How to Grow Kale Microgreens: A Beginner's Guide

Growing your own kale microgreens is a great way to add fresh, healthy greens to your diet all year round. Microgreens are the seedlings of vegetables and herbs that are harvested before they reach full maturity, making them packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to grow your very own kale microgreens at home.

What You'll Need

To get started, you'll need:

• A shallow container or tray with drainage holes

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare Your Container and Soil

Fill your container with soil or a soilless growing medium up to about an inch below the rim. Moisten the soil with water until it's evenly damp but not saturated.

2. Sow Your Seeds

Sprinkle your kale seeds evenly over the surface of the soil. Gently press them down into the soil, then mist the surface with water from your spray bottle.

3. Cover and Water

Cover your container with a lid or plastic wrap to help retain moisture. Place it in a warm, bright location or under a grow light. Mist the surface of the soil with water once or twice a day to keep it moist.

4. Watch Them Grow

Your kale microgreens should start to sprout within a few days. Once they're a few inches tall, remove the cover and continue misting them daily. They should be ready to harvest in about 10-14 days.

5. Harvest and Enjoy

When your kale microgreens have developed their first set of true leaves, they're ready to harvest. Use scissors to snip them just above the soil line. Rinse them gently under cool running water, then pat them dry. Enjoy them as a flavorful and nutritious addition to salads, sandwiches, or as a garnish on your favorite dishes.

Tips for Success

• Be sure to use clean containers and tools to avoid contaminating your microgreens.
• Kale seeds can take longer to germinate than some other microgreens, so be patient!
• If you're using soil, make sure it's a lightweight, well-draining mix to prevent waterlogged roots.
• Keep your microgreens out of direct sunlight once they start to sprout to prevent them from getting scorched.
• Experiment with different varieties of kale, such as curly or red Russian, for a variety of flavors and colors.

Kale microgreens growing in a tray

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