Microgreens are used not only to decorate dishes, but are also a valuable source of many vitamins and minerals. It contains a high concentration of vitamins A, C, E, K, as well as calcium, iron, magnesium, and copper. Thanks to this, microgreens help to strengthen the immune system, normalize metabolism, and slow down the aging process.
Growing microgreens is a simple and affordable way to enrich your diet with nutrients without leaving your home. It's also a great variant for beginner gardeners, as microgreens don't require much space and grow easily on the windowsill. One of the most important conditions for a successful growing process is the use of special substrates and supporting bases. The main substrates provide the plants with the necessary nutrients and moisture, while the supplementary components improve their properties.
Basic substrates for growing microgreens
To successfully cultivate microgreens, you need to choose a suitable substrate. It plays a key role as a finished product. Let's look at the main types of substrates:
- Tissue is a textile material used to grow microgreens on special hydroponic substrates. It provides optimal humidity and access to water and nutrients.
- Linen mat is in great demand, as the microgreens grown on it remain completely natural and don't require additional cleaning. The mat is made of pure linen and doesn't contain any synthetic additives, protecting young sprouts from various plant diseases. One of the advantages is the possibility of storing greens together with the litter, which extends its shelf life. This is convenient if you grow greens for marketing. The mat effectively retains moisture, ensuring its even distribution and promoting good germination and growth of microgreens. Moreover, it's a cost-effective and available option.
- The coconut substrate is made from coconut shells, has a high water absorption capacity and provides good aeration for young plants. It's ideal for growing microgreens due to its naturalness and authenticity. In such an environment, plant roots develop strong, and the probability of sprout infection is minimal. However, it should be borne in mind that the coconut substrate can contaminate the microgreens, which requires further cleaning.
- Mineral agrofibre is a porous and lightweight material consisting of plant fibers, limestone, basalt, and other components. It doesn't contain pathogens, provides good ventilation of the root system and prevents thickening of the substrate, evenly distributing moisture and maintaining optimal water balance. Healthy microgreens grow successfully on agrovata, especially those that require a longer time to grow. The cost of agrovata is slightly higher than that of other substrates.
In addition, peat can be used. It's a natural material that retains moisture well and is suitable for those who can't water their plants often. It should be borne in mind that the use of peat inevitably leads to dirty streams on the windowsill, which is not always convenient and aesthetically pleasing and may require additional cleaning.
Auxiliary materials for growing microgreens
They are designed to regulate humidity, which is especially important for young sprouts that require the substrate to be always slightly moist. Among the most popular materials among fans of growing microgreens are the following:
- Agroperlite is an environmentally friendly mineral material that provides good ventilation of the root system, improves the structure of the substrate, preventing its thickening, which contributes to healthy plant growth.
- Styrofoam is a lightweight material made of fine fractions that provides plants with good air permeability and lightness.
- Deoxidized expanded is a material with a porous structure made from fired clay, it has excellent drainage properties and promotes healthy root growth.
The choice of both substrate and supplementary components depends on individual preferences and growing conditions. It's important to keep in mind that each option has its own advantages for certain types of seeds and can be used in different combinations to achieve the best results.
Where can I buy substrates and bases for microgreens inexpensively?
Substrates and bases for microgreens at reasonable prices are recommended to be purchased in the Green Chief online store. The store offers a wide range of high-quality products, as well as convenient delivery and professional advice. By choosing Green Chief, you get not only high-quality products from leading manufacturers, but also the support of experienced professionals in the process of growing microgreens.
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