For microgreens to be considered organic, the soil and seeds must also be organic. Any synthetic compounds such as chemical fertilizer spoils the organicity of microgreens.
Growing microgreens in any impure soil is not organic. It’s all about what the microgreens are in contact with and what they absorb during growth that makes them organic.
The demand for organic microgreens is very high and often preferred. Every day, dozens of people turn to these organic plants as a source of nutrition. That’s why organic microgreens are at the height of demand.
What are Organic Microgreens?
Organic microgreens are among the healthiest foods you can consume. Organic microgreens are strictly regulated by the international Organic Nutrition Program.
For organic microgreen production, you must sow organic seeds just like ordinary microgreen seeds. The most important detail is to harvest these plants when they are 3 inches tall and have 2 leaves and only use organic products.
If a plant has 2 leaves, this plant is called “Dicot”. It means “real leaf”. A dicot plant is ready for harvest and no matter how large the plant reaches, the most productive period is the stage when 2 leaves come out.
At this stage, all minerals and vitamins spread throughout the plant. The edible part of an organic microgreen consists of the stem and first leaves.
How Do Microgreens Grow?
Microgreens, like all plants, have a life cycle and this cycle consists of 5 phases.
- Seed
- Sprout
- Microgreen
- Baby Greens
- Adult Plant
The sprouts represent the first stages in which the plant starts to grow above the soil. It uses the energy from the seed to ensure that the leaves that will emerge. After this, the roots and leaves take over.
This phase is the first stage of the growth phase. The plant will grow rapidly in the following stages, taking in sunlight from the leaves and vitamins via its roots. The period when microgreens are suitable for harvesting is the period when their size reaches 3 inches. This is also called the TrueLeaf phase.
Baby greens are not an official stage in the growth phase of microgreens. It is the phase between the cotyledon stage and a fully mature plant.
These are offered for sale as baby greens. Baby greens are very appealing in taste but are not as nutritious and healthy as mature microgreens.
What Are the Benefits of Microgreens?
The most beneficial aspect of microgreens is that they contain a higher concentration compared to other mature vegetables.
Microgreens are also very important plants that serve to maintain health and keep the body and mind in check. Thanks to the high antioxidant content it contains, it helps your body to remove toxic substances.
Wide consumption of plants plays an active role in preventing diseases such as heart diseases, diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure.
People who eat a diet high in vegetables live a longer and healthier life than other people. Such herbs also reduce skin problems and other chronic ailments.
If you consume microgreens with mature, large plants, you will consume a wider variety of concentrated plants.
According to the research, microgreens are very rich in minerals and vitamins. They help to strengthen the immune system and protect you from other illnesses.
Microgreens are also known to be good for mental development and brain health. Microgreens are unique greens that have great taste as well as many health benefits.
Whether you consume them raw or use them as a mix in your meals, either way, they will certainly satisfy you.
How to Grow Organic Microgreens
Organic agriculture has some differences and difficulties compared to normal agriculture. But once you start this business, the rest will come quickly and the work will become easier as you establish a routine.
In order to grow organic microgreens, the right environmental conditions must be maximized. Microgreens like a hot, humid environment but not so much that they wilt.
The right light and environmental conditions are important to the growth of an organic microgreen.
You also need to source organic soil and fertilizer to grow organic microgreens. You can grow these plants directly in pots or trays.
The most important point here is that the soil and fertilizer are organic. These can be sourced online or you can use your own compost. It is more advantageous to grow microgreens in a tray for those who are just starting out in the organic method.
If you grow your organic microgreens indoors, you will be able to monitor them more effectively and make adjustments appropriately.
Where Do I Source Organic Microgreen Soil?
Finding organic soil for microgreens is not always easy. The soil you find should not contain any synthetic compounds.
At the same time, the fertilizer you choose must be completely natural and pure. One of the important issues in organic microgreen cultivation is how the soil is processed and the cleaning of the trays.
Before planting the microgreens, the quality of the soil and whether it contains any pathogens should be checked by sending it for a test.
Soil containing pathogens spoils the organicity of microgreens and may even prevent their maturation.
At this point, it would be the most logical move to buy higher-quality soils. For this, you should do in-depth research and start planting by choosing the best quality soil.
The most important point to consider when looking for organic soil is to have the Organic Materials Investigation Institute (OMRI) stamp on your soil.
You do not need to add any additional nutrients for these plants to grow faster. After your seedlings receive water, air, and sun, they will take care of the rest themselves.
How Do I Check if Microgreens Are Organic at the Store?
Not all microgreens you see in the supermarket or local markets are organic. For this, you should do detailed research to find organic microgreens.
The best way to get organic microgreens is to find local vendors and contact them and ask if their microgreens are grown using 100% natural soils and pure fertilizers.
Store-bought products that are organic are often checked and tested and will come with a stamp of approval from the local organic institution of your state or country.
