Where to Start with Growing Microgreens: A Complete Beginner's Guide
So you've decided to start growing microgreens—that's awesome! Whether you're looking to add fresh, nutrient-dense greens to your meals, start a small side business, or just try something new and rewarding, you're about to embark on a fun journey. But here's the thing: walking into the world of microgreens can feel overwhelming. There's equipment to buy, seeds to choose, methods to learn, and a whole lot of information floating around online. Where do you actually start?
After growing microgreens for over seven years and logging more than 10,000 hours of hands-on experience, we've helped thousands of beginners get started through our YouTube channel, courses, and one-on-one conversations. In this guide, we're going to walk you through exactly where to start, what to invest in first, and most importantly—why starting small is actually the smartest move you can make.
Why Starting Small is a Smart Investment (And the Secret to Long-Term Success)
When you first get excited about microgreens, it's tempting to dive in headfirst. You might be thinking about buying a massive commercial grow rack, ordering seeds in bulk, investing in every possible tray size, and setting up an entire room dedicated to growing. We totally understand that enthusiasm—we've been there! But here's what we've learned from our own journey and from watching thousands of beginners: starting small is actually the fastest path to growing well and avoiding costly mistakes.
Think of microgreens like learning to cook. You wouldn't buy a full professional kitchen before learning how to properly sauté vegetables or bake bread, right? The same principle applies here. Starting with a manageable setup allows you to:
Learn the fundamentals without getting overwhelmed. When you're working with just a few trays, you can focus on mastering the basics: proper watering, seed density, when to transition from germination to light, harvest timing, and all the little nuances that make the difference between mediocre and exceptional microgreens. With 20+ trays going at once, troubleshooting becomes a full-time job rather than a learning experience.
Make mistakes affordably. And yes, you will make mistakes—everyone does. Over-watering a tray? Seed that germinated poorly? Mold issues from overcrowding? These are all normal parts of the learning process. But when you're learning on 2-4 trays instead of 20, those mistakes cost you $5 in seeds and growing medium (if using soil or coco coir) instead of $50. You can experiment, adjust your methods, and figure out what works in your specific environment without breaking the bank.
Discover what you actually enjoy growing. Not everyone loves every variety of microgreens. You might discover you love the peppery kick of radish but can't stand the hassle of sunflower hulls. Or maybe you fall in love with specialty crops like celosia or amaranth. Starting small lets you test different varieties without committing to large quantities of seeds you may never use again.
(Image: Alaskan Nasturtium microgreens on our homemade ice-cream)
Understand your space and schedule. Growing microgreens isn't just about the plants—it's about integrating them into your life. Can you consistently water twice a day? How much counter or shelf space can you realistically dedicate? Do you prefer soil or hydroponic methods? What does harvest and cleanup look like in your routine? You'll only discover these answers by actually growing, and a small setup lets you figure this out before making bigger investments.
Build confidence before scaling. There's something incredibly satisfying about consistently producing beautiful, healthy trays of microgreens. When you master a small setup, you develop the confidence and knowledge to scale up intelligently. You'll know exactly what equipment actually matters, which seeds are worth buying in bulk, and how to troubleshoot issues before they become expensive problems.
We've seen many people invest hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars in equipment, seeds, and supplies upfront, only to get frustrated, overwhelmed, or realize that growing microgreens isn't quite what they expected. Starting small protects your investment, accelerates your learning, and honestly makes the whole experience much more enjoyable.
So what does "starting small" actually look like? We're talking about a compact grow rack (not a full commercial setup), 4-12 trays maximum to start, and just a few easy-to-grow seed varieties. This gives you plenty to work with without becoming overwhelming. As you gain confidence and dial in your methods, you can gradually add more trays, expand your variety selection, and scale your setup based on what you've actually learned works for you.
Where to Get Quality Microgreen Seeds
Now that we've established why starting small is smart, let's talk about one of the most important decisions you'll make: where to source your seeds. Quality seeds are the foundation of successful microgreens, and this is one area where cutting corners to save a few dollars can really come back to haunt you.
Our Recommended Seed Sources
After seven years of growing microgreens and testing seeds from numerous suppliers, we have two primary recommendations:
Our Favorite Seed Supplier (we've used them for 7 years):
TrueLeaf Market has been our go-to seed company since we started. Their quality is consistent, germination rates are reliable, and they specifically label which seeds are best for microgreens. When you're learning, this consistency matters—you don't want to second-guess whether poor germination is because of something you did wrong or because the seeds weren't viable.
Amazon Seed Options:
We've also had good experiences with several seed varieties available on Amazon. The convenience of Prime shipping can be helpful, especially when you want to get started quickly or need to restock a variety.
Why Seed Quality Matters
Not all seeds are created equal, and this becomes obvious quickly when you start growing microgreens. Here's what makes a seed "microgreen-quality" versus just any garden seed:
Germination rate. Microgreen seeds should have germination rates of 85% or higher. Lower germination means sparse, patchy trays that look unprofessional and yield less. Quality suppliers test their seeds regularly and stand behind their germination rates.
