Harvesting Microgreens 101: What You Need to Know (2024)

Learning when to harvest microgreens is an essential step to the growing process. Since these tiny leafy vegetables tend to grow fast, it’s critical to know when to harvest them. In this article, we’re going to cover everything there is to know about harvesting microgreens.

Harvesting Microgreens

You can harvest the microgreens during two stages of their growth. Once the seedlings start to grow, you’ll notice the first leaf or pair of leaves which are known as cotyledons. You can harvest your microgreens during this stage, or you can wait until they grow their next set of leaves, which are known as true leaves.

It’s essential to harvest your greens during either of these stages, which can happen within the first two weeks. If you wait too long to harvest, they will start to yellow or have stunted growth. Signs of plant stress can happen from several factors such as soil quality, plant species, and more. This is why it’s best to harvest your microgreens when the cotyledons or true leaves appear.

Harvesting Microgreens 101: What You Need to Know (2)

How to Harvest Your Microgreens

The best times to harvest your microgreens are during the early morning or evening. If you harvest during these times, your microgreens are more likely to be fresh and healthy.

When harvesting microgreens, you’ll need a pair of scissors. Your microgreens should range from about 1 to 4 inches in length. Make sure to cut your microgreens about an inch above the soil. After trimming, wash the ends to remove any unwanted soil or dirt. If you are not cutting above the cotyledons, then the microgreens will not grow any further. You can compost the tray after you’re done harvesting the microgreens.

Harvesting Microgreens 101: What You Need to Know (3)

Washing and Drying

Depending on how you’re growing your microgreens will determine how you’ll wash them. If you’re growing them in soil, it’s recommended to wash the ends to rid them of any leftover soil or dirt so it won’t ruin the taste of your food. However, if your microgreens are growing from other methods, you won’t have to wash them. It’s best to wash your microgreens in cold water to maintain overall freshness. Make sure to remove damaged leaves or other problem areas to avoid an undesirable taste.

Drying your greens is an easy and simple process. Layout the greens in front of a fan and let them dry for a few minutes, and turn them over every so often to ensure they dry completely.

Harvesting Microgreens 101: What You Need to Know (4)

Storing Microgreens

Stored microgreens can last up to several days in the refrigerator. To correctly store your plants, we suggest placing them between paper towers inside a food grade container. This can help extend their shelf life for up to a week or two.

Harvesting microgreens is a simple and easy-to-understand process. Once you’ve harvested your greens, have fun adding them to your salads or dishes of any kind! We at the Nick Greens Grow Team provide useful growing tips to those who want to grow microgreens at home. Make sure to subscribe to our blog and YouTube channel to stay up to date with new at-home growing tips and tricks!

#microgreens #harvestingmicrogreens #harvestingnature #harvestingtime #growmicrogreensathome #growingmicrogreens #storingmicrogreens #harvestyourmicrogreens #washmicrogreens #harvestmicrogreens #dryingmicrogreens #harvestyourgreens

FAQs

Most of the easy-to-grow microgreens will germinate in 2 to 3 days and be ready to begin harvesting around the 10th day from planting. For easy harvesting, the stems should be at least 1 and 1/2 to 2 inches tall. This includes radishes, broccoli, mustards, kale, collard greens, and other quick-growing brassicas.

Microgreens are vegetables or herbs that are harvested at an early stage when the plant first emerges from the soil. They are small in size but packed with healthy benefits and intense flavor. Microgreens are not a vegetable of their own, rather a seedling or a baby version of vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers.

Store them in the refrigerator: After harvesting, you should wash and dry the Microgreen thoroughly. You can then store them in a sealable container in the refrigerator. Make sure the container is clean and dry to avoid mold growth.

Not all seeds are suitable for microgreens. Do not eat shoots from tomato, eggplant, pepper or potato as these are from the nightshade family, which can be toxic. Do not use seeds that have been treated with a fungicide; these seeds often have a pink coating.

Harvesting Microgreens 101: What You Need to Know (2024)

Learning when to harvest microgreens is an essential step to the growing process. Since these tiny leafy vegetables tend to grow fast, it’s critical to know when to harvest them. In this article, we’re going to cover everything there is to know about harvesting microgreens.