Choosing the Right Growing Medium for Microgreens

The growing medium you choose can significantly impact your microgreens' growth, flavor, and ease of harvest. Here's a comparison of the most popular options.

1. Organic Potting Soil

Pros: Readily available, provides some nutrients, familiar to most gardeners

Cons: Can be messy, may contain pathogens, requires washing before harvest

Best for: Beginners who want a familiar option, larger-scale growing

Tips: Use fine-textured, organic soil without large chunks. Screen it if needed for a smooth surface.

2. Coco Coir

Pros: Clean, sustainable, excellent water retention, pH neutral

Cons: Can be more expensive, needs to be rehydrated before use

Best for: Clean, professional-looking harvests, hydroponic-style growing

Tips: Rehydrate compressed bricks according to package directions. Fluff it well before spreading in trays.

3. Hemp Growing Mats

Pros: Very clean, easy to harvest, reusable (with care), sustainable

Cons: More expensive upfront, requires careful watering

Best for: Commercial growers, those who want the cleanest harvest possible

Tips: Keep mats consistently moist but not saturated. They can be composted after use.

4. Paper Towels or Coffee Filters

Pros: Extremely cheap, very clean, easy to find

Cons: Not reusable, can dry out quickly, less stable for larger microgreens

Best for: Small-scale experiments, seed sprouting tests, very small trays

Tips: Use unbleached paper products. Keep them consistently moist - they dry out faster than other mediums.

5. Vermiculite or Perlite

Pros: Very clean, excellent drainage, sterile

Cons: No nutrients, can be dusty, needs careful watering

Best for: Hydroponic-style growing, when you want maximum cleanliness

Tips: Use fine-grade vermiculite. You may need to supplement with a light nutrient solution for some varieties.

6. Hydroponic Growing Pads

Pros: Designed specifically for microgreens, clean, consistent

Cons: More expensive, may need to order online

Best for: Serious growers, commercial operations

Tips: Follow manufacturer instructions for pre-soaking and use.

Our Recommendation

For beginners, start with organic potting soil - it's forgiving and familiar. As you gain experience, try coco coir or hemp mats for cleaner harvests. The "best" medium depends on your priorities: cost, cleanliness, sustainability, or ease of use. Many growers use different mediums for different varieties!

Key Considerations

• Water retention: Some mediums hold water better than others
• pH level: Most microgreens prefer neutral pH (6.0-7.0)
• Cleanliness: Consider how easy it is to harvest clean microgreens
• Cost: Factor in both initial cost and reusability
• Sustainability: Consider environmental impact and compostability