Seed age. Seeds lose viability over time. Fresh seeds germinate more uniformly and vigorously than old stock that's been sitting in a warehouse for years. Reputable microgreen seed suppliers move inventory quickly and provide fresh seed, often including packed-for dates on packaging.
Purity and cleanliness. Quality microgreen seeds are cleaned properly and screened for debris, weed seeds, and other contaminants. When you're eating the whole plant (not just a fruit or flower like with traditional gardening), seed purity matters for both quality and safety.
Microgreen-specific varieties. Some vegetable varieties work better as microgreens than others. For example, there are dozens of pea varieties, but only certain ones produce tender, sweet pea shoots. Seed companies specializing in microgreens have done the testing to identify the best varieties for microgreen production.
Treatment status. Some conventional garden seeds are treated with fungicides or other chemicals that aren't appropriate for microgreens where you're consuming the entire plant. Microgreen-specific seeds are either untreated or use food-safe treatments.
If a seed source seems "too cheap," there's usually a reason. Poor germination, old seed stock, wrong varieties, or contaminated seeds will cost you far more in time, frustration, and wasted growing supplies than you'll save on the seed price. Trust us—we've tested cheaper options over the years, and we keep coming back to quality suppliers because consistency matters.
What About Seed Labels and Claims?
You'll see seeds labeled as "organic," "non-GMO," "heirloom," and various other descriptors. Here's what matters for beginners:
"Labeled for microgreens" or "microgreen seeds" – This is the most important label. It means the variety has been selected specifically for microgreen production and the supplier understands this use case.
Seed age and germination testing – More important than organic status for beginners. A conventionally-grown seed with 95% germination will grow better microgreens than an organic seed with 65% germination.
Organic certification – If this matters to you personally or for your customers, go for it. Just know that organic seeds typically cost 2-3 times more, and for learning purposes, conventional microgreen-quality seeds work perfectly fine.
Non-GMO – At the time of writing, there are no GMO microgreen varieties commercially available anyway, so this label is mostly marketing.
Start with quality seeds from reputable suppliers, and you'll set yourself up for success. Once you've mastered the basics and know what you're doing, you can experiment with other sources, bulk purchases, or specialty varieties. But when you're learning, consistency matters more than anything else.
Building Your First Grow Rack Setup
Alright, let's talk about where you'll actually grow these microgreens. While you can certainly grow microgreens on a windowsill or kitchen counter, a dedicated grow rack with proper lighting gives you consistent, year-round results regardless of weather or season.
Here's the smaller starter setup we recommend:
The Grow Rack
For beginners, we recommend starting with a compact 5-tier wire rack. This smaller rack is perfect for getting started because:
Versatile tray configurations: Each shelf can hold either three 10x10 trays (giving you 12 trays total across all four shelves) OR four 7x14 trays per shelf (16 trays total) OR a single 10x20 tray per shelf (4 trays total), plus you'll have room on the ends for some smaller 5x5 trays or supplies. This flexibility lets you experiment with different tray sizes as you learn.
Manageable size: It doesn't take over your entire spare room or basement. You can tuck this in a corner, closet, or unused space without feeling like you've committed to a full-scale operation.
Room to grow: With four shelves, you have plenty of capacity to increase production as you get more comfortable. You're not limited to just one or two trays, but you're also not managing 20+ trays right out of the gate.
Affordable investment: This setup lets you get started without breaking the bank. If you discover growing microgreens isn't for you, you haven't sunk hundreds of dollars into specialized equipment. And if you love it (which we think you will!), you can always add more racks or upgrade later.
(Image: this is exactly what the grow rack looks like with 10x10 trays)
The Grow Lights
Proper lighting is absolutely critical for growing healthy, compact, flavorful microgreens. Natural sunlight works in a perfect south-facing window, but most of us don't have that luxury—and even if we do, sunlight changes with seasons and weather. LED grow lights provide consistent light year-round.
For the rack size recommended above, we suggest these lights:
Option 1: Barrina T5 LED Grow Lights - 2 foot
These are the same lights we've used for seven years, just in the smaller 2-foot size perfect for this shelf. We've literally logged thousands of hours growing under these lights, and they just work. Consistent spectrum, long-lasting, and they produce dense, vibrant microgreens.
Option 2: Barrina Full Spectrum LED Grow Lights
These are similar quality to the first option and what we currently have on our racks (though we have the black version—looks like they may have changed to white). Either option will serve you well.
Important tip: For this shelf size, we usually run two lights per shelf to ensure even lighting coverage across your entire growing area. Uneven light leads to uneven growth, with greens on the edges staying shorter and paler than those directly under the light. Two lights eliminate this problem.
Position your lights 8-10 inches above your trays and run them for 12-16 hours per day. A simple outlet timer (available at any hardware store for under $10) makes this automatic—you don't have to remember to turn lights on and off daily.
Choosing Your First Trays: Which Size Makes Sense for Beginners?
