Ready to grow your own fresh and flavorful microgreens right at home?
Why not try your hand at growing leek microgreens?!
Not only are these greens easy to grow and require minimal space, but they’re packed with nutrients and flavor.
If you’re a novice gardener, you can try growing leek microgreens right from your kitchen window or in a small space in the garden.
But you might just be wondering if it’s even worth growing these microgreens. After all, the price can be expensive.
Let’s dive into how to grow leek microgreens from home so you can add some nutrition and pizzazz to your culinary creations.
What are Leek Microgreens?
Never heard of leek microgreens?
Well, they are the young seedlings of the leek plant (Allium ampeloprasum), a member of the Allium family which also includes onions and garlic.
So if you love the flavor of these veggies, you’ll also enjoy leek microgreens.
What do leek microgreens taste like, you ask?
Quite similar to onions. But a tad bit sweeter though, yum!
Research has also shown that leek microgreens contain high levels of beneficial plant compounds called polyphenols, which have been linked to numerous health benefits, such as reducing inflammation, improving heart health, and preventing chronic diseases such as cancer.
That’s one great reason to add them to your garden.
In terms of growing leek microgreens, they are relatively easy to cultivate and can be grown indoors or outdoors, making them a great option for year-round growing.
They typically take around 10-14 days to grow from seed to harvest.
However, the exact time it takes for leek microgreens to grow can vary depending on factors like temperature, humidity, light intensity, and growing medium. Generally, the ideal temperature range for growing leek microgreens is between 60-75°F (15-24°C), and the ideal humidity range is between 50-70%.
Leek microgreens also require sufficient light to grow, and it is recommended to use a grow light or place them in a sunny spot to receive at least 6-8 hours of light per day.
In terms of growing medium, leek microgreens can be grown in soil or hydroponically.
If growing in soil, it is recommended to use a well-draining potting mix with added perlite or vermiculite.
Leek microgreens can also be grown hydroponically using a nutrient-rich solution.
What are the Benefits of Leek Microgreens?
Leek microgreens offer several potential health benefits. Here are a few of them:
Rich in nutrients: Leek microgreens are packed with nutrients such as vitamins C, K, and E, as well as minerals such as iron, manganese, and calcium.
Antioxidant properties: Leek microgreens contain antioxidants that can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Anti-inflammatory effects: Some studies have suggested that leek microgreens may have anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce inflammation in the body.
Digestive health: Leek microgreens contain dietary fiber that can help promote healthy digestion.
Immune system support: The high levels of vitamins and minerals in leek microgreens can help support the immune system.
Potential anticancer properties: Some studies have suggested that leek microgreens may have anticancer properties that can help prevent the development and spread of cancer cells.
Weight management: Leek microgreens are low in calories and high in fiber, making them a good addition to a weight management diet.
Overall, leek microgreens are a nutrient-dense food that can provide several health benefits when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
What You Need to Start Growing Leek Microgreens
There are several handy tools you’ll need to start growing your microgreens. Fortunately, they are all easily accessible and can be purchased at your local garden store or online:
Leek Seeds
How would you even start growing without actual leek seeds?
Try purchasing them from a gardening or agricultural supply store, or online. To avoid any hiccups, be sure to choose seeds that are specifically labeled for microgreen use.
Growing Tray
Just as flowers need a flower pot, your microgreens do need a growing agent. Growing trays are perfect for this!
A shallow tray with drainage holes is ideal for growing leek microgreens is just fine.
You can use plastic, metal, or ceramic trays depending on your preference.
Growing Medium
Once those items have been ticked off, you’ll also need a growing medium. The great thing is, you can use soil, coconut coir, or another type of growing medium for leek microgreens.
Again, there are a number of these babies out there so choose a medium that is specifically designed for microgreens. Ask for help with your purchase if needed to avoid wasting money.
Water Those Dearies
Water is definitely a must with microgreens. You will need clean, filtered water to keep the soil or growing medium moist.
A Spray Bottle
Some gardeners water the old-fashioned way, but I like to think of soft and easy when it comes to microgreens. A spray bottle is useful for watering microgreens without causing damage to these delicate plants.
Clear Plastic Lid or Plastic Wrap:
These come in really handy when it comes to growing your microgreens. Utilize a cover for the tray to create a humid environment for the leek seeds to germinate.
