Can microgreens be grown outside?

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For those of you who don’t know, microgreens are edible greens that are harvested when they are still young seedlings.

They are usually no more than a few inches tall and are often used as a garnish or as a way to add a pop of color to a dish.

But can these delicate little greens be grown outside?

Microgreens are typically grown in soil indoors, in raised beds or containers. This is because they need moist, well-drained soil and consistent temperatures to thrive. If you live in an area with harsh winters, it’s probably not worth trying to grow microgreens outdoors. However, if you live in a more temperate climate, you might be able to get away with it.

Table of Contents

What are microgreens?

The first thing you need to know is that microgreens are not the same as sprouts.

Sprouts are germinated seeds that are harvested before they develop into full-grown plants.

Microgreens, on the other hand, are harvested after they have developed their first set of true leaves but before they reach maturity.

This means that they are relatively tough and can withstand unfavorable growing conditions better than sprouts can.

Can you grow microgreens outdoors?

Microgreens require some TLC if you want them to thrive.

They need to be protected from too much sun, wind, and rain.

If you live in an area with harsh weather conditions, it is best to grow your microgreens indoors.

However, if you live in a more temperate climate, you can certainly grow them outside as long as you take steps to protect them from the elements.

One way to protect your microgreens is to grow them in raised beds or containers.

This will help shield them from strong winds and also make it easier for you to control the amount of water and sunlight they receive.

You can also use floating row covers or mini greenhouses to create a more hospitable environment for your microgreens.

What you will need to grow microgreens outside

To grow microgreens outdoors, you will need:

A pot or container with drainage holes (This can be anything from a recycled yogurt container to a fancy planter. Just make sure it has holes for drainage!)

Potting mix

Seeds

Water

Sunlight (at least 4 hours per day)

Instructions

Fill your pot or container with potting mix. You can find potting mix at your local garden center or hardware store.

Spread your seeds evenly over the potting mix. Make sure you don’t plant too many seeds in one spot!

Gently press the seeds into the potting mix.

Water the potting mix until it is moist but not soggy. Be careful not to overwater as this can drowned your young seedlings.

Place your pot or container in an area that gets at least 4 hours of sunlight per day. After 10-14 days, you should see your microgreens start to sprout!

Once your microgreens have sprouted, continue to water them as needed so they don’t dry out. You can start harvesting them once they are 2-3 inches tall.

Final Words

Microgreens are a great way to add flavor and nutrition to your diet, but they can be finicky to grow.

If you’re thinking about growing them outdoors, make sure you have the right climate and that you’re prepared to protect them from extreme temperatures.

With a little care and attention, you can enjoy fresh microgreens all year long.