Microgreens have gained popularity in recent years due to their health benefits and ease of growing. They are young plants that are harvested just a few weeks after germination when they are only a few inches tall.
One type of microgreen that you should consider growing is collard microgreens. They are nutritious leafy green vegetables that are often eaten cooked, but their microgreen form is packed with even more nutrients and can be a great addition to your diet.
In this article, we will explore the benefits of growing collard microgreens and how to grow them yourself.
Overview of Collard Microgreens
Collard microgreens are known for their dense, crunchy texture and mildly sweet, nutty flavor.
They are packed with nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K, calcium, iron, and antioxidants. They are also low in calories and high in fiber, making them a great addition to a healthy diet.
What I love about collard microgreens is that they are easy to grow and can be grown indoors or outdoors, depending on your preference.
As a home gardener, try growing them in soil or hydroponically because they typically require minimal care and maintenance.
Isn’t that fun?
They are a popular choice among home gardeners and are often used in salads, sandwiches, and as a garnish for various dishes.
In general, collard microgreens are a nutritious and flavorful addition to any diet. They are super easy to grow and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, making them a versatile and healthy choice for anyone looking to add more greens to their diet.
They are also fantastic because they can be dried for later use!
Health Benefits of Collard Microgreens
As mentioned earlier, Collard microgreens are a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.
They are also high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help prevent chronic diseases. Collard greens are known for their cancer-fighting properties, and their microgreen form is even more potent.
Studies have shown that collard microgreens contain up to 40 times more cancer-fighting compounds than mature collard greens.
Who doesn’t want to be healthier and happier, am I right?
In addition to their cancer-fighting properties, collard microgreens can also help improve heart health. They contain compounds that can help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
These yummy veggies are also a good source of fiber, which can help improve digestion and promote weight loss.
Growing Collard Microgreens
You’ll probably be happy to know that growing collard microgreens is easy and can be done indoors or outdoors. Here’s how to get started:
- Choose your seeds: You can purchase collard microgreen seeds from a variety of online retailers or your local garden center. Look for organic, non-GMO seeds for the best results.
- Choose your growing medium: Collard microgreens can be grown in soil or a hydroponic growing medium. Soil is the easiest option for beginners, but hydroponics can be more efficient and produce faster growth.
- Plant your seeds: You’ll never grow your greens without actually planting them! Fill a shallow tray or container with soil or a hydroponic growing medium. Sprinkle the collard microgreen seeds on top of the soil or medium, and then lightly cover them with a thin layer of soil or medium. Give the seeds a light shower of water to moisten the soil or medium.
- Place the tray in a warm, well-lit area: These delicate greens need plenty of light to grow, so place your tray in a sunny window or under grow lights. They also prefer warm temperatures, so aim for a temperature of around 70°F.
- Water regularly: Don’t let them dry out! Keep the soil or medium moist by watering the microgreens regularly. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to mold or rot.
- Harvest the microgreens: This is the best part gardeners! Collard microgreens can be harvested when they are about 2-3 inches tall, which usually takes about 10-14 days. Use a pair of scissors to cut the microgreens just above the soil or medium. Rinse them gently to remove any soil or debris, and then enjoy. Yum, yum!
Tips for Growing Collard Microgreens
Are you intrigued by what you learned and ready to plunge into growing you own microgreens? Here are some simple steps to follow even as a beginner!
Growing Tip 1
Use a tray with drainage holes to prevent overwatering and mold growth. Using a tray with drainage holes is an effective way to grow microgreens. These holes allow excess water to be drained away from the roots, which can help to prevent root rot and overwatering.
If you’d like to use this method, start by filling the tray with a high-quality potting mix, leaving around an inch of space at the top. The next step involves moistening the potting mix, either from the top or bottom, before scattering your microgreen seeds evenly and lightly pressing them into the soil.
Follow up that simple step by creating a humid environment, covering the tray with a lid or plastic wrap, then placing it in a warm, bright location. Be sure to check the tray daily and water the potting mix as needed to keep it moist. You don’t want them to dry out and waste all your hard work!
After about 7-10 days your microgreens will be ready to harvest! To make the process easy, use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the microgreens just above the soil line.
After you’ve cut them, rinse the microgreens in cold water and pat dry with a paper towel. Store the microgreens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Most microgreens are able to regrow after harvesting, so you can repeat the process as desired.
Wasn’t that easy?
Growing Tip 2
Another savvy tip that gardeners should know is how to grow microgreens in a medium. It’s always best to use a growing medium specifically formulated for microgreens for the best results.
Using a growing medium specifically formulated for microgreens can provide several benefits.
For one thing, these media are typically nutrient-rich, containing the right balance of nutrients for microgreens to grow quickly and healthily.
Also, they often contain perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage and prevent waterlogging and have a consistent texture to ensure even germination and growth.
One thing I know I can appreciate about it is that it saves time and effort, and makes it an excellent choice for those who want to give their microgreens the best chance for success.
When selecting a growing medium for your microgreens, make sure it is specifically labeled for microgreens and is free from contaminants and pathogens.
Growing Tip 3
Another way to make keep your microgreens safe and healthy is to keep the tray covered with a clear plastic lid or plastic wrap for the first few days to create a greenhouse effect and help the seeds germinate.