Light source
Leek microgreens require bright light to grow, so you will need a sunny window or grow light to provide adequate light.
Growing Conditions for Microgreens
Although microgreens can be relatively easy to grow, even for beginners, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First off, these little guys thrive in specific growing conditions, so let’s go over those:
Ideal Temperature
Leek microgreens love temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). It makes them feel really good! Just make sure not to expose them to any extreme temperatures, as this can harm their delicate leaves, and we don’t want that!
Give Them Humidity
Did you know that leek microgreens love a little humidity?
Yes, they do! With that said, you’ll need to create a humid environment for your leek microgreens to germinate and grow. Keep the soil or growing medium moist at all times – covering the tray with a clear plastic lid or plastic wrap can help with this.
We Need Light
Obviously, leek microgreens need bright light to grow, so if you’re growing them indoors, ensure they’re near a sunny window or use a grow light. If you’re growing them outside, choose a spot that gets at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Steps for Growing Leek Microgreens
Growing leek microgreens is a fun and easy way to add a burst of flavor to your meals while also boosting your nutrition.
With these simple supplies and the right growing conditions, you can cultivate these tasty greens in the comfort of your own home, all year round.
So, now that you have gathered your materials and created the ideal growing conditions for your leek microgreens, it’s time to get started with the growing process.
Follow these super easy steps to grow your own leek microgreens at home:
Soak the Seeds
The first step involves soaking the leek seeds in a bowl of water for 6-8 hours. While leek seeds don’t necessarily need soaking, it can help to speed up the germination process.
Prepare the Growing Tray
Next, fill a shallow tray with a layer of moistened potting soil or hydroponic growing medium to a depth of around 1-2 inches. You will need to smooth out the surface evenly.
Sow the Seeds
Sprinkle the soaked leek seeds evenly over the surface of the soil. Lightly press the seeds into the soil to ensure good contact.
Water and Cover the Tray
Use a spray bottle to water the seeds gently. Cover the tray with a clear plastic lid or plastic wrap to create a humid environment for the seeds to germinate. For an extra touch, try to add a weight so that the plastic wrap stays in place.
Monitor Your Greens
Keep the cover on for the next 3-4 days, giving them a chance to soak up the moisture and begin their journey towards sprouting. Then, leave the cover on for another 2-3 days to encourage strong growth against the weight
Once they’re ready for some light, remove the cover tray and give your microgreens a nice spot under a grow light or near a sunny window. Don’t forget to mist them daily to keep them nice and moist.
Harvesting
After about 10-14 days, it’s time to harvest your leek microgreens! Grab some scissors and snip them just above the soil line. Then, sit back, relax, and enjoy your freshly grown and nutritious greens.
Yummy!
Storing Microgreens
To store your leek microgreens, first, give them a quick rinse under cool running water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
You can then transfer them to an airtight container or plastic bag with a paper towel to help keep them fresh.
Store them in the refrigerator and they should last for up to a week. Just make sure to check them regularly and discard any that have wilted or turned slimy.
Enjoy your fresh and nutritious leek microgreens!
You May Want to Know
Are Leek Sprouts Edible?
You’ll be happy to know that leek sprouts are edible and can be a tasty addition to salads, sandwiches, and other dishes.
In fact, they are packed with nutrients and are known for their mild onion-like flavor.
Leek sprouts can be grown easily at home as microgreens and are a great way to add some fresh and nutritious greens to your diet. Just make sure to properly clean and store them before consuming.
Are Leek Greens Safe to Eat?
Surprise! Leek greens are certainly safe to eat and are actually a flavorful and nutritious part of the plant.
We can use them used in soups, stews, and other dishes for their mild onion-like flavor.
However, it’s important to properly clean and prepare them before consuming, as they can sometimes be gritty or contain dirt between the layers.
Leek Microgreens are Must for Your Garden!
So if you’re looking to add a burst of flavor and nutrition to your meals, look no further than these tasty leek microgreens. These little guys may be small, but they pack a big punch in the nutrient department. And the best part? They’re super easy to grow at home!
Not only do leek microgreens add a delicious onion-like flavor to your dishes, but they’re also loaded with vitamins and minerals that are great for your body. And with their speedy growth time and petite size, you can easily grow them indoors or in a small outdoor space.
So why not give leek microgreens a try and add some extra goodness to your garden (and your meals)? Trust me, your taste buds and your body will thank you!
