easy to grow and perfect for beginners looking to add some greens to their diet. These tiny plants can be grown indoors or outdoors, making them a versatile option for anyone interested in gardening. Here are five beginner-friendly microgreens that are easy to grow and provide a nutritious boost to your meals.
Radish
Radish microgreens: A spicy kick
Radish microgreens are famous for their peppery taste, which goes well with salads and sandwiches. They germinate quickly, usually within five to seven days, making them perfect for impatient gardeners. Rich in vitamins A, C, and E, radish microgreens also offer antioxidants that promote health. Their spicy flavor can add an exciting twist to your dishes without overpowering other ingredients.
Sunflower
Sunflower microgreens: Nutty flavor
Sunflower microgreens have a mild, nutty flavor that complements a variety of dishes. They take about seven to 10 days to grow from seed to harvestable green shoots. Loaded with protein, healthy fats, and vitamins B and D, sunflower microgreens are a great addition to any healthy diet. Their crunchy texture makes them an excellent topping for soups or a filling in wraps.
Pea shoots
Pea shoots: Sweet and tender
Pea shoots are sweet and tender, resembling the taste of fresh peas. They take about two weeks to mature from seed to harvestable shoots. Pea shoots are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, along with folate and iron. Their delicate leaves can be tossed into salads or used as a garnish on soups for added nutrition without altering the dish's flavor profile.
Broccoli
Broccoli microgreens: Nutrient powerhouse
Broccoli microgreens pack a nutritional punch with high levels of sulforaphane, known for its potential cancer-fighting properties, along with vitamins C and K. They take about seven days to grow from seed to harvestable greens. These tiny greens have a mild flavor that goes well with most dishes without overpowering them.
Basil
Basil microgreens: Aromatic addition
Basil microgreens provide an aromatic touch with their sweet basil scent, which is common in mature basil leaves but in a concentrated form in these tiny greens. They take about 10 days from seed germination until ready for harvest, making them slightly longer than other varieties on this list but still manageable within most home gardening setups.