Veteran gardeners know that creating a warm and humid atmosphere through the use of a clear plastic lid or plastic wrap over the tray for the first few days of germination provides a great way to ensure the success of your collard microgreen seeds.
It’s also important to monitor the tray daily to ensure the humidity is not too high, as this can cause mold or other issues. We don’t want any yucky stuff on our greens, do we?
Once your microgreens have begun to grow, it is important to remove the lid or plastic wrap to promote air circulation and prevent mold growth.
To further ensure success, keep the soil moist but not soaked. You can also water them lightly every day or as needed to keep the soil moist, avoiding letting the soil dry out or overwatering.
Implementing these simple steps will give your collard microgreens the best chance to thrive and provide you with a plentiful harvest of nutritious and flavorful greens!
Growing Tip 4
Did you know that you can use a fan to give your greens some TLC? Yes, air circulation can help prevent mold growth.
Mold growth can be a problem when growing microgreens in a humid environment with limited air circulation, such as under a plastic lid or in a closed environment.
To help mitigate this issue, using a fan to create a gentle breeze that circulates the air around the microgreens can help reduce moisture levels and prevent mold growth.
This will be especially important during the germination phase when the microgreens are more susceptible to mold. To optimize air circulation, ensure the fan is placed near the tray and set to a low speed. Be sure not to overdo the air circulation, as this could cause damage to the plants.
Be sure to avoid placing the tray in direct sunlight, as this can cause the microgreens to wilt or dry out.
Equipment Needed for Growing Collard Microgreens
No artist can paint without a paintbrush, right? So, it’s essential that gardeners have the right tools to grow their food.
To grow collard microgreens, you will need some basic equipment, including:
Growing trays: You can use a variety of trays for growing microgreens, such as plastic or ceramic trays. Make sure the trays have drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating.
Growing medium: You can grow collard microgreens in soil or a soilless growing medium, such as coconut coir or vermiculite. The growing medium should be moist but not waterlogged.
Seeds: Choose high-quality collard green seeds that are specifically labeled for microgreen growing. Make sure the seeds are free from chemicals and pesticides.
Watering can or spray bottle: You’ll need to water the microgreens regularly to keep the growing medium moist. A watering can or spray bottle can be used for this purpose.
Light source: Collard microgreens require adequate light to grow. You can use natural sunlight or grow lights to provide them with the necessary light.
Plastic wrap or humidity dome: Covering the trays with plastic wrap or a humidity dome can help to maintain the moisture level and promote healthy growth.
Scissors or a sharp knife: When the microgreens are ready to harvest, you’ll need scissors or a sharp knife to cut them at the base.
With these basic supplies, you can easily grow delicious and nutritious collard microgreens in the comfort of your home (or garden!).
How Fast Do Collard Microgreens Grow?
Collard microgreens can be harvested once they have developed their first set of true leaves, and typically reach harvestable size in about 10 to 14 days after planting.
The growth rate may vary depending on the variety of collard green, as well as the temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors. In optimal conditions, these microgreens can grow up to one inch per day.
I wish my hair grew that fast!
However, it is important to keep a close eye on the growing process, as they can quickly become overgrown and diminish in flavor and nutritional value if left to grow for too long.
To promote healthy growth and development, collard microgreens should be grown in well-draining growing mediums, such as soil or coconut coir, and should be watered regularly to keep the growing medium moist but not waterlogged.
It’s also recommended to fertilize your microgreens with a balanced fertilizer to provide them with the nutrients they need to grow and thrive.
Overall, collard microgreens are a fast-growing and easy-to-grow crop that can be harvested quickly and enjoyed in a variety of ways. With proper care and attention, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious and nutritious collard microgreens in just a matter of weeks.
Use Your Microgreens in Recipes
One of the easiest ways to incorporate microgreens into your cooking is to use them as a garnish. Adding a handful of microgreens to a dish not only adds a pop of color and texture, but also a burst of flavor.
Microgreens come in a wide variety of flavors, ranging from spicy arugula to sweet pea shoots, so there is sure to be a type that pairs perfectly with your recipe.
But microgreens can also be used as a key ingredient in dishes. For example, they can be blended into smoothies, soups, or sauces to add a boost of nutrition and flavor.
Microgreens can also be used as a topping for pizzas, sandwiches, and salads. In fact, many chefs are using microgreens as a replacement for lettuce in their salads, as they are more flavorful and nutrient-dense.
Another benefit of using microgreens in your cooking is that they are incredibly easy to grow at home. With just a few supplies, you can grow your own microgreens year-round, right on your kitchen counter. This allows you to have a constant supply of fresh, flavorful microgreens to use in your cooking.
This is a popular green used by many home cooks due to its versatility. Whether you use them as a garnish or a key ingredient, their unique flavors and nutritional benefits make them a must-try for any home cook.
So next time you’re in the kitchen, consider adding a handful of microgreens to your dish and enjoy the added taste and health benefits.
Collard Microgreens: Ideal for Gardeners
Collard microgreens are a nutritious and delicious addition to your diet. They are easy to grow and can be harvested in just a few weeks. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, growing collard microgreens is a great way to add fresh, healthy nutrition to your meals.
