Social media is an important marketing tool to help get you in front of your potential customers. Whether you’re promoting products or services, educating your audience about why you’re the best, or simply sharing what you’re up to, social media platforms are a great outlet to help customers engage with your brand. With Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and more, we’re talking about some of our best tips and tricks to help you decide what might work best for you. Make a Plan Set Your Social Media Goals and Objectives – It’s important to go beyond metrics such as likes and retweets and also focus on factors such as leads generated. Improve your Existing Accounts – If you already have existing social accounts, make sure they’re updated to reflect your brand values. Find Relevant Industry Leaders – Do your research and take a look at what content others in your industry are posting. Create a Social Media Calendar – This step is an important part for your marketing plan. It should contain intended dates and times that you want to publish on each platform, relevant hashtags and other image notes. Time Your Posts for Maximum Engagement – Utilize scheduling features or a third party such as Hootsuite to time your posts for increased visibility. Be Original - Avoid repeating the same content over and over again, ensuring each of your articles or pictures gets the most likes. Know Your Audience Define Your Target Market - You should consider characteristics such as age, gender, location, goals and average income. Create a Few Audience Personas – Develop “personalities” for your customers. Does Savvy Sally favor locally grown produce when choosing what to feed her family? What types of content would appeal to her? Spend some time looking at your audience personas, understanding what their challenges are and what brands they already love on social media. Choose Quality Over Quantity One of the worst mistakes to make on social media is coming off as the faceless corporation with zero personality. In the modern age of transparency, people want to get to know your company on a more personal level. If its office photos or snapshots of your team, getting personal with your followers can help you form a more personal connection. If your followers ask a question, you should respond in a timely manner. And if your followers seem to be buzzing about a particular problem, you should craft content that speaks directly to it. Create Relationships, Not Just Followers Having 100 followers who regularly engage with you and your content is much more valuable than 10,000 followers that ignore you. To engage with high-value followers: Always @mention people you reference them in your social media posts. Answer questions people ask. Reply when people @mention you or share your content. Don’t just retweet and like other people’s content: reply with a comment to start a conversation. By following our tips above, you should be on the path to social media success! Be sure to stay active on the channels you choose, inactive social media feeds are a bad look for brands. If you’re struggling for original content, share posts from others or find ways to repurpose content so that you’re not always trying to reinvent the wheel. Check out the Nick Greens Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube channels to see what we’re up to! Here's some devices to help with capturing great content: Smove Mobile Go Pro Hero 8 Canon EOS M50 IPhone Max If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy these post: "Key health benefits of microgreens" "Microgreen seed density chart" #socialmedia #growbusiness #tipsandtricks #socialmediafacts #makeaplan #audiencetarget #socialmediaplatforms

Have you ever been curious as to whether Microgreens pack a punch of nutrients? The answer: yes. Microgreens, have been around for a while. They were mostly used for garnishing and ingredients but we are now starting to realize that they might be a lot more nutritious than normally grown vegetables. We’ll be going into detail on the benefits of Microgreens. What Are Microgreens Microgreens is the universal name for almost any green vegetable or herb that has edible leaves and is harvested at the cotyledon growth stage, the stage when the first set of true leaves sprout. The cotyledon growth stage comes after the germination and sprouting stages but before a plant fully develops its root and leaf structures. The first set of true leaves develops after the cotyledon or the first two visible leaves of a plant appear. When the next set of leaves, anywhere between two to four, are produced, the plant actually enters the cotyledon stage. If the plant is allowed to grow, it becomes a seedling. Microgreens Are Nutritious According to Gene Lester in an interview with NPR, “He was knocked over,” at the fact that microgreens had a lot more nutrients than expected. Lester then continued, “The researchers looked at four groups of vitamins and other phytochemicals – including vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta carotene — in 25 varieties of