Growing Microgreens in an Ice Cube Tray: A Fun and Affordable Way to Enjoy Fresh Greens

Microgreens are small plants that pack a punch when it comes to flavor, nutrition, and versatility. These edible seedlings of vegetables like broccoli, radish, and kale grow quickly and are easy to care for. Growing microgreens offers a simple way to add fresh, nutritious greens to your meals, and using an ice cube tray makes it even more fun.

In this post, we’ll guide you through the process of growing microgreens in an ice cube tray, highlight the benefits, and share creative ways to use them. We’ll also break down the costs involved for a typical grow cycle.

Why Grow Microgreens?

Microgreens are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, offering much more nutrition than their mature counterparts. In addition to being nutrient-rich, they are quick to grow, often ready for harvest in just 7–10 days, making them perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy fresh greens with minimal effort. Whether you're looking to add flavor, color, or health benefits to your dishes, microgreens are an easy addition to your home garden.

They’re also perfect for people with limited space. Microgreens can be grown in small containers, such as ice cube trays, and require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for urban gardeners or those with little room for traditional gardening.

Materials Needed for Growing Microgreens in an Ice Cube Tray

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

1. Ice Cube Tray – A set of 4 trays costs about $8.99, and each tray can accommodate 16–20 microgreen cubes.

2. Microgreen Seeds – The Superfood Microgreen Mix (costing $19.99 for 1 lb) contains a variety of seeds like broccoli, radish, purple kohlrabi, collards, and turnips. This mix offers a range of flavors, textures, and colors to make your harvest more interesting.

3. Potting Soil – A lightweight, well-draining soil like Burpee Potting Soil ($12.99 for 9qt) is essential. You’ll need about 1.5 to 2 cups of soil per tray, and this bag will last for multiple grows.

4. Watering Can or Spray Bottle – A gentle watering system will help you keep the soil moist without disturbing the seeds.

5. Light Source – A sunny windowsill or a grow light will help encourage healthy growth.

Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Microgreens in an Ice Cube Tray

Step 1: Preparing the Ice Cube Tray

Start by cleaning the Ice Cube Tray to remove any dust or residue. Once clean, fill each compartment with Potting Soil, leaving enough space at the top for watering. Lightly press the soil down to ensure it's semi-firm and level. Avoid over packing.

Step 2: Seeding the Tray

Sprinkle the Microgreen Mix seeds evenly across the soil in each compartment. Don’t worry if the seeds overlap—microgreens thrive even in crowded conditions. Lightly press the seeds into the soil to ensure good contact without burying them too deeply.

Step 3: Watering and Covering

Using a fine mist spray bottle, gently water the soil until it's moist but not soaking. Cover the tray with plastic wrap or the lid to trap moisture and create a greenhouse effect that helps the seeds sprout.

Step 4: Germination and Sprouting

Place the tray in a warm, dark location for 2–3 days. After a few days, you’ll see tiny sprouts breaking through the soil. At this point, remove the cover once it sprouts start pushing it up and move the tray to a bright location. Microgreens need light to grow, but not direct sunlight. A windowsill or countertop with indirect light works well. If you’re using a grow light, keep it on for 12–14 hours a day to encourage healthy growth.

Step 5: Growth and Maintenance

Monitor your microgreens as they grow, ensuring the soil remains moist but not too wet. They should be ready for harvest in about 7–10 days, when they’re about 2–3 inches tall and have developed their first true leaves.

Step 6: Harvesting Your Microgreens

Once your microgreens are ready for harvest—typically around 7–10 days after planting—it's time to cut them just above the soil line. For a clean and precise cut, use a sharp pair of clean scissors or a knife. The key is to cut the greens when they're around 2–3 inches tall, with their first true leaves fully developed. Cutting them too early or too late can affect their flavor and nutritional content.

If you're curious about the roots and growth process, or if you simply want to observe how the microgreens have developed, take a moment to inspect the root system. Gently pop one of the "Microgreen Cubes" out of the tray. This can be done by carefully pushing up from the bottom of the silicone tray. You’ll get a closer look at how the roots have spread and anchored the microgreens in the soil. This is also a great opportunity to see how the soil has supported the growth of the greens and how well the tray method worked.

This process of inspecting the roots can be not only a fun, hands-on experience but also an educational one. If you have kids or new growers in your circle, it’s a perfect moment to teach them about the plant life cycle—from seed to sprout to harvest. You'll be able to explain how plants grow, how roots absorb nutrients, and the importance of the growing medium (soil or another medium) in supporting plant life.

After harvesting, you can store your microgreens in a sealed container in the fridge to keep them fresh for about a week. They’re now ready to be added to salads, sandwiches, smoothies, or as a garnish for any dish to boost flavor and nutrition!

Why Use an Ice Cube Tray for Growing Microgreens?

An Ice Cube Tray offers a compact, low-maintenance solution for growing small amounts of microgreens. It’s a cost-effective way to start growing at home, as the trays are inexpensive and reusable, allowing you to use them over and over for multiple growing cycles. This makes them a great option for anyone looking to grow microgreens on a budget.

The space-saving design of the ice cube tray is perfect for small living spaces, making it a great  choice for hobby gardeners or anyone with limited room. It’s also a fun and creative way to grow a variety of microgreens, as you can experiment with different types in each compartment. Whether you're growing a mix of broccoli, radish, or pea shoots, the compact setup allows you to enjoy a variety of fresh greens without taking up much space.

The reusability of the trays means you can continue to grow microgreens season after season, making it both a sustainable and practical gardening tool. This flexibility allows you to try different varieties, experiment with new flavors, and enjoy fresh microgreens all year round.

Cost Breakdown for Growing Microgreens in an Ice Cube Tray

Here’s a rough cost breakdown based on the main materials used for one grow cycle: