You always have to do research on local Microgreens. Don't ever forget that. Researching on what microgreens are available in the local marketplace can determine where you fit in. You need to develop an idea on what a local market is like, to determine who is buying and who is selling. One easy way to discover who is growing what, or to see if their is microgreens growers in the area, is to use the internet. What a glorious tool to have! Begin making notes and see if they're sold anywhere. More specifically, farmers markets or grocery stores. If a grower is selling at a farmer's market, it gives you a bit of an opportunity to ask questions about the operation. Grocery stores give you insight on varieties, packaging, branding and price. Important questions to ask yourself: Do they look fresh? Does the display look appealing? First impressions matter in this business. As you explore the field, you'll come up with what works best for you, such as varieties in your growing climate and a system that works for you. Nonetheless, you will need a plan for your audience, what kind of microgreens you'll sell, and hopefully this gives you an idea on your first steps. It may demonstrate that there is little to nothing being sold at wholesale level, or the farm market level, or both. It may also demonstrate that consumer demand is low on a specific type of microgreen. This can ultimately lead to you growing and sparking interest if you can get a hold of that certain type of microgreen. If you plan on selling to restaurants, you have to take them around to see how the establishment responds. If you're already selling at a farmer's market, it may be smart to set up a poll or listen to feedback on the likes and dislikes about a microgreen product you may be wanting grow more. This preliminary sales and testing process will get you more ready for larger scale customers. Finally, researching should never end. Research is an essential tool to any project in this field. You should always be on the lookout for what is happening in the market, what new uses are trending for microgreens, branding, buyers and especially sellers. What has changed since initial evaluation of buyers, growers and grow techniques? As a business, you have to stay on top of every aspect of your market. It will save you time and money in the future. If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy these post: "Rules for food safety" "What to do with microgreens" . #microgreens #growingmicrogreens #urbanfarming #grownwithlove #verticalfarming #microgreensgrower #urbanagriculture

Food safety usually intimidates the beginning grower. Cost, regulations and Liability. This leads to more questions than answers. We're here to help you out with some of that. These are facts I wish I would've known beforehand. But, fear not! I will hand you a gift. Using Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) helps mitigate the risks associated with operating a food production facility. All farms, indoors or outdoors, are required to have a HAACP plan as part of the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2012 (FSMA). Although it seems complicated, it is mostly common sense. Here it is, broken down, using the seven guiding principles Hazard Analysis With growing, a common hazard is your system water mixing with the finished product. Or it might be something as obvious as foreign objects (like hair or jewelry) getting in to your finished product. In other words, where can things go wrong with your process. Identified Critical Control Points (CCPs) in food preparation A Critical Control Point (CCP) is a procedure at which control can be applied and a food safety hazard can be prevented or reduced to acceptable levels. For instance, at our farm, the packing process and harvesting process are completely separate (location, equipment, staff) thus reducing the possibility of cross contamination. Establish Critical Control Limits for Preventive Measures These are usually set by a governing body. FSMA says agricultural water used during the growing process is acceptable if less than 126 CFU/100 mL. A preventative measure might be adding a UV filer to your plumbing, which kills most, if not all, the harmful bacteria Establish Procedures to Monitor CCPs In the case of hydroponic ag water, test regularly (Say once a quarter) to make sure the e.coli is less than 126. A less expensive option might to be monitor you coliform levels, and then test for specific pathogens when the coliform level rises beyond your four month rolling average. Establish the Corrective Action to be Taken When Monitoring Shows That a Critical Limit Has Been Exceeded: Sticking with the theme of "bad" Ag water, this could be as simple as dosing your water system with 5 ppm of Sanidate, and then re-testing. Establish Effective Record Keeping System That Document the HACCP system: - There is a log for everything on the farm. Establish Procedures To Verify That the HACCP system is Working: Self auditing on a monthly basis is typically the best approach, but timing is flexible. If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy these post: "What to do with microgreens" "Amazing microgreens to try now" "Facts about microgreens seeds" #nickgreensgrowteam #urbanfarming #urbanagriculture #microgreensfoodsafety #growroomfoodsafety #foodsafetyfirst #microgreens #microgreen