microgreens.” They went on to discover that these microgreens were loaded with nutritious value. Studies, have presented that microgreens are loaded with nutrients, such vitamins, C, E, and K, lutein, and beta-carotene, 40 fold than the mature leaves of the same plants. Like the full-grown counterparts, the levels of these nutrients vary across the wide array of microgreens. A US study looked at nutrient levels of 25 different microgreens and compared them to published information on full-sized leafy vegetables and herbs. Nutrient levels in different microgreens varied. But they typically had higher levels per gram of vitamin C, vitamin E and carotenoids (plant compounds, some used to make vitamin A and others help maintain eye health) than mature crops. Microgreens Types Microgreens are most commonly harvested from leafy greens such as kale, arugula, beet greens, onions, radish greens, watercress, chard and pak choi and herbs such as cilantro, basil, chervil, parsley and chives. The taste of microgreens depends on the original vegetable. Microgreens have a very strong and concentrated taste of the original vegetable. This means that cilantro microgreens will still taste of cilantro but in a stronger, more vegetable and condensed format. Microgreens aren’t going to replace mature vegetables anytime soon but they will make their name known because they’re just as great! They add nutritional value and they also add complex flavors to dishes or salads. If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy these post: "Buying seeds for microgreens" "Growing microgreens at home" #microgreens #growingsystem #microgreenbenefits #healthymicrogreens #benefitsofmicrogreens #microgreensathome

Microgreens are becoming increasingly popular, allowing growers the opportunity to expand further into existing markets or to venture into new markets.  From farmers markets to local restaurants and chefs, microgreens are perfect for enhancing salads or using as a garnish. By definition, microgreens are tiny plants with only their first leaves developed. Most varieties are harvested at 8-14 days and while they may be smaller and more delicate, they are also more robust and flavorful. The CropKing microgreen growing system is a cost-effective and efficient way to maximize production while ensuring high quality. *All weights are for an 10"x20" tray Soaking Seeds (large seeds) To soak the microgreen seeds, a plastic kitchen storage container works well Use cold water (always pH balanced) Refrigerate in warm weather Soak for 8-12 hrs typically. Fill the container with enough water to rise above the seeds ¾” to 1”. The seeds will swell as they absorb water, and you’ll want to be sure they stay below the water line. Soaking the Burlap Grow Mat Plan to put the mat in the day before you plant. Once you know how many total channels/trays of microgreens you’ll be planting. Fold and place burlap mat in a soaking tub. Fill the tub with water until it’s completely covers mats. Cover and soak overnight. EASIEST TO GROW Arugula Seeding Rate:  0.7 oz Pre-Soak:  No Blackout Time:  1-3 Days Estimated Time to Harvest:  8-14 Days Broccoli Seeding Rate:  1.0 oz Pre-Soak:  No Blackout Time:  2-3 Days Estimated Time to Harvest:  10-14 Days Buckwheat Seeding Rate:  12 oz Pre-Soak:  Yes Blackout Time:  3-4 Days Estimated Time to Harvest:  8-12 Days Cabbage Seeding Rate:  1.0 oz Pre-Soak:  No Blackout Time:  2-4 Days Estimated Time to Harvest:  8-12 Days Chia Seeding Rate:  1.0 oz Pre-Soak:  No Blackout Time:  2-3 Days Estimated Time to Harvest:  8-12 Days Kale Seeding Rate:  1.0 oz Pre-Soak:  No Blackout Time:  2-4 Days Estimated Time to Harvest:  8-14 Days Kohlrabi Seeding Rate:  0.7 oz Pre-Soak:  No Blackout Time:  2-4 Days Estimated Time to Harvest:  8-14 Days Mustard Seeding Rate:  0.7 oz Pre-Soak:  No Blackout Time:  2-4 Days Estimated Time to Harvest:  8-12 Days Sunflower Seeding Rate:  9.0 oz Pre-Soak:  Yes Blackout Time:  2-4 Days Estimated Time to Harvest:  8-14 Days Wheatgrass Seeding Rate:  16.0 oz Pre-Soak:  Yes Blackout Time:  2 Days Estimated Time to Harvest:  8-10 Days AVERAGE DIFFICULTY Celery Leaf Seeding Rate:  0.75 oz Pre-Soak:  No Blackout Time:  6-8 Days Estimated Time to Harvest:  18-21 Days *Slow to germinate and emerge Popcorn Seeding Rate:  8.0 oz Pre-Soak:  Yes Blackout Time:  6-10 Days Estimated Time to Harvest:  6-10 Days *Keep in the dark for full 6-10 days to harvest Fennel Seeding Rate:  1.0 oz Pre-Soak:  No Blackout Time:  3-5 Days Estimated Time to Harvest:  14+ Days Leek Seeding Rate:  2.0 oz Pre-Soak:  No Blackout Time:  3-5 Days Estimated Time to Harvest:  12-14 Days *Seed heavy Peas Seeding Rate:  12.0 oz Pre-Soak:  Yes Blackout Time:  3-5 Days Estimated Time to Harvest:  8-14 Days *Use plenty of water when soaking seed, they are extremely absorbent Sorrel Seeding Rate:  1.0 oz Pre-Soak:  No Blackout Time:  3-5 Days Estimated Time to Harvest:  12-16 Days *Keep seeds in freezer to help with germination rates HARDEST DIFFICULTY Amaranth Seeding Rate:  1.0 oz Pre-Soak:  No Blackout Time:  3-6 Days Estimated Time to Harvest:  