How to Grow Microgreens at Home
Microgreens are edible seedlings harvested after their first seed leaves, and sometimes just as the first true leaves begin to appear. Grow them indoors in a shallow, clean container with a moist seed-starting medium, bright light, and good airflow.
Choose seed sold for sprouting or microgreen production, or untreated vegetable and herb seed intended for edible crops. Reliable beginner choices include radish, broccoli, cabbage, kale, mustard, pea, sunflower, beet, cilantro, and basil. Avoid seed treated with fungicide or insecticide, and do not use seed from ornamental plants unless it is clearly intended for edible use.
Use a clean tray with drainage holes and a second tray or saucer beneath it to catch water. Fill the growing tray with about 1 to 2 inches of moistened seed-starting mix or another clean growing medium, then level it gently. The medium should feel evenly damp, not saturated enough to drip when squeezed.
Scatter seed densely but in a single layer where possible, then press it gently into the medium for good contact. Cover larger seed lightly if the packet recommends it; many small seeds need little or no cover. Mist or bottom-water after sowing, then cover the tray briefly only if the chosen crop benefits from darkness during germination.
After seedlings emerge, give them bright light for about 12 to 16 hours per day. A sunny window may work seasonally, but seedlings often grow more evenly under a suitable indoor growing light placed close enough to prevent stretching without touching foliage. Rotate trays if window light causes plants to lean.
Water from below when practical by adding water to the catch tray and letting the medium absorb it, then draining excess after a short period. Good airflow is important: avoid crowding trays, remove any decaying material, and do not keep foliage constantly wet. If mold appears repeatedly, improve sanitation, reduce excess moisture, and increase air movement.
Most microgreens are ready about 7 to 21 days after sowing, depending on crop and conditions. Harvest when stems are sturdy and seed leaves are fully open by cutting just above the growing medium with clean scissors. Rinse only if needed, dry gently, and refrigerate promptly in a clean container.
Frequently asked questions
Do microgreens need fertilizer?
Most are harvested quickly and can grow on a fresh seed-starting mix without added fertilizer. If you grow them longer, follow the growing-medium and product directions carefully.
Why are my microgreens falling over?
Common causes include insufficient light, overly dense sowing, excess moisture, or weak airflow. Increase light, avoid waterlogged medium, and sow at a density appropriate for the crop.
Can I regrow microgreens after cutting them?
Some may produce a small second growth, especially peas, but quality and yield are usually less reliable. For consistent results, compost the spent medium when appropriate and sow a fresh tray.
General guidance for US home gardens. Conditions vary by region and season; check with your local Cooperative Extension office for site-specific advice. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.