I’ve been completely in love with microgreens ever since returning from San Diego and had a microgreens salad, it was the best salad I ever enjoyed. Here's a list of what to do with microgreens, so you can experience falling in love with microgreens too. Simple Green Salad Prep 5 mins Total 5 mins Author: Something New For Dinner Yield 4 servings When you are serving an Asian-influenced dish it is nice to offer an Asian green salad with a homemade Asian dressing. This salad takes 5 minutes to make, is refreshing and will not compete with your main course. Ingredients 5 ounce mixture of Asian greens such as baby spinach, tatsoi, mizuna and pea shoots 1 cup of Asian micro salad (optional) 1/4 cup rice vinegar, preferably brown rice vinegar 1 Tbsp soy sauce 1 tsp sugar 2 tsp grated ginger 1 tsp toasted sesame seed oil 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds Instructions Put greens in a bowl and set aside. Whisk together remaining ingredients in a small bowl. Toss the dressing with the lettuce and serve. Roast Beef Tea sandwiches with Whole Grain Dijonnaise and Micro Arugula Prep 30 min Total 30 min Author: Heather Sage Ingredients Whole Grain Dijonnaise: 123 grams (9 tablespoons or 4.5 ounces) mayonnaise (preferably not light/reduced fat) 43 grams (3 tablespoons or 1.5 ounces) whole grain Dijon mustard 43 grams (3 tablespoons or 1.5 ounces) smooth Dijon mustard Everything Else: 2 loaves gluten-free No-Knead Bread (can make a day or so in advance) or about 18 slices Udi’s gluten-free sandwich bread 1 – 1 1/4 pounds Roast Beef, thinly sliced 2 ounce package Micro Arugula or other MicroGreens Black Pepper, freshly ground Instructions Make Dijonnaise: Stir together mayonnaise and both Dijon mustards. Transfer to a pastry bag fitted with a Wilton #18 tip (or similar size — I chose this one because my others were already in use); cover tip with plastic wrap to prevent the mixture from leaking out (or use one of these Wilton tip covers — disclosure: I haven’t tried these covers myself). DO AHEAD: Can be made a few days in advance. Do not store in pastry bag, instead transfer to a jar or bowl (cover tightly) and store in the fridge until ready to use. Transfer to pastry bag just before using. Make Bread Cutouts: If using no-knead bread, slice both loaves of bread into about 1/4″ slices (thick enough to not fall apart/hold up to the topping, thin enough not to be the focus). Using a 1 1/2″ round cookie cutter, cut out as many rounds as possible from each slice (save scraps to make breadcrumbs). Place very close to one another on serving platter(s). DO AHEAD: Can be arranged on the platter several hours in advance, cover tightly with plastic wrap. Assemble Sandwiches: Pipe a dollop (about 1/4 teaspoon) of Dijonnaise onto each bread round. Spread to the edges (I like a small, offset spatula for this). Top with about 1/4 ounce roast beef (fold over to fit round), press down lightly to help it adhere. Pipe another dollop (about 1/4 teaspoon) of Dijonnaise on top. Top with a few sprigs of micro arugula. Finish with a small amount of freshly ground black pepper (optional). Serve. Notes I used the pepper-crusted roast beef from the Whole Foods deli; use any gluten-free one you like. If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy these post: "Amazing microgreens to try now" "Facts about microgreens seeds" "How to make pesto with radish microgreens" #usingmicrogreens #microgreens #urbanfarming #urbanagriculture #microgreensrecipe #microarugula #microgreen

We made an extremely short list of microgreens again! Here are some of our favorite microgreens that you should most likely try out in the near future. We made a short list and we guarantee you'll be shocked, or quite possibly not. Who knows, but we did come up with an exquisite list for you. Red Amaranth Description Burgundy Amaranth microgreens ranges between 1 and 5 centimeters. It is usually tall and is typically harvested within 2-4 weeks of sowing. The small sprouts have fuchsia stems and diamond-shaped burgundy leaves. They tend to display a mild earthy flavor that is reminiscent of a beet with a delicate sweet vegetal finish. Facts Burgundy Amaranth are members of the Amaranthaceae family. They are a close relative of the beet family, Burgundy Amaranth is commonly confused with beet microgreens, which are usually marketed under the name Bull’s Blood. Micro Red Amaranth is rich in vitamin C, carotenoids, vitamin K, and vitamin E. Applications Since it's a vegetal microgreens, you don't want to mix it with any sort of dressing. It's best left on it's own and added towards the end of the dish. You want the microgreens to express it's personality through the dish. If you're interested in Red Amaranth here's you will find gold. Lime Mint Description Lime mint is a citrus variety grown for its fragrance. Lime mint plant produce rounded green leaves that are oftentimes brushed with a burgundy to bronze blush. In the summer and fall months the Lime mint plant will produce petite purple flower spikes. Lime mint has a tangy citrus-lime taste and aroma with subtle nuances of mint, a flavor which is enhanced when crushed releasing the aromatic oil in the leaves. Facts Micro lime mint or Mentha x piperita subsp. Citrata is a member of the Lamiaceae or Labiatae family and a hybrid of common mint. Mints are classified as aromatic herbs and they are almost exclusively perennials, rarely annuals. Micro lime mint is often used for pest control in gardens due to its ability to attract beneficial insects such as butterflies and bees and detract harmful insects such as aphids, fleas and ants. This leads to pollination which makes bees and butterflies happy! Applications You can do pretty much anything with the mint lime. It can be used fresh or dried for both savory and sweet applications. It can be muddled and used to add a tangy refreshment to cocktails, tea and dressings. Use when preparing sauces or rubs for seafood preparations. Chopped leaves work well in both fruit and green salads. You can also pair with other aromatic herbs in herb based sauces such as pesto or mint chutney. You can even add whole leaves to ice cubes, popsicles and sorbets. Are you looking acquiring some for your next cocktail party, or you just want to add some to your salad. If you're interested in micro lime mint, here you go. Marjoram Description Marjoram microgreens produces pale green leaves and delivers an intense oregano-like flavor. Facts Sweet (Origanum majorana) short and it grows low. Marjoram microgreens germinates in 4 to 6 days. Light will enhance germination. Keep the soil relatively dry, or the tiny seeds will easily rot. HARVEST: At seed leaf stage, marjoram tastes like mint. At true leaf stage, it emits an alluring aroma when it’s cut. This crop produces a sizable second wave, just like basil. Applications You can either use Marjoram microgreens in cooking or beauty. Wow, right? We've approached the end of a great post. Hope you slightly enjoyed the read. Happiness and prosperity to all. If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy these post: "Facts about microgreens seeds" "How to make pesto with radish microgreens" "Understanding microgreens production" #microgreens #microgreensfacts #nickgreens #hydroponicspecialists #amaranthmicrogreens #microlimemint #marjorammicrogreens #healthyliving #health

"The vast majority of garden seeds won't do for the microgreens gardener. But navigating the seed catalogs won't be intimidating if you know exactly what you're looking for. Keep these guidelines in mind, and you'll have no problems finding the seeds you need and bringing your microgreens garden to life." Organic Certification For seed vendors located join the United States, organic certification need not necessarily means US Department of Agriculture (USDA) certification. Regional certifying agencies also monitor and attest to organic farming methods, but they're not permitted to use the words "organically grown" on seeds packets. Other terminology, such as "natural grown," may be used, and that's perfectly acceptable. Pamper your Seeds Seeds are highly perishable, and untreated seeds in particle must be pampered. If only a fraction of the seeds you plant won't germinate due to poor storage conditions, you may develop a serious mold problem that can spread throughout your crop. To grow successfully germinates,successfully, your seeds need to maintain viability,(the seeds' ability to germinate) and vigor (a measure of the seeds' strength and health). Vigor declines before viability, so even if a batch of seeds successfully germinates, the seedlings may not grow vigorously. The best conditions for storing seeds are in airtight containers in a cold place with even temperatures (above freezing) and low humidity - such as a refrigerator. Other good alternatives include a wine cellar, root cellar, or other cold storage. Before refrigerating seeds, first remove them from packets, envelops, or other packaging and transfer them to glass jars, preferably jars that have gaskets inside the lids. Check to see that the gasket is pliable so that the lid will seal tightly, with age, gaskets can turn brittle and no longer create an airtight seal. Ordinarily, storing seeds in plastic bags isn't ideal because bags are watertight but not airtight. However a new generation of vacuum sealed plastic packing (one brand name is cryovac) effectively seals out air and moisture and creates an airtight seal. The packaging works with vacuum food sealing machine designed for home use, and it could rival glass jars when it comes to effectively storing and protecting seeds. To verify that a vacuum sealed plastic package is airtight, check to see whether you can smell the contents through a sealed bag. If any odor can be detected, air is seeping in. Watering your Seeds As your seeds are germinating, it is important to keep a close eye on their progress and to maintain proper moisture. When using the towel method, observe the dampness of the towel and water daily, keeping the towel and the seed below it moist. One benefit of the towel method is that it gives you a window into the germination process. Instead of the seeds being hidden from your view, you can lift a corner of the towel at any time, allowing you to watch the stages of germination. You want your seeds to remain covered until they are fully germinated. After a few days, you will notice that the towels will have started to lift off the soil, giving you a hint that your greens are get ting ready to need to see the light. As illustrated in the photographs, certain germinating seeds acquire a white fuzz on their stems. This is not mold and is a natural part of the process as your seedlings set roots. Trays covered with soil will require a bit more attention. Soil will dry out more quickly than towels, so make sure these trays are watered a couple of times a day. With micro- greens, your trays will be so densely sown that when they germinate, the covering layer of soil will lift with the seeds. If the soil is not evenly rinsed from the seeds early in this process, they will remain under the soil in darkness. These seedlings will quickly become weedy and pale. When watered at this point, the covering soil can drown and kill much of the tray. That said, we covered our seeds with soil our entire first season of growing our greens. While it is not difficult to do, losing trays because you are a few hours off can be frustrating. If you choose not to cover your seeds, take caution when watering. A gentle shower will ensure that your germinating seeds aren’t disrupted. Remember that whichever covering method you choose, your seeds will need consistent moisture to germinate. If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy these post: "How to make pesto with radish microgreens" "Understanding microgreens production" "5 microgreens recipes that will change your life" #microgreensgrower #microgreens #microgreenseeds #microgreenmedium #microgreensmedium #wateringmicrogreens #howto #microgreensfacts #factsaboutmicrogreens

Are you bored of the same pesto recipe? Here's a healthy and nutritious way to spice up your piece of toasted bread or your fresh pasta that you've just made for dinner. We're happy to share a recipe that we're obsessing about! The team has been experimenting with radish microgreens at home and we were rewarded. We decided to try out a delicious pesto recipe and we're actually kind of surprised at how delicious it turned out. It was exceptionally mouthwatering, we will most likely be eating this for a couple of weeks. Radish Microgreens Pesto Prep Time: 30 min Total Time: 30 mins Yields: 1-2 cups Ingredients 4 cups radish microgreens or radish tops, washed and dried 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1/2 lemon of juice 1/2 cup sliced or slivered almonds, coarsely chopped macadamia nuts or pistachios 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil plus more as needed salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Directions Combine first 6 ingredients in a food processor or blender. Process until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Add additional olive oil achieve a thick sauce consistency. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Recipe Notes If planning to freeze leave out the cheese and garlic and add when ready to serve. by Carol | From A Chef's Kitchen How to grow radish microgreens at home 1. Grab a 10X20 tray with drainage holes and place a microgreens pad (make sure you soak pad for a hour). 2. Weigh 19 grams of radish microgreens seeds into seed shaker, then broadcast evenly across the 10X20 tray. 3. Apply an even mist of water to the tray, then cover it with a humidity dome and place it in a dark space. 4. Germinate for two or three days in a dark location with at least 75 - 80% humidity. Water as described in step three at least once a day. 5. Remove humidity dome from tray on day two/three. Then begin feeding plants your favorite fertilizer using a low flood/continuous flow method of irrigation. 6. Radish microgreens will be ready for harvest around 10-14 days, They will need about 10 to 16 hours of light with a typical fluorescent grow light about 12"-15" from the base of the plant. If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy these post: "Understanding microgreens production" "5 microgreens recipes that will change your life" "Resources to help become a microgreens grower" #microgreensgrower #microgreens #nickgreensgrowteam #microgreensrecipe #pesto #microgreenspesto #health #healthyliving

Do you ever stop and wonder if there are other microgreens growing mediums out there? Most likely not, right? Who would! What if you began to notice that you've been missing the right information about microgreens production without a solid rooting medium? Definition Of The Nutrient Film Technique Nutrient film technique microgreens production (commonly known as NFT microgreens production) is a method of growing in which the microgreens have their roots in shallow stream of recirculating water, which consist of all dissolved elements required. There is no soil rooting medium. A root mat develops which is partly in shallow stream of recirculating water and partly above it. The stream is very shallow and the upper surface of the root mat which develops above the water, although it is moist, is in the air. So around the roots which are in the air, there is a film of nutrient solution hence the name nutrient film technique. It is extremely important to maintain this basic principle of a nutrient film because it confers an important advantage. In conventional agriculture, if an abundance of water is provided there is inadequate air at the root surface. As the soil dries out, air penetrates. When there is an abundance of oxygen there in inadequate water. In conventional agriculture, either with planned irrigation or with unplanned dependence on local rainfall, the balance between the supply of water and oxygen at the root is continually changing and, usually, one or the other is limiting. In an NFT crop there is a permanent abundance of both air and water at the root provided the nutrient film principle is maintained. The Basic Layout Of An NFT System NFT channels are to used, these are then laid in position on the slope so that they will discharge directly into the trench. A polytene supply pipe is then connected to the circulating pump so that water from the trench is delivered to the inlet ends of the NFT channels. A small bore polytene tube delivers the water from the supply pipe into each channel. These delivery tubes are prepared by tapering the end of the tube that is to be inserted in the supply pipe. If the tubes have not been prepared by the manufacturer, they can easily be tapered using a pencil sharpener. A hole is then drilled in the supply pipe which has a smaller diameter than the external diameter of the delivery tube. When the tapered end of the delivery tube is pushed into the upper sized hole, a very tight fit is ensured. Before inserting the delivery tube, an oblique cut is made across the tapered end. This ensures that when the delivery tube is inserted into the supply, the end of the tube cannot be sealed off by resting on the internal face of the supply pipe. The water flows by gravity as a very shallow stream down the channels, each channel discharging directly into the trench. If it is desired not to have a trench but merely a small tank at the lowest corner of the rectangle of land, then the NFT channels will have to discharge into a catchment pipe which, in its turn, will discharge into the small tank. Method Of Supporting microgreens When an NFT channel is laid on a prepared surface, or when a universal NFT channel with an integral rigid base is positioned, it is very difficult, no matter how careful the preparation or the positioning, to ensure that there is not a slight fall across the width of channel. The avoidance of a cross fall means that the bubble in a spirit level must remain central when the spirit level is laid across the width of the channel. If the bubble is not