8-14 Days *Prefers warmer environment, sensitive to direct light Basil Seeding Rate:  1.0 oz Pre-Soak:  No Blackout Time:  4-7 Days Estimated Time to Harvest:  14-18 Days *Spray through to establish root Beets Seeding Rate:  2.0 oz Pre-Soak:  Yes Blackout Time:  6-8 Days Estimated Time to Harvest:  10-14 Days Chard Seeding Rate:  2.0 oz Pre-Soak:  Yes Blackout Time:  4-7 Days Estimated Time to Harvest:  10-14 Days Cilantro (Coriander) Seeding Rate:  2.0 oz Pre-Soak:  No Blackout Time:  6-7 Days Estimated Time to Harvest:  21-28 Days *Keep medium moist throughout black out period, prefers cooler temperatures Download a printable chart! If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy these post: "Colorful Microgreen Varieties" "Growing microgreens at home" #microgreens #microgreen #microgreenseed #microgreenseeds #growingmicrogreens #soakingseeds #Germination #seeddensitychart

Microgreens offer a wide variety of choices in taste, texture, and even color. Growers can find success by adding an extra step or otherwise increasing their knowledge on microgreen growing. Below is a round-up of 7 different colorful varieties. Mustard, Ruby Streaks Improved dark-purple variety with light-green stems and spicy flavor. Based on yield trials, seeding is recommended at 9.5 gm per tray at approximately 3 flats per ounce of seed. Average days to maturity was 14.5 days when harvested at the first true leaf (as opposed to harvesting in the cotyledon stage). Ruby mustard microgreens have green leaves with reddish-purple veins, deep green and deep red leaves, green leaves with a purple blush, or reddish-purple leaves with a reddish-purple blush. Cool weather is needed for the colors to deepen beyond green. Basil, Dark Opal Variable expression of purple, green, and variegated leaves. This variety features mostly purple leaves with 10% variegated, or green leaves. It adds robust, sweet-and-spicy flavor and visual interest to any meal or beverage. Based on yield trials, seeding is recommended at 5 gm per tray at approximately 5 flats per ounce of seed. Average days to maturity was 25.5 days when harvested at the first true leaf (as opposed to harvesting in the cotyledon stage). Basil microgreens requires steady warm temperatures. Using a heating pad helps with germination when nighttime temperatures drop. These seeds can be difficult to germinate, but light also helps with germination. If the seeds are kept in darkness, they will likely still germinate, but they may have a lower germination rate. Amaranth, Garnet Red Attractive fuchsia stems and leaves. Amaranth microgreens has a mild, earthy flavor and unique color. Seeding is recommended at 7.5 gm per tray at approximately 3.5 flats per ounce of seed, based on yield trials. Average days to maturity was 17 days when harvested at the first true leaf (as opposed to harvesting in the cotyledon stage). Amaranth requires consistency. Fluctuation in temperature results in slow or low germination as well as poor growth after germination. Sorrel, Red Veined Bright lemon sour flavor and distinctive red veins. Sorrel microgreens can add color and flavor contrast to microgreen blends, and it has the same sharp, tangy flavor as regular sorrel. Based on yield trials, seeding is recommended at 3.5 gm per tray at approximately 8 flats per ounce of seed, for very small leaves. Sorrel germinates in 4 to 5 days at temperatures below 65 °F and 5 to 6 days at higher temperatures. Cabbage, Tokyo Bekana Large light-green leaves. The pale-green color of cabbage microgreens blends well with and complements dark-green and dark-red varieties in mixes. Based on yield trials, seeding is recommended at 14 gm per tray at approximately 2 flats per ounce of seed. Average days to maturity was 10 days when harvested at the first true leaf (as opposed to cotyledon stage). Cabbage offers distinctive bright yellow-green leaves. Popcorn, Yellow Sweet-flavored shoots. Popcorn shoots microgreens are bright-yellow in color when blanched. They are typically harvested from 3-4" or any size that the market prefers, and can be eaten fresh, added to salads, or used in a wide variety of dishes. Read more about growing popcorn shoots here. Sunflower, Black Oil Mild nutty flavor. Sunflower shoot microgreens are typically harvested from 3-4" or just before the first true leaves emerge. Like popcorn, sunflower shoots can be eaten fresh, added to salads, used as a garnish, or used in a wide variety of dishes. The leading seeds to use to grow sunflower shoots are black oil sunflower seeds in their shells, the same seeds that are used to make sunflower oil. In their shells, black oil sunflower seeds retain their viability for a long time, and it is recommended to store them in the refrigerator. What’s your favorite colorful variety of microgreens? Leave us a comment below and let us know! If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy these post: "Growing popcorn shoots microgreens" "It starts with a seed" #microgreen #microgreens #colorfulmicrogreens #microgreenseed #microgreenseeds #microgreengrower #microgreensmaterials #growmicrogreens #microgreensgrower #organicmicrogreens

