Everyone knows that adding more fresh vegetables to your diet is a great way to improve your overall health and well-being. Eating vegetables that you’ve grown with your own two hands is even better. But not everyone has the space (or the time) to take up full-scale gardening. If you live in a small space or want a quick and easy way to supplement your diet with fresh vegetables grown in your windowsill, the best microgreen grow kits are the answer.
For a stylish, successful start to your life as an indoor microgreens farmer, the Microgreen Pros Organic Microgreens Growing Kit is a good choice.
What to know before you buy a microgreen grow kit
Maybe you’re already growing your own herbs indoors and considering expanding with a microgreen grow kit. There are a few things to consider before you get started.
Available light
Most microgreen grow kits require at least a few hours of daily direct sunlight. This can come from a sunny windowsill or an outdoor patio in good weather. If it’s possible to do so, an LED grow light can replace some or all the sunlight your microgreens need.
Size and yield of the kit
There are compact microgreen grow kits for even the smallest spaces, but do consider the size you’ll need to provide microgreens for your family. Some people use multiple microgreen grow kits in different areas of their home to expand their harvest. Trough-style planters fit more than single pots, but they need more room.
Choose the size and yield that works best for the room you have to grow and the amount of microgreens you want to harvest.
Microgreen grow kit features
Guaranteed to grow
Even newbie indoor gardeners with no green thumb can take advantage of nutritious microgreens grown in their own home. The best microgreen grow kits offer a full replacement or refund if your seeds don’t grow.
Non-GMO, organic seeds
Start your growing journey with the best. Look for non-GMO seeds harvested from organic farms.
Refillable
While some microgreen grow kits use compostable plastic planters, the best solution for long-term growing in your home is refillable, reusable planters.
Variety of microgreens
Few people like to eat the same foods over and over again. The best microgreen grow kits start you off with a variety of microgreens to grow. They might also have options for refills. You can also purchase your own additional microgreens to try after you harvest your first crop.
Microgreen grow kit cost
A complete microgreen grow kit will cost between $12-$45. Reusable kits with a wider variety of seeds will cost more than single-use kits with just one crop.
Microgreen grow kit FAQ
Why should you grow microgreens at home?
A. Microgreens are different from engineered and naturally occurring baby versions of greens. They add additional nutrients that are not present in more mature greens. Additionally, their flavors are bold and add a delicious note to any dish.
On the practical side, purchasing microgreens at a grocery store can quickly drain your wallet. These expensive ingredients are coveted by both chefs and home cooks, and they come with a price that matches that demand. Growing your own microgreens at home with a kit may cost more in the beginning, but it saves money in the long run.
Is growing microgreens at home hard?
A. While some microgreens grow kits are more complex than others, most people can easily set up and cultivate plants in as little as a week. The kit you select will provide instructions on how to best set up your plants for success. Follow the instructions for light and water requirements and you will be dining on gourmet microgreens in no time.
Can you harvest from the same crop more than once?
A. Experienced gardeners know that some vegetables and herbs can provide more than one harvest. For example, lettuce is a cut-and-come-again vegetable that will continue to produce if the right leaves are left behind to keep growing. Other herbs like basil, parsley and cilantro also continue to grow after harvest.
Unfortunately, most microgreens can only be harvested once. There are a few exceptions to this — microgreen shoots like peas, beans and lentils will grow back if you take care to cut from above the bottom leaf. The taste will fade after the first harvest, but you should be able to coax out at least two more harvests.
Which microgreen grow kit should I get?
Best of the best microgreen grow kit
Microgreen Pros Organic Microgreens Growing Kit: available at Amazon
Our take: This beautiful wooden planter is guaranteed to grow for even the newest gardeners.
What we like: The wooden planter is lined with plastic for no leaks. This kit comes with soil, sunflower black oil microgreen seeds and mixed microgreens seeds (enough for two crops), spray bottle and instructions. It’s refillable and reusable.
What we dislike: Some people reported that their kits were missing parts, so check carefully when yours is delivered.
Best bang for your buck microgreen grow kit
Urban Botanic Store Microgreens Growing Kit: available at Amazon
Our take: If you’re looking to grow microgreens on a budget, this kit is a great choice.
What we like: This kit includes 100% non-GMO seeds, compostable grow trays and growing medium. The seeds are broccoli, radish and arugula and can be harvested in a week. This company also offers a refund or replacement if your seeds don’t grow.
What we dislike: Even though they are biodegradable, the plastic trays are disappointing.
Honorable mention microgreen grow kit
Zestigreens Microgreens Growing Kit Self Watering: available at Amazon
Our take: For minimal mess and microgreens grown without special lighting requirements, this is the kit for you.
What we like: This kit comes with a microgreens tray and bamboo surround, hydroponic insert, two hemp mats, blackout wooden lid and one packet each of organic broccoli microgreen seeds and salad mix microgreen seeds. The 16-page instruction booklet also includes general information on microgreens, pictures and recipes.
What we dislike: Some users reported that the construction of the tray and surround was flimsy.
Suzannah Kolbeck is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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