24 Cultivating Beet Microgreens
Reflection
Beet microgreens are a fabulous way to get your nutrients in quickly. They are forty time more nutrient dense then when in their mature state. These earthy delights are loaded with both vitamins and minerals, containing B6 and C, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, and potassium. They also have considerable amounts of fiber, folate, thiamine, riboflavin, zinc, and beta carotenes. I like to grow Bull's Blood beets. This variety is absolutely beautiful. I love it for its crunchy texture, its wonderfully earthy flavor, and its vibrant and brilliant greens and reds.
If you would like to grow these, it is not difficult at all. Begin today, and you will be harvesting and ending their beauty and taste soon!
To grow these microgreens, you only need a few things. You need three trays: two solid and one with slots for watering and drainage. I use the 10 * 10 size. I get mine through The Bootstrap Farmer. You will also need a grow medium. There are several choices. I use coco coir. You will need nutrients. I use Ocean Solution and dilute it in filtered water. And, you will need a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to harvest. For clean up, it’s good to use food grade hydrogen peroxide. Oh yes, and you will need the seeds. I buy most of mine through True Leaf Market. And finally, you will need grow lights. I got mine through Amazon.
Fill the tray with holes up half way full with coco coir. Spread soil evenly, and press it down firmly. Measure out 25 grams of seed. Spread the seed evenly across the grow medium. Mist generously with water. The soil should be fully saturated but not puddling. Cover with a thin layer of the coco coir. Sandwich that tray between the two solid trays. Put a weight on top and place on a shelf for about 5 days to germinate. On day 5, flip the top tray and place back on the shelf for 2 days—this is called blackout. On day 8, remove the top tray and place under grow lights. At this time begin to water with a nutrient mix at 1/4 to 1/2 a cup a day; the plants’ water needs will differ depending on where you are growing. The mix is just filtered water with a little bit of the ocean solution. When I mix mine, I make a gallon at a time and mix .05 oz into my gallon of filtered water. When you water, you do not want your grow medium to be too saturated, only slightly moist. When your greens get to the size you like, between days 12 to 15, use a sharp knife or scissors to harvest. You may harvest as you eat them for really fresh, fresh greens, or harvest them all at once and store them in an air tight container in your refrigerator. They are still fresh and last up to a week, until the next batch is ready! Good luck! And if you grow, please leave photos and comments below. I would love to share your experience!