SoCal Home Gardening

Microgreens

Young seedlings of vegetables and herbs.

Information on Growing Microgreens

Microgreens are tiny, young vegetable greens that are harvested just a few weeks after germination. They are incredibly nutritious, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and have a delicate, flavorful taste. Growing microgreens in your home garden is a rewarding and relatively easy task. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Select the right microgreens: There is a wide variety of vegetables and herbs that can be grown as microgreens, including kale, spinach, arugula, radish, mustard greens, cilantro, and many more. Choose the ones you enjoy eating and that are suitable for your climate.

2. Prepare your planting containers: Microgreens can be grown in small trays, seedling flats, or even shallow trays with drainage holes. Ensure that your containers are clean and have sufficient drainage to prevent waterlogging.

3. Choose a good growing medium: Microgreens thrive in a soilless, sterile growing medium. You can use commercial seed-starting mixes, coconut coir, or a blend of peat moss and vermiculite. Fill your containers with about 1-2 inches of the chosen medium and level it evenly.

4. Sow the seeds: Sprinkle the seeds evenly and densely over the prepared soil surface. Since they are tiny, you should aim for a dense growth. Gently press them into the soil using the back of a spoon or your fingertips to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.

5. Watering: Moisten the soil evenly using a mist sprayer or a gentle watering can. Ensure the soil is damp but not waterlogged. Continue to mist or water daily to maintain moisture levels, but avoid overwatering as it can lead to fungal diseases.

6. Provide adequate light: Microgreens thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. Place your containers near a sunny window or use artificial grow lights to provide 12-16 hours of light per day. Adjust the height of the lights to ensure the plants don't stretch and become leggy.

7. Maintain proper air circulation: Good airflow is essential for preventing diseases and ensuring healthy growth. Use a small fan or open windows to promote air circulation. Avoid overcrowding the trays, which can lead to poor airflow.

8. Monitor and maintain temperature: Most microgreens prefer temperatures between 60-75�F (15-24�C). Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations and keep the growing area well-ventilated to prevent overheating.

9. Fertilization: Since microgreens have a short growing period, they typically do not require additional fertilization. However, if you notice slow growth or pale leaves, you can dilute a balanced liquid fertilizer and apply it according to the package instructions.

10. Harvesting: Microgreens are ready to harvest when they have developed their first true leaves, around 1-3 weeks after sowing. Use a clean pair of scissors to cut the greens just above the soil surface. Rinse them gently with water and pat dry before consuming.

Remember to rotate your microgreens crops to prevent the buildup of pests and diseases in the soil. Growing microgreens can be a year-round activity, allowing you to enjoy fresh and nutritious greens even in small spaces. Happy gardening!

Microgreens Varieties

See All Microgreens Varieties

Popular Southern California Vegetables

In Southern California, where the climate is generally warm and conducive to a variety of plants, the top 10 vegetables to grow can include:

Bell Peppers: Sweet, colorful, and enjoy sunny conditions.
Bok Choy: Asian green, tender and mild flavor.
Broccoli: Cool-season crop, high in vitamins and fiber.
Carrots: Root vegetable, sweet and crunchy, prefers sandy soil.
Cauliflower: Requires consistent watering and care.
Cucumbers: Refreshing, great for salads, needs regular watering.
Green Beans: Easy to grow, both bush and pole varieties.
Kale: Hardy and nutritious, grows well in cool and warm weather.
Lettuce: Cool-season crop, grows quickly, ideal for salads.
Onions: Essential kitchen staple, can be grown year-round.
Peas: Cool-season crop, includes snow peas and snap peas.
Potatoes: Grown in cool weather, various types available.
Radishes: Quick to harvest, peppery flavor, easy to grow.
Scallions: Also known as green onions, mild onion flavor.
Spinach: Nutrient-rich, prefers cooler temperatures.
Squash: Includes both summer and winter varieties.
Sweet Corn: Requires space and sun, sweet and delicious.
Tomatoes: Versatile and flavorful, thrive in warm weather.
Yellow Squash: Mild flavor, similar to zucchini.
Zucchini: Fast-growing and productive summer squash.

These vegetables are well-suited to the region's unique growing conditions, which include mild winters and long, warm summers. It's always a good idea to consider the specific microclimate of your garden and adjust your planting choices accordingly.

Popular Southern California Flowers

Southern California's climate is ideal for a variety of flowers, thanks to its warm temperatures and ample sunshine. Here are the top 10 flowers that thrive in this region:

California Poppy: The state flower, known for its vibrant orange color, thrives in the sunny climate.
Lavender: Drought-tolerant and fragrant, it is a great choice for Southern California gardens.
Bougainvillea: A hardy vine with colorful blooms, perfect for warm climates.
Bird of Paradise: Known for its exotic, bird-like flowers, it loves the warm weather.
Geraniums: Easy to grow and maintain, they offer bright splashes of color.
Jasmine: A fragrant, climbing plant that grows well in warmer areas.
Marigolds: Hardy and colorful, they can bloom year-round in mild climates.
Roses: Many varieties do well in Southern California, especially when given full sun.
Succulents and Cacti: Including Aloe Vera and Echeveria, they are ideal for the dry climate.
Sunflowers: Thrive in full sun and add a dramatic height and vibrancy to gardens.

These flowers not only add beauty to gardens but are also generally well-adapted to the local conditions, making them easier to grow and maintain.