central then, when the recirculating nutrient solution flows down the channel it, like the bubble, will not remain central but will flow down one side of the channel, leaving the majority of the width of the channel dry. Microgreens placed in the channel could wilt and die because lack of water. Even if it were possible, with great care, to ensure that the solution flowed near the centre of the flat base, it would meander as a narrow rivulet because of the surface tension between the liquid and the plastic. This would result in some of the plants dying for lack of water. Once the roots of the plants grow across the width of the channel, they act as tiny dams which are sufficient to spread the recirculating solution across the width of the channel. Until this happens, however, some other method of spreading the liquid must be employed. The method first used was to roll out inside the channel, and covering the full width of the channel, a thin absorbent material, rather like unrolling a roll of toilet paper along the length of the channel. It is essential that the material used should not be phytotoxic, it should not have any adverse effect on the growth of the plants. It must be capable of spreading the liquid across the full width of the channel. If there is only a slight cross fall, a transverse filament acting as a tiny dam would be sufficient. If there is greater cross fall, an absorbent material with sufficient capillary action to wick the liquid across the width of the channel is required. The material used is irrelevant, provided it is not phytotoxic and it will do the job, it could range from cellulose to man made fibers. If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy these post: "5 microgreens recipes that will change your life" "Resources to help become a microgreens grower" "Questions about urban farming" #nftsystem #NFT #nutrientfilmtechnique #microgreens #microgreensgrower #growingmedium #growingsystem #growingmicrogreens #microgreen #microgreenfarmer

Microgreens are miniature versions of vegetables we love! Sure, microgreens can just seem like eye-candy on top of your pepperoni pizza... Here's where your wrong. Microgreens are far more nutritious than your regular veggies. We're here to provide you some recipes for loved ones or that special someone you happened to find on Tinder (kidding). 1. Sumac and Thyme Salmon Burgers: A handful of spring onion and radish microgreens top outstanding, hand-chopped salmon burgers that simply burst with herbal flavor. (via Wild Greens and Sardines) 2. Roasted Root Vegetable Fajitas (Vegan, Gluten-Free): Skip the meat. Skip the slaw or shredded lettuce and top your next batch of tacos with microgreens instead. (via With Food and Love) 3. Egg White Omelette With Avocado, Goat Cheese and Microgreens: The trifecta of avocado, goat cheese and microgreens makes this egg white omelet into something special. It’s anything but ordinary. (via The Merry Thought) 4. Pea Shoots, Microgreens, Asparagus and Pesto Pizza: Between the edible flowers, microgreens, asparagus and generous slick of pesto, this cauliflower crust pizza has a lot of pizazz. (via Autumn to Summer) 5. Charred Rainbow Beet and Pistachio Salad: Any microgreen you prefer will work well here, but we’d be tempted to go with something super colorful — like Swiss chard with its magenta stems and verdant leaves — to complement the rainbow-hued beets. (via Sunday Morning Banana Pancakes) We were just as surprised when we found these recipes. These recipes are nutritious and healthy as well. We hope you enjoyed some fun ways to make healthy food. I'm about to go and shop for some of them as well. P.S. Here's a drink recipe for the weekend. Thank us later. Bourbon Peach Lemonade 3 cups filtered water 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice 2-3 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced 3/4 cup (6 ounces) Bourbon or Rye whiskey 3 sprigs Micro Mint Lime Yield: pitcher for single batch change cups to ounces. Courtesy of loveandoliveoil If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy these post: "Resources to help become a microgreens grower" "Questions about urban farming" "How to grow arugula microgreens" #microgreensgrower #microgreens #microgreensrecipe #nickgreens #nickgreensgrowteam #healthyliving #cleaneating #health

"May I ask any recommendations or tips on what direction I should go to start learning on how to become a microgreens grower." This question inspired us to write this blog post. People of all ages, the Master Grower has turned on the Fasten Seat Belt sign. If you haven’t already done so, please stow your carry-on luggage underneath the seat in front of you or in an overhead bin. Make sure you're seat belt is tightened. You won’t regret missing out on this! We promise. Microgreen Garden: Indoor Grower's Guide To Gourmet Greens by Mark Mathew Braunstein "No matter where you live or what season, you can be a successful microgreens gardener. By growing microgreens, you gain access to fresh, delectable, organic, and homegrown greens year round. And all you need to start your indoor garden are seeds, soil or coco coir, water, and access to a sunny window or grow lights." pg.4 Storing Your Microgreens "One of the wonderful things about growing microgreens is that it's often possible to harvest the greens as you're ready to eat them. When this isn't the case, refrigerate whatever you don't plan to eat immediately. The best way to store clipped microgreens is in a food safe plastic container with a lid. If necessary, It's okay to store microgreens in a bag if you handle the greens and bag gently. Set refrigerator's thermostat close to the freezing point and you'll keep your harvest fresh for two weeks or longer. Make sure you store microgreens dry to touch. If you grow microgreens in repurposed containers (such as pints or half pints), you