6 Easy Steps on How to Grow Microgreens in Aerogarden
If you love gardening but lack the outdoor space or time to maintain a full-sized garden, microgreens might be the perfect solution. An aerogarden is a hydroponic indoor gardening system that allows you to grow plants without soil.
The system provides a controlled environment with automatic lighting, water, and nutrients. But, can you grow microgreens in aerogarden?
Yes, you can definitely grow microgreens in an aerogarden. In fact, an aerogarden is a great way to grow microgreens because it provides a controlled environment with automatic lighting, water, and nutrients.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of growing microgreens in an aerogarden, the best varieties of microgreens to grow in this system, and the steps to take for a successful harvest.
What Are Microgreens?
Microgreens are small, edible greens harvested at the seedling stage, typically within 1–3 weeks after germination. They are grown from the seeds of vegetables, herbs, or other plants and can be easily cultivated at home using a microgreen kit.
The growing process involves planting the seeds in a container with soil or a pre-seeded pod, providing them with water and light, and occasionally adding plant food.
Microgreens can be grown in indoor gardens or on a deck with grow lights and are a popular addition to salads, sandwiches, and other dishes. They are packed with nutrients and come in various flavors, including cabbage, radish, and spicy arugula.
Can You Grow Microgreens In Aerogarden?
Yes, microgreens can be grown in an aerogarden. An AeroGarden is an indoor garden system that uses hydroponics to grow plants without soil. It provides everything plants need to grow, including seed pods, water, plant food, and grow lights.
To grow microgreens in an aerogarden, you can use the AeroGarden Microgreens Kit or pre-seeded pods designed for microgreens. Alternatively, you can use individual seed pods and grow your microgreens from microgreen seeds. Microgreens usually take a few weeks to grow and require consistent watering, balanced water levels, and adequate light. You can get money by selling microgreens. However, in that case, you may have to get a license in your selling region.
Aerogardens come in different sizes and cost ranges, with some models having built-in LED lights and pump systems. Microgreens are a great way to grow nutritious and flavorful greens indoors and can be used in salads, sandwiches, and as a garnish for various dishes.
Benefits of Growing Microgreens in Aerogarden
Aerogarden is a hydroponic indoor garden system that allows you to grow fresh herbs, vegetables, and flowers without soil. Here are some benefits of growing microgreens in an aerogarden:
- Faster and Easier Growth with Pre-seeded Pod: Aerogarden’s pre-seeded pods come with the perfect amount of soil, nutrients, and seeds needed for the specific plant you want to grow, which allows for easier and faster growth. This makes growing microgreens in Aerogarden a great option for those who don’t have a lot of time or experience with gardening.
- Efficient Use of Space: Aerogarden is a great option for those who have limited space or don’t have access to outdoor gardens. It is compact and can fit on a countertop, table, or deck, making it a perfect choice for indoor gardens.
- Controlled Environment: Aerogarden provides a controlled environment for growing microgreens, which helps to prevent pest infestations and diseases. The environment also ensures that the microgreens receive the necessary light, water, and nutrients to grow healthy and strong.
- Grow Lights for Optimum Growth: Aerogarden has built-in LED grow lights that mimic the natural light spectrum, allowing for optimum growth of microgreens. The grow lights can also be adjusted to provide different light intensity levels, depending on the plant’s needs.
- Consistent Water Supply: Aerogarden’s water pump and 5-gallon water tank ensure that the microgreens receive a consistent water supply, which is crucial for their growth. The system also has a water level indicator that alerts you when water levels are low.
Best Varieties of Microgreens to Grow in Aerogarden
Microgreens are an excellent addition to any kitchen, offering fresh, nutrient-dense greens in just a few weeks. An aerogarden is a great tool for growing microgreens indoors with minimal effort. Here are five of the best varieties of microgreens to grow in an aerogarden:
Arugula
Arugula microgreens have a spicy, nutty flavor and contain nutrients like vitamin K and antioxidants. They grow quickly and are typically ready to harvest in seven to ten days. Arugula microgreens require plenty of light and moderate watering to grow.
Basil
Basil microgreens are a popular choice for their sweet, aromatic flavor. They are rich in vitamins and minerals and add a fresh, flavorful touch to any dish. Basil microgreens grow best in bright light and require moderate watering.
Chives
Chives microgreens have a mild onion flavor and are packed with vitamins A, C, and K. They are easy to grow and ready to harvest in about two weeks. Chives microgreens prefer bright light and require moderate watering.
Cilantro
Cilantro microgreens have a fresh, citrusy flavor and are rich in vitamins and minerals. These can be harvested in as little as seven days and grow best in moderate to bright light with regular watering.
Mustard Greens
Mustard green microgreens have a bold, spicy flavor and are high in vitamin C, iron, and antioxidants. They can be harvested in about two weeks and grow best in moderate to bright light with regular watering.
Steps to Growing Microgreens in Aerogarden
If you love fresh greens but don’t have the space for a garden, an aerogarden is a great solution. Here are the steps to grow microgreens in an aerogarden.
1. Choose Your MicroGreens Kit
Several MicroGreens kits are available for use in an aerogarden, each containing pre-seeded pods with different microgreen seeds. Choose a kit that contains the microgreens you want to grow.
2. Prepare Your Aerogarden
Fill your aerogarden with water, ensuring it reaches the recommended water level. Add plant food to the water to provide nutrients for your microgreens.
3. Install Seed Pods
Insert the pre-seeded pods into the holes in the deck of the aerogarden. Alternatively, you can use individual seed pods and add microgreen seeds.
4. Add Grow Lights
Aerogardens come with built-in LED grow lights that mimic the sun’s rays. Ensure the lights are on and set to the recommended height for your microgreens to grow properly.
5. Start Growing
You should see sprouts emerging from the seed pods within a few days. After a few weeks, your microgreens will be ready to harvest. Cut the greens with scissors just above the base of the plant.
6. Maintain Your Aerogarden
Regularly check the water levels in your aerogarden and add fresh, balanced water as needed. Also, make sure to clean your aerogarden regularly to prevent bacterial growth.
How to Make My Microgreens Grow Faster
To make your microgreens grow faster, you can do a few things. First, ensure you use high-quality microgreen seeds and pre-seeded pod or individual seed pods. Next, provide them with plenty of light by placing them in a sunny location or using grow lights.
Water your microgreens regularly, ensuring the water reaches the bottom of the tray or deck to promote even growth. Consider adding plant food to your water for added nutrients. Also, ensure proper drainage by drilling holes in the bottom of your container or using a mesh screen.
Opt for faster-growing greens like sprouts or radish greens, or consider using larger seeds like cabbage for quicker growth. Finally, be patient and consistent, as most microgreens will take a few weeks to reach maturity.
Wrapping Up
You should get the answer to the question: Can you grow microgreens in aerogarden? Growing microgreens in an AeroGarden is a convenient and easy way to enjoy fresh, nutrient-packed greens all year round. You can easily control light, water, and nutrient levels with the right setup to achieve optimal growth and yields.
While some microgreens may perform better in soil, wide varieties can thrive in an aerogarden with proper care and attention. Additionally, the AeroGarden’s compact size and indoor design make it a great option for those with limited space or who live in colder climates.