Popcorn shoots microgreens are increasing popularity, they grow from seeds that a lot people use for popcorn. The shoots are useful for ingredients and garnishing dishes, as they are golden yellow and have a uniquely flavor and are super sweet tasting. After selecting the right seeds to grow at home, soak them before planting. Using burlap medium, plant your seeds in a 10 x 20 tray designed for growing microgreens, keep the burlap moist, and cover your shoots with a humidity dome or place in a black garage bag. Selecting your Seeds Use your popcorn kernels from the kitchen cabinets. Yes, you can grow them! There are more specialized popcorn seeds that are meant for shoot production, but your standard popcorn seeds will grow shoots too! The seeds meant for movie night, tasted just like the popcorn snack you’re used to, with an added sweetness that lingers in your mouth. Purchase seeds specifically for shoot productions. These seeds come in separate colors, although you’re more likely to find the white and yellow seeds work better than the red variety. Do a fast online search for popcorn seeds or visit a nearby health store to see if they carry them. Estimating the amount of seeds to use. To help establish the correct amount, spread dry seeds into the bottom of an empty 10 x 20 tray. They should be evenly but densely spread. As a rule of thumb, use 2-3 cups for a 10 x 20 tray. Sprouting the Seeds Soak the seeds for 8-12 hrs. Place the seeds you’ll be germinating in a plastic kitchen container. Fill the container with enough water to rise above the seeds ¾” to 1”. The seeds will swell as they absorb water, and you’ll want to be sure they stay below the water line. As they soak, keep the seeds out of direct light. Planting your Seeds Choose grow medium. Keep in mind that your medium’s job is to hold your shoot in place and provide them with water and nutrients. Soil is a traditional example, and may be the easiest to work with for most first time growers. Microgreens pads comes in 10” x 20" pre-cut and can be use in a 10" x 20" tray. Before placing the microgreens pad in the tray PRE-SOAK THEM in a tub of warm water. This helps them lay flat in the trays, which makes planting a lot easier and helps give the seeds a germination boost. Plan to soak the mats the day before you plant. Spread seeds evenly on top of the wet medium. If you have issues with mold or fungus growing between your shoots, use fewer seeds the next time around and cut back how often you water them. Growing the Shoots Cover the seeded tray. Use a cover that will be lightweight but impermeable to light. Keep the tray indoors with no light and a constant temperature. Water your shoots lightly. Keep the medium moist, this will likely require a little amounts of watering. Use a spray bottle, and make sure to spray each sprouting shoot each time you water. Once roots set, focus on keeping the medium moist. This no longer requires spraying every shoot. Pour water in from the sides to avoid damaging the young shoots. Harvest your shoots when they’re 2-4 inches tall. Once shoots are dry to touch, simply cut the shoots just above the growing medium’s surface. Store shoots in a sealed container in your refrigerator. The bright color and popcorn flavor adds to almost any dish. They can also be enjoyed in a salad with grilled sweet corn, cherry tomatoes and lola rosa lettuce. If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy these post: "Troubleshooting microgreens in germination stage" "Growing microgreens at home" #microgreensseeds #microgreensmaterials #harvestingmicrogreens #growingmicrogreensathome #microgreens #microgreen #microgreengrower #growpopcornshoots #popcornshootseeds

Now that the daylight hours are getting longer, this is the time of year to make preparations to your greenhouse or grow area with these six simple steps. Step 1:Clean up stage Clean-out your greenhouse/grow space, make sure any garbage or compost is thrown out regularly, pay attention to stagnate water or any puddles or buckets filled with liquid hanging around; pests can use stagnate water as breeding ground for reproduction. Sanitize all greenhouse equipment, tools with calcium hypochlorite.  Sanitation is vital because bugs like to live around stagnate water and algae builds-up like if its a 5 star resort, they will reproduce quite happily. Step 2: Light traps/Sticky pad Order a fly light trap (bug light) and mount the trap close to sinks, trash containers and/or above the doorway(s). This is an effective way to catch adult flies or aphids without usage of spraying harmful chemicals. Order sticky fly traps and place them over grow area attached to lights or racking system. The Zap n Trap is the more effective of the two, however the sticky pad can be a good low cost alternative. Step 3: Spray early, not often If you are gonna resort to spraying solutions, here are some things to keep in mind. Temperature and humidity levels in the greenhouse/grow space can indicate whether to spray or not. Cloudy or Rainy conditions are not good for spraying, the leaves cannot dry properly and lack of sunlight can cause various leaf damage.  