can refrigerate the microgreens, soil, container, and all if the greens are ready but you're not quite ready to eat them. After one week, the soil may need some soaking, after which the greens will remain fresh for yet another week. This is one of several conveniences that container growing offers over tray growing." pg.35 Water From The Bottom The technique of watering microgreens from below is adapted from a method used by large scale microgreens farmer, who deliver their uncut crops to restaurants and markets still in their seedling containers. The microgreens continue to grow in the restaurant and the marketplace and they do so without becoming moldy. Avoiding mold is the main goal of bottom watering. Water your microgreens whenever the top of the soil feels dry, usually once daily for half pint containers and every other day for pint containers, which are deeper. pg.46 Microgreens: A Guide To Growing Nutrient Packed Greens "Over the past twenty years, interest in local, fresh and organic food has been on the rise. There has been a rejuvenation of the small farm and a renewal of appreciation for fresh vegetables. The revival of the farmers market, the inception of the CSA model (Community Supported Agriculture), and the overall movement towards clean, whole foods has been extraordinary and is continuing to grow. People are rediscovering the importance of fresh, locally grown food. This movement has shown that it's not just for the affluent, not only for those interested in farming, but for the whole of the population and future generations." pg.2 Seeds Quality seeds are another integral part of growing microgreens. Factors that'll affect the viability of your seeds are storage, handling, age, and seed source. If you sow one thousand seeds, the difference between a 95 percent germination rate and a 50 percent germination rate is quite noticeable. It can be disheartening to have gone through the effort of sowing and caring for your trays only to see a small percentage of your seeds come up. When it comes to storing and handling your seeds, you'll want to keep them cool and dry. Avoid great fluctuation in temperature and moisture. During hot, humid summer days, be mindful not to leave them in the sun or let them get caught in a summer thunderstorm. Properly caring for your seeds will maintain their viability for longer period of time. pg.22 Scissors For Harvesting We find that scissors are most effective tool for harvesting microgreens. Buy a separate pair solely for the use of harvesting is not a bad idea that way they stay sharp and clean and make cutting easy. Having a couple of different sizes of scissors can be helpful for cutting different varieties and densities of microgreens as well. The most important thing here is sharpness. Once your scissors begin to dull. you can either buy new pair or sharpen your existing pair. Making a clean cut through the stem is one important component to the longevity of your microgreens. The less cell damage done during the harvest, the longer they'll hold. Once scissors are allowed to dull, they'll start to tear the stems of the microgreens versus making a clean cut. If stored for later use, you may notice deterioration and discoloration at the bottom of the stem where they have been poorly cut. If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy these post: "Questions about urban farming" "How to grow arugula microgreens" #microgreens #microgreengarden #urbanfarming #nickgreensgrowteam #nickgreens #microgreensgrower #microgreensbook #microgreensbooks

Why is urban farming on the rise? Has it become easier for city dwellers? Are they wanting to know the origins of what they’re eating? What’s the impetus for this growth? There's an awareness that is on the rise. The general public wants to know what they are putting in their body and that can only be a positive thing, right? Urban farming is on the rise; places such as farmer's markets are advocates for fresh produce. There is also more local food sourcing at retail stores. Hydroponic stores are also on the rise because of this. People are concerned with what and who is making their food. The hydroponic indoor growers are pioneers attempting to bring a great cause into the light, which is fresh greens for all. Thus, urban farming has seen its evolution, there has been advances in lighting, nutrients and education. Everyone should be eating healthy and it's our mission to make produce more accessible to the world! How are they growing food? As many city dwellers live in apartments, many have to go vertical. What are you noticing in terms of people getting creative with their growing? Hydroponics is the most common form of indoor growing, but i have been on many rooftops and vacant lots that use soil. I notice people automating their home grow systems using a wireless technology called Z wave. Personally, a few years ago, we built several shelves into our window sill that has good southern exposure, and we grew microgreens and edible flowers. What are they growing? Is it produce that’s easy or are they adventurous? How have farmers markets helped (or have they at all)? They are growing lettuce, basil, microgreens and other leafy greens, these varieties of plants are relatively easy to grow indoors. Yes farmer markets have been supportive to all the indoor hydroponic growers. What are some urban gardening projects that you’re aware of, especially those that put sustainability and flavor at the forefront? Kipp One Academy, we helped get this project up and going and now its hosting six graders learn about botany, chemistry and marketing. Teaching students hydroponic growing on plant based microgreens pad and feeding themselves at home and also selling to nearby restaurants. Garfield Produce is another urban microgreens farm on the west side of Chicago, which promotes good food and good jobs. They