SOW, GROW, EAT shoots and leaves with 'The Difference is JustSeed'
'Microgreens'
Microgreens are simply seedlings of edible vegetables and herbs snipped off when no more than 2”/5cm high. These tiny, delicate shoots can add colour, texture and flavour to a variety of foods as an ingredient or garnish. Sometimes confused with sprouted seeds such as mung beans, that are eaten in total, seed, root and shoot. Microgreens are widely sold in supermarkets in their familiar form of tubs of ‘mustard and cress’ or ‘salad cress’.
Salad greens, leafy vegetables, herbs and even edible flowers can be grown as microgreens, though some varieties are better suited than others. They can be grown cost-effectively at home on a sunny windowsill in a shallow container.
Sow & Grow
Fill your container with a layer of compost as these little seedlings will need a good start to pack a punch. Sow thickly so the surface of the compost is covered in a single layer. Space larger seeds slightly further apart. Then sprinkle a thin layer of compost or vermiculite over your seeds. Gently water them – stand in a dish of water then drain. Keep your containers in a bright sunny area. Water every other day so the compost stays moist. Snip off your greens as required once the second set of leaves have grown. (The first ones to appear are cotyledon or seed leaves.)
Each cultivar grows at a different rate and produce varying flavours and textures. Grow separately and mix as desired.
|
Variety |
|
Ready to harvest |
|
Amaranthus Green Giant |
mild earthy taste |
21 days
|
|
Amaranthus Red Army |
vibrant red stems, feathery leaves, mild flavour |
21 days
|
|
Red Veined Sorrel |
lemon citrus notes, beautiful red stems |
12 - 20 days
|
|
Nasturtium Blue Pepe |
crunchy, spicy flavour |
14 days |
|
Pak Choi Purple Rain |
deep purple/red tender leaves, cabbage flavour |
10 days
|
|
Garlic Chives |
thick leaved with a nice garlic flavour adding to the chive taste |
10 – 21 days |
|
Mustard Red Lace |
pinky red leaves, spicy, peppery taste, quick and easy |
14 days |
|
Mustard Wasabina Improved |
ruffled leaves, accents of horseradish and mustard |
14 days |
|
Red Chard |
delicate red leaves, a mild sweet beet taste |
10 – 15 days |
Tip: This is an excellent way to use up any old packs of seeds you have leftover lurking in the shed. Basil, dill, carrots, radish, spinach, rocket and cabbage all make excellent microgreens.
Uses:
Harvest straight to the plate, finesse your sandwich fillings, perk up your salads, adorn your omelette or scrambled eggs, smash your mash, add pizzazz to your pizzas.