When it is sunny out it is important to spray as early as often. Between 6 am and 9 am are best times, avoid any times between noon and 2 pm because the sun is at its peak. Drying time is Important, Make sure you check the label for Restricted Entry Interval, some could be 4 hours, some 12 hours. Step 4: Research your Crop Certain plant types attract Certain Bugs. knowing what bugs to expect is important before they arrive. Some solutions are specifically designed for certain types of bugs. For example Aphids are attracted to Panisse lettuce, leaf miners are attracted to Basil, Caterpillars are attracted to Pac Choi. Step 5: Solutions When spraying there are certain things to keep in mind. The Most important is to follow the ratios listed on the labels of the product. Wear any and all protective gear( dust masks, goggles, gloves, coveralls) Some ingredients can be harmful to inhale or if exposed to skin so wear appropriate clothing. here are a couple solutions known to be used for spraying. One example is M-Pede which is a Potassium salt of Fatty Acids. The REI (Restricted Entry Interval) is 12 hours and this mixed with Water would help with Aphids on Lettuce. Step 6: Send in the Beneficial If you want to avoid spraying altogether Beneficial bugs can serve as wonderful protectors of crops, both indoor and outdoors.  there are many types of Beneficial bugs from lady Beetles, Chrysopa, Swirskii  Mites, Damsel Bugs to name a few. These bugs do not damage or affect on yield. They can be your biggest ally in preventing bugs altogether. No spraying would be required, and if you do spray do not spray after beneficial bugs are released. If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy these post: "Troubleshooting microgreens in germination stage" "Basic microgreens materials" #growingtips #beneficialbugs #stickyflytrap #Howtoavoidbugs #Greenhousegrowing #greenhouseIPM #growingindoors #verticalfarming #growspace

This blog will give you 2 awesome recipes for integrating microgreens into your cooking. From appetizers to desserts, microgreens will add flavor, nutrition, and will make your dishes look beautiful. In general, microgreens shouldn’t be cooked, but pea shoots and sesame microgreens are the exceptions. They hold up the heat, and their taste even gets better with cooking. Note: The following recipes show the number of cups of microgreens needed. One cup of microgreens, gently packed, is the approximate yield of one pint container. 5 Minute Pea Pesto This traditional pesto recipe gets a springtime twist with fresh peas and pea shoots! An easy, This traditional pesto recipe gets a springtime twist with fresh peas and pea shoots! An easy,creamy pesto sauce perfect for topping pasta, chicken, fish, and more. Ready in just five minutes with your food processor!If you don’t have (or can’t find) pea shoots, you could replace them with parsley, basil, or arugula – but the light, delicate flavor of pea shoots really does make this pea pesto stand out. I love it as an easy sauce for pasta and fish, or as an addition to mac and cheese or soft scrambled eggs.Also (BONUS) this pesto freezes really well, which means you can make a big batch for the freezer and enjoy the flavor of fresh spring produce all year round. Author: Jessie Prep Time: 5 mins Cook Time: 5 mins Total Time: 10 minutes Yield: Makes about 1.5 cups INGREDIENTS 1 cup peas 1 clove garlic peeled Salt and pepper to taste 2 cups pea shoots 1 tsp lemon juice ½ cup extra virgin olive oil INSTRUCTIONS Place peas, garlic, salt, pepper, pea shoots, and lemon juice into a food processor. Pulse a few times until everything is coarsely chopped. While the food processor is running, slowly stream in olive oil and blend until everything is incorporated into a smooth pesto. Scrape down the sides of the food processor with a spatula and pulse once more to incorporate. Serve immediately or store pesto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. This pesto also freezes beautifully if you want to keep it longer! NOTES Frozen peas are fine – just defrost them before you blend them into the pesto! If you can’t find pea shoots, you can substitute fresh spinach, kale, arugula, or basil leaves (it’s great with the pea shoot greens, though!) Feel free to add to this pesto recipe to make it your own. Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, pine nuts, almonds, or hazelnuts would all be tasty additions. Use this pesto as a sauce for pasta, chicken, fish, you name it! This pesto is also delicious spread on a piece of crostini with a bit of goat cheese. ~Jessie, LIFE AS A STRAWBERRY Microgreens Salad with Lime Vinaigrette Your ticket to an elegant and fresh side dish starts right here! This microgreens salad recipe with lime vinaigrette dressing is simple and delicious. Author: Cheryl Prep Time: 10 mins Total Time: 10 minutes Yield: Makes about 6 servings INGREDIENTS 1 cup microgreens 6 radishes, halved or sliced 2 Tbsp lime juice 1/8 tsp dry mustard powder ¼ tsp salt 4 Tbsp olive oil course sea salt, to taste ground pepper, to taste INSTRUCTIONS Place the microgreens and radishes into a serving bowl and reserve in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Whisk together the remaining ingredients, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. At the last moment before serving, dress the salad lightly with dressing, sprinkle with sea salt and fresh ground pepper. Enjoy! NOTES If you’re asking what microgreens are exactly —they’re a tiny form of young, edible greens produced from various kinds of vegetables, herbs and other plants. They are much lighter in flavor than the mature plant and are more nutrient dense. If microgreens aren’t a convenient choice, just substitute with Bibb lettuce instead. The citrus vinaigrette is so easy to make and the perfect complement to the greens and shaved radishes. Just a little olive oil, seasonings and lime juice whisked together and your leafy greens will have a fabulous zesty flavor. Serve this salad with your favorite fresh fish or grilled chicken and enjoy! ~Cheryl, EVERYDAY DISHES If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy these post: "Materials for growing microgreens" "Buying seed for microgreens" #microgreensrecipe #microgreens #microgreenspesto #microgreen #microgreenssalad #microgreensathome #peashoots

Growing microgreens requires materials. A bit of these things you might have laying around the house, although others will be just a small investment. Microgreen farmers usually start their business with a 100 dollar bill or several hundred. Trays We find that heavy duty 10 x 20 black plastic trays with drain holes work the best. These trays are often available online selling for around $2.50 per tray. Whether you decide to use the 10 x 20 or 10 x 10 black trays, proper drainage is very important. Although often overlooked, drainage is one of the keys for a plant to thrive. While being very important in the garden, it's even more important in your trays. If you are buying or collecting plastic trays, they will probably already have holes cut in the bottom. If you're making your own trays, be sure to create slits or holes to allow excess water to flow through. If there is a lack of drainage, you will find stunted growth, rot, and mold in your microgreens. Growing medium The core of any indoor or outdoor farm is its soil, and microgreens are no exception. Choosing the proper soil to grow your microgreens in is vital. A rich, fertile soil is filled with biological and mineral interactions necessary for vibrant, nutrient rich plants. During the beginning of our first rounds of growing microgreens, we used several brands of potting soil, looking for the ultimate one. Throughout these trials we were overwhelm to see the differences between them. The soils that stood out the most in both quality and performance had additional ingredients derived from the ocean such as kelp, crab meal, and shrimp meal. Using a high quality soil, you will enjoy strong, even growth and an increase in yield. While yield per tray is less important for the home grower, a commercial grower must pay close a attention to this detail. The cost of higher quality soil is often absorbed by the yields you will reap from your trays. We recommend Sunshine mix #4 for growing microgreens commercially or at home. For hydroponic growers we recommend burlap rolls or microgreen pads. Humidity dome / Grow Tent If you don't have a greenhouse to grow in, you will need to invest in or invent humidity dome or grow tent to cover your trays. This creates a mini greenhouse effect and keeps temperature and moisture at a more consistent state than if your germinating seeds were exposed to open air. This is especially important in dry climates or in seasons when there is larger fluctuation between the night and day temperatures. If humidity domes are not used, you may find your seed germination is greatly reduced, uneven, and much slower than covered trays. Any local hydroponic store should carry them. The average price seems to be around $4.00. Water sprayer If you have a small garden or houseplants, you may already have some of the supplies you'll need to water your microgreens. Make sure you can adjust the the sprayer head. Out of all the settings provided on your sprayer, a midst shower has been the most effective. Since you are growing the microgreens so densely, air circulation is very important. You don't want to water them so hard that they fall over. If this happens, the lack of air and excess water will cause them to rot. If you find that your microgreens have fallen, you can try gently brushing them upright with your hand. The key to good watering is to be gentle while spraying. If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy these post: "Buying seeds for microgreens" "Growing microgreens at home" #growmicrogreens #microgreentrays #epicmicrogreens #growwhatyoueat #microgreensathome #homegrownveggies #homegrownveggie #microgreensgrower #microgreensfarmer