help people from the neighborhood, people with a history of incarcerations, and teach them how to grow and harvest. Last fall they engaged our team to help build out their facility and build a cool work culture. We're really excited for this project, it combines our two passions - education and growing food locally. What are some of the benefits of urban farming? Water conservation is a very big plus because the water is recycled within systems. That's a huge plus! Urban farming is also creating local jobs and making Chicago a cleaner, friendlier city to live. Some of the kids we mentored, came from the streets and were up to no good. Fast forward a few years later. They now have good paying jobs, their own apartments-all because of indoor hydroponics and outdoor urban farming. Additionally, growing your own food leads to much healthier eating habits which is sorely needed in our “food deserts”. If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy these post: "How to grow arugula microgreens" "Types of microgreens" "Foolproof growing tips for microgreens" #urbanfarming #urbanagriculture #urbangrower #microgreens #nickgreensgrowteam #TDSmeter

Do you know how to grow arugula microgreens? Well you'll know how to grow them after reading this post. You won’t regret missing out on this! We promise. What is Arugula Arugula is a leafy green plant that belongs to the genus Eruca and the family Brassicaceae. It is closely related to radish, kale, and cauliflower. Arugula has a number of different names depending on what area of the world you are in. These various names include garden rocket, rucola, roquette, and colewort. Arugula microgreens grows to a height of 2.5-10 cm (1-3 in) tall – depending on the variety you choose, your yummy microgreens are ready. It is grown on a large scale for commercial consumption but it also exists as a wild species throughout the world. It is predominantly used in the Americas, Europe, and North Africa. Arugula Nutrition Facts Arugula is a leafy green plant packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is a good dietary choice for a healthy body and keeping the mind clear and focused. It contains high levels of folic acid and antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin K, and vitamin A, which makes it integral in the fight against free radicals. It is packed with carotenoids, as well as many other minerals like potassium, manganese, iron, and calcium, all of which are beneficial and necessary elements in a person’s diet. Arugula contains phytochemicals, which are beneficial in preventing cancer. It is also superior to some other leafy greens because unlike other varieties, arugula is low in oxalates, which are chemicals that actually inhibit the absorption of minerals into the body. All in all, arugula is a low-calorie, nutrient-rich food. Health Benefits Of Arugula microgreens The vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and antioxidants packed in every leaf of arugula are certainly beneficial to those who incorporate it into their diet. Detoxifies Body Arugula is a great source of antioxidants and can greatly increase a person’s ORAC value (Oxygen radical absorbance capacity), which is a method for measuring antioxidant capacities. Antioxidants function to maintain a healthy balance of enzyme reactions within cells, while actively seeking out and destroying the disease-causing free radicals that can attack your system. Your immune system will also thank you for choosing arugula, because antioxidants work to bolster your defenses against simple illnesses like the common cold as well as more complex afflictions, such as cancer, heart diseases, and premature aging Boosts Bone Health The presence of vitamin K in arugula gives an anti-inflammatory boost to your body. Vitamin K also spurs an osteotropic activity in cells, meaning that promotes bone formation. The gradual degradation of neural pathways, found in conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, can be slowed down by an increase in intake of vitamin K. As a good source of Vitamin K, the consumption of arugula has been cited as a preventative method of such diseases. Arugula’s combinative effects of low oxalate levels (allowing more minerals into the system) and the presence of so many minerals in the plant itself make it a strong support system for healthy bones. Sufferers of osteoporosis can see improvements, and arugula can be used as a preventative step as well, ensuring bone health and strength before the age/activity-based effects of bone degeneration become serious. Boosts Immune System Arugula is loaded with vitamins and minerals that in some way bolster the defenses of the body’s immune system. The body is stimulated to create white blood cells from the copper in arugula, and the plant has a number of other ways to improve the strength of your immune system. Vitamin C is one of the best defenses for your body to seek out dangerous, inflammatory free radicals and eliminate them from your body before they can cause real damage. This well-known vitamin is found in large quantities in arugula and helps prevent cancer and maintain good health by giving an extra push to your immune system. Prevents Cancer The phytochemicals found in large quantities within arugula inhibit the activity of cancer-causing cells. Phytochemicals are substances like thiocyanates, sulforaphane, or indoles that are effective in countering cancer-causing tendencies in the body’s own processes. Studies suggest that these compounds help fight prostate, breast, cervical, colon, and ovarian cancers. Pre-natal Care For mothers who are expecting, arugula is a wonderful choice to add to their diet. Folates, a classification which includes folic acid, have been shown to decrease occurrences of certain mental defects in newborns. It is rich in folates, as are many leafy