Sprouting Instructions
Yields approximately as many micro-greens (by weight) as seed "planted"
These seeds will benefit from Soaking and a tiny bit of Pre-Sprouting prior to planting. You don't have to soak them but it will help produce a better crop if you do.
Grow these on soil or Baby Blanket (soilless medium) in a Tray, on a Hemp Bag, a Miniature Garden or on virtually any moisture retaining medium (as minimal as paper towel or fabric - like cheesecloth) you can think of.
Pre-Sprouting
Put seed* into a bowl or your Sprouter.
Add 2-3 times as much cool (60-70°) water.
Mix seeds up to assure even water contact for all.
Allow seeds to Soak for 8-12 hours.
Empty the seeds into your sprouter if necessary.
Drain off the soak water.
Rinse thoroughly with cool (60-70°) water
and Drain thoroughly.
Set anywhere out of direct sunlight and at room temperature (70° is optimal) between Rinses.
Rinse and Drain again in 8-12 hours.
And, perhaps one more...
Rinse and Drain in 8-12 hours.
The goal is to have a very small root before planting. However many Rinse and Drain cycles it takes to get 1/16th - 1/8 inch roots is how long you should Pre-Sprout.
Planting
Whether you have soaked, pre-sprouted or are starting with dry seed, this is the way to proceed:
Thoroughly moisten that upon which you are going to grow.
If using a Hemp Bag or a small bit of Baby Blanket or similar medium - lay it on a plate or in a pan or something so that you don't end up watering your counter. Likewise, if using a Tray, put it on a plate or in a solid (Drip) tray to capture water runoff.
Spread seeds sparsely on your thoroughly moistened medium/sprouter.
(there should be a bit of space around each seed but you are not expected to place them one at a time - just spread them out as much as you can and as evenly as you can*)
You may cover your seeds:
If planting on soil in a Tray use another tray - up side down.
If using a Miniature Garden you can slide the tray into the central unit for the first 2-3 days.
If using a Hemp Bag or similar medium - be creative.
It is not mandatory when growing Micro-Greens to cover them at all. Experiment for yourself and see what works best in your climate/location.
Place your Micro-Garden in a low-light, room temperature location (70° is optimal).
Keep the medium/sprouter moist - but not soggy - by watering or misting every day or two.
When your plants grow up and begin to shed their hulls they are ready for light so move them (if necessary) to a well lighted location.
If you go with sunlight be prepared to water more frequently. Room light will usually do quite nicely as well and will not dry out your medium as quickly.
Keep the medium/sprouter moist but not soggy by watering regularly.
Water from the side if possible to prevent injuring the tiny plants.
When your plants have open leaves which are green, they are done.
Harvest by cutting just above the medium upon which they have grown.
During the final 8-12 hours minimize the surface moisture of your plants - they will store best in your refrigerator if they are dry to the touch. So if you water try to keep the water off the plants - just water the medium.
Transfer your crop to a plastic bag or the sealed container of your choice - glass is good - and put them in your refrigerator - if you can keep from eating them all first.
* Dry Seed Volume
Note: If using Single Harvest Pack and a Miniature Garden use the whole bag on 1 tray.
2 Tablespoons for our little 5” tray.
1/3 - 1/2 Cup for an 11” square tray.
2/3 - 1 cup for an 11 x 22 inch tray.
The first time you grow these you might consider giving quite a bit of space to each seed just to familiarize yourself with the plants' habit.
Printable Sprouting Instructions