Microgreens have been gaining popularity among health-conscious people looking to add more nutrition to their diets. Radish microgreens are loaded with vitamins, and research suggests that these super-nutritious microgreens may be even more effective at preventing cancer than mature broccoli or kale. Here's the full scoop on where to buy microgreens seeds, plus a seed density chart providing an overview on 30 varieties of microgreens: Red Arrow Radish Seeds - 1 Lb Seed Pouch - Non-GMO Easy and fast crop to grow. Germinates in just 1 day, though some cultivars take 2 days. Direct sunlight is needed for the leaves to fully shuck off the hulls; however, the hulls are soft enough to eat, so don’t be too concerned about either the full sun or the hulls. Whole Sunflower Seeds - 1 Lb Seed Pouch - Black Oil Sun Flower Seeds (Shell On) To soak the sunflower seeds, a plastic food grade container works well (5 gallon bucket with paint strainer bag) Soak sunflower seeds for 8 to 12 hours to hasten germination. Organic Sunflower Sprouting Seeds (Shell On): 1.5 Lbs - Non-GMO, Black Oil Sun Flower Seeds Soak sunflower seeds for 8 to 12 hours to hasten germination. Sprouting in a jar or 5 gallon bucket before sowing is recommended to further soften the shells. Broccoli and Friends Sprouting Seed Mix, 1 Lb Seeds One of the easiest to grow. It can get woody if allowed to grow to true leaf stage. Cut high on the stem to keep a balanced ratio of leaf to stem. Broccoli microgreens are only slightly more savory than the florets of fully mature raw broccoli. While all Brassica microgreens contain very high levels of cancer-fighting phyto-nutrients, broccoli contains the most. If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy these post: "Growing microgreens at home" "Troubleshooting microgreens in germination stage" Download the cheat sheet #nongmo #microgreen #microgreens #knowyourfood #seeds #microgreensseeds #eatrealfood #buyingseed

Are you interested in growing microgreens at home for the winter months? Well this blog will help you make the right decisions while growing healthy nutritional microgreens. Microgreens are most commonly harvested from leafy greens such as kale, arugula, radish greens and herbs. The taste of microgreens depends on the original vegetable. Microgreens have a very strong and concentrated taste of the original vegetable. This means that cilantro microgreens will still taste of cilantro but in a stronger, more vegetable and condensed format. Here are your instructions: 1. Get a 10 x 20 tray or container. 10 x 20 trays are the best, but my personal favorite are those clear plastic salad containers with a lid. It’s a little harder to harvest, and you may not get idea air flow, but the lids are nice for keeping the seeds moist while in germination stage. 2. Get growing medium such as a microgreen pad, burlap or soil. Pre-moisten your growing medium by soaking in a 5 gallon bucket or a big bowl. Keep the medium soaking for 4-8 hours. 3. Place growing medium in the tray and make sure to flatten the medium with your hands. 4. Sprinkle seeds over the top of the medium. Don’t worry about spacing. You’ll be harvesting so soon that a nice little carpet is what you’re going for. For best results use a spice shaker to spread the seeds evenly. 5. Spray your seeds with a spray bottle or water lightly and then spray the inside of your humidity dome. Cover your tray with the humidity dome and place in a dark location. Covering the tray helps keeps in the moisture, and the darkness helps the seeds to germinate. 6) Remove cover after seeds sprout. After a few days your seeds should have sprouted.Remove the cover and place in front of a sunny window sill or under an artificial light. 7) Carefully water your microgreens. The best option is to bottom water, which is setting your tray with drainage holes in a sink of water and letting the microgreens soak it up. If you top water, be careful not to flatten the tiny greens. 8) Cut your microgreens with a sharp knife or a pair scissors, most are delicious after they develop their second set of leaves, and are about 2 inches tall. 9) Eat your microgreens! You can eat them on sandwiches, in stir fry, on pizza, in green smoothies, in salads, or as a garnish and ingredient. These are simple and easy instructions. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to reach out. #ingredientsmatter #growingmicrogreensathome #growingmicrogreens #microgreens #microgreen #howto