vegetables. Increases Metabolism Another benefit of arugula is the presence of B-Complex vitamins that promote metabolism. Eight B vitamins participate and aid in all different cell activities, including energy production, fat synthesis, the production of red blood cells, and many other vital processes for cell and metabolic health. Improves Eyesight Arugula is a well-known source of carotenoids, which are naturally occurring pigments that have long been famous for improving a person’s ability to see properly. In fact, carotenoids slow down the process of macular degeneration, which is when the center of a person’s field of vision becomes compromised. In most instances, this causes cataracts, which then, have to be removed. By increasing the amount of carotenoids in your diet (and arugula is a great source for them), arugula eaters may be able to slow down this classic symptom of old age. Weight Loss The inclusion of arugula in a diet is the same as any other low-calorie, vitamin or nutrient-rich plant, and it will inevitably have a positive effect on any attempts at weight loss. By satisfying so many nutritional needs, it is an easy way to watch your health and keep your system balanced, without making drastic changes to your diet. Improves Overall Health Vitamin A is one of the antioxidants mentioned above, and its significant presence in arugula also guarantees the ‘garden rocket’ eaters improved condition of their bones, teeth, and eyes. The flavonoid compounds in all leafy vegetables similar to arugula have been shown to protect against skin, lung, and various oral types of cancer. Here is our recipe to grow at home 1. Grab a 10X20 tray with drainage holes and fill it 1" thick with moist coco coir. 2. Weigh 14 grams of arugula microgreens Seeds into seed shaker, then broadcast evenly across the 10X20 tray. 3. Apply an even mist of water to the tray, then cover it with a humidity dome and place it in a dark space. 4. Germinate for two or three days in a dark location with at least 75 - 80% humidity. Water as described in step three at least once a day. 5. Remove humidity dome from tray on day two/three. Then begin feeding plants your favorite fertilizer using a low flood/continuous flow method of irrigation. 6. Micro Arugula will be ready for harvest around 10-14 days, They will need about 10 to 16 hours of light with a typical fluorescent grow light about 12"-15" from the base of the plant. If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy these post: "Meters every grower should own" "Types of microgreens" "Microgreens we love to grow" #microgreens #arugula

Everyone agrees that growing your food is good. It boosts your health, brightens your day, calms your mind, and allows you to do more with your life. These are the meters every grower should own and use inside a grow room. Dissolved Oxygen Meter The Milwaukee MW600 is a portable dissolved oxygen (DO) meter for educational, aquaculture, water analysis, and environmental analysis applications, with an LCD screen and polarographic probe with 3m cable and screw-on cap membrane. The meter has two-point manual calibration and automatic temperature compensation from 0 to 30°C. It runs on one 9V alkaline battery (included). DO meters are commonly used in water-quality testing applications. Dissolved oxygen (DO) meters measure the amount of dissolved oxygen present in water. The amount of DO helps to determine, for example, drinking water quality, the health of lakes or streams, and aquatic organism sustainability. A probe, also called a sensor or electrode, is inserted into the sample to perform the measurement, and the results appear on the meter display. Applications include sewage and water treatment plants, pollution control, fish farms, and various types of manufacturing. Dosing Kit The dosing kit can control the pH of your tank/reservoir automatically! The MC122 pH controller and dosing pump (MP810). It provides fully automated pH control of aqueous solutions in hydroponic systems. It has been specifically designed to control the pH in mixing tanks for fertilization. The small and precise flow of the peristaltic pump allows you to maintain ideal pH values in your tank. After selecting the desired pH setting from 5.5 to 9.5 pH, the pH controller measures the pH value of the solution and automatically adds pH adjustment (acid or alkaline) to change the liquid's pH to the selected level. Waterproof Portable pH/EC/TDS/Temperature Meter Slim, lightweight, and waterproof portable meter that measures pH, conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS) and temperature with a single amplified probe. Displayed with a 0.01 resolution and an accuracy of +/-0.05 pH while the EC and TDS readings are displayed with a 0.01 mS/cm and 10 ppm (mg/L) resolution and 2% full scale accuracy. Pocket Colorimeter Nitrogen/Nitrate Meter The new Pocket Colorimeter™ II Filter Photometer is a true go-anywhere instrument. It's lightweight and battery operated, suitable for extended field work or quick, on-the-spot process monitoring. The instrument has two channels in which measurements can be made.Each channel will accept a user-defined calibration curve. Up to 10 standards can be used to determine the calibration. The curve is generated by a point-to-point straight line segment between each standard used. Linear and non-linear positive or negative slope calibrations can be performed. A calibration curve may also be manually entered from the keypad if a previously determined curve has been made on the Colorimeter. At least two data pairs (concentration and absorbance) are required. If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy these post: "Types of microgreens" "Microgreens we love to grow" "Foolproof growing tips for microgreens" #dissolvedoxygenmeter #DO #dosingkit #dosersystem #pHmeter #TDSmeter #pocketcolorimeter #hydroponics #urbanfarming