There are extra factors with microgreens that may cause things in the germination stage to fail, so troubleshoot possible problems and their solutions. Double check your temperature to make sure things aren't too cold or hot. Germination and darkness Make sure when you germinate microgreens seeds that they are in darkness. If you use humidity domes, make sure the domes have top vents. Make sure you cover properly but don't force the dome on. Even though the seed is covered with a humidity dome, make sure your tray is in darkness. The seeds need to be kept away from light. As soon as the seeds open it is necessary that the tray receive light. Room temperature water Never use water directly from tap. Always let it reach room temperature. Cold water can shock microgreens because it quickly reduces the environment temperature of the medium (microgreens pad). The same goes for seed germination, don't stick seeds in cold water and don't moisten seeds with cold water. Even when you feed your microgreens you should let the water reach room temperature. Another thing is that you need to check your own water supply to determine its quality. In most cases chlorine in water won't cause issues with your microgreens but if your water isn't very clean or pure then you can't expect your microgreens to use it well either. In each case you need a way to generate clean water which can do by boiling it and letting cool to room temperature. Water soaking seeds Some of the big microgreens seeds may need to undergo soaking before they germinate. In this case the pea seeds should be placed into a room temperature bowl of water for 24 hours before being removed and place on the germination medium. This is not recommended unless you have trouble germinating seeds. If you keep them for too long in the water they might not get air, which they need or the microgreens seed will sour. New seeds tend to survive this method better than old ones, which tend to uptake too much water. Air Air is something your microgreens need all time, even in the germination stages. Stale air results in change in the ratio of gases that comprise it and the accumulation of new ones. Over watering can be a huge problem from the day you start to germinate your seeds. It locks out air. There is never a need to turn a microgreens medium into a swamp. Germination pH pH imbalances outside of 7 (base) can cause problems. The way to test your pH is to test the medium before you put the seeds on. If you have a pH problem it is best to replace the medium. If you can't then pH up and pH down products can bring medium to a pH of 7, which is recommended. Timing Expert growers have seen microgreens seeds take up to a month to germinate but these are extreme cases. Mostly, growers see germinating in three days or up to a week. After a week without germinating we are in uncharted territory. If you don't achieve germination by the middle of the second week then you should reconsider the germination technique being used. If you don't see germination by the second week you really should be trying to germinate a new batch again so as not to delay your grow over non viable microgreens seeds. Germination spraying If you have a problem with over watering or using too much water at this stage then spraying is a viable and safe way. It is far easier to spray a medium to make it moist than to water a medium to make moist. Get a spray bottle. If you still have problem with over water then you can add perlite to the bottom of your tray next time. This will help absorb excess liquids in almost any growing method. If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy these post: "CO2 tips in growing microgreens" "Basic microgreens materials" #microgreens #Germination #growingmicrogreensathome #microgreensfarm #indoorfarming #urbanfarming #urbangrower #growmicrogreens

Vertical Farming and microgreens are becoming popular, especially in urban areas. What we want to focus on today is having the right CO2 for your microgreens to yield the best product. CO2 sensors CO2 sensors are an essential equipment for tracking and controlling conditions in vertical farming. Sensors may be used to automate control systems. Therefore, continually monitoring and maintaining CO2 levels, offering ideal plant growth conditions without the need for human involvement. Let's face it, we need to sleep some of the times. The most common solutions for monitoring indoor CO2 levels are non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) CO2 sensors. In an NDIR CO2 sensor, infrared light is conveyed through a tube of air to an infrared detector. The detector recognizes the light that was not absorbed by the CO2 present in the tube, and the concentration of atmospheric CO2 is measured. The NDIR CO2 sensors are mainly popular as they deliver accurate CO2 measurements which are comparatively inexpensive, easy to operate, and easy for non-experts to set up. The new GasBoxNG from Edinburgh Sensors is a ready-to-use NDIR CO2 sensor that is perfect for vertical farming applications. It employs a pseudo dual beam NDIR measurement system to provide better stability and reduced long-term drift, with least optical complexity. Therefore, the GasBoxNG provides fast and reliable CO2 measurements. The useful CO2 data provided by the GasBoxNG can be transferred to atmospheric control systems using an optional RS232 communication interface. We hope this provided some information to help you on your road to success. If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy these post: "Basic microgreens materials" "Different types of microgreens seeds" Customers can meet experts to discuss their specific application requirements. #microgreens #CO2 #growingmicrogreens #microgreensgrower #indoorgrowroom #indoorfarming