This is where a lot of beginners get stuck. There are so many tray options out there—10x20s, 10x10s, sprouting trays, specialized kits—and it's not always clear which one to start with. The good news? There's no single "right" answer. Each tray size has benefits for beginners. Let's break down the options we recommend for new growers:
7x14 OTG Microgreen Tray Kit - The Perfect All-In-One Starter
Our 7x14 OTG Microgreen Tray Kit has become our most popular beginner setup for good reason—it's an all-in-one system that includes everything except seeds. And we will finally have it back in stock on our website in about 1 to 2 weeks as of 2/6/2026.
What makes it beginner-friendly:
Complete kit: You get the mesh tray, reservoir (base) tray, humidity dome, two silicone reusable grow mediums, and a scraper/cleaning tool. No guesswork about what else you need.
Right-sized harvests: Produces enough microgreens to last a small family a few days per tray. You're not dealing with the overwhelming yield of larger 10x20 trays before you've figured out how to use or store microgreens.
Compact footprint: Perfect for countertops, shelves, or windowsills. The smaller footprint (14.4" L × 7.25" W × 4.2" H with dome) fits where larger trays won't.
Lower maintenance watering: The kit is designed so you check water levels every few days after germination, instead of watering twice daily. For busy beginners still figuring out their routine, this is huge.
Thoughtful design features: The mesh tray nests securely in the reservoir. The humidity dome flips to serve as a temporary tray rest during maintenance. Tray handles double as support points. These little details make the growing process smoother.
Reusable medium included: The kit comes with silicone growing medium, so you can start growing soil-free hydroponically right away. But you can also use soil or coco coir if you prefer—the trays work with any method.
Beautiful presentation: The white trays look professional and clean on your counter. If you're growing in shared living spaces, aesthetics matter.
Dimensions: External: 14.4" L × 7.25" W × 4.2" H (with dome) | Internal mesh tray: 13.75" L × 6.65" W × 1.5" D
We have a complete growing guide for the 7x14 kit on our blog that just recently got a major rewrite and update, and there are tons of video tutorials on our YouTube channel showing exactly how to use this kit from seed to harvest.
Large Sprouting Tray Set - Budget-Friendly with Great Yields
The Large Sprouting Tray Set is an excellent budget-friendly option that still produces substantial harvests.
Why beginners like these:
Cost-effective: At under $30 for a 5-pack, you get multiple complete tray sets to experiment with. The biggest benefit is cost savings if you want to grow more trays without spending a lot upfront.
Saves space: These trays are smaller than 10x20s, so they save valuable shelf or counter space while still producing meaningful harvests.
High yields despite smaller size: Don't let the compact size fool you—we consistently get impressive harvest weights from these trays. They're efficient growers.
Works with multiple mediums: Compatible with soil, coco coir, or our reusable grow mediums. Each kit includes a silicone reusable medium sheet and scraper tool.
Easy tray separation: The concave-convex design makes lifting the inner mesh tray simple without disturbing roots or seedlings. This matters for watering and checking progress.
Versatile uses: Perfect for microgreens, sprouts, wheatgrass, cat grass, or seed starting. Great for kids' projects or classroom demonstrations.
Dimensions: External: 12.75" × 9.5" × 1.875" | Mesh tray internal: 11" × 8" × 1" | Capacity: Holds approximately 3-4 cups of soil or coco coir | Mesh hole size: 2.5 mm
The 2.5mm mesh holes work well for larger seeds like wheatgrass, mung beans, and peas growing directly on the mesh, while the included silicone medium supports smaller seeds like broccoli, radish, and kale.
Small Sprouting Tray Set - Ultra-Compact for Tiny Spaces
The Small Sprouting Tray Set is perfect if you're extremely space-constrained or want to try the smallest possible setup.
Why these work for beginners:
Smallest footprint: At 8.8" × 5.75" × 1.25", these are the most compact option. Perfect for apartment dwellers, dorm rooms, or anyone with very limited space.
Individual small batches: Holds approximately 1 cup of soil or coco coir—perfect for testing new varieties without committing to larger quantities.
Multiple variety testing: With five trays in the set, you can grow five different varieties simultaneously without needing much space. Great for variety experiments.
Budget-friendly entry: Under $25 for five complete tray sets with reusable mediums and scraper.
Same thoughtful design: Easy tray separation with concave-convex design. Durable BPA-free construction.
Dimensions: External: 8.8" × 5.75" × 1.25" | Mesh tray internal: 7.875" × 4.75" × 0.5" | Green tray internal: 8" × 5" × 1" | Mesh hole size: 3 mm
The 3mm mesh holes accommodate larger seeds directly on the mesh, while the included silicone medium supports smaller seed varieties.
10x10 Heavy Duty Trays - Professional Quality, Modular Flexibility
Bootstrap Farmer 10x10 Heavy Duty Trays offer professional-grade construction in a versatile half-size format.
Why these are great for beginners:
Modular growing: Two 10x10 trays fit perfectly side-by-side in a standard 10x20 tray. This lets you grow two different varieties in the same footprint or use one tray for watering while the other grows.
Extra-thick construction: At 1.8-2.0mm thick, these trays are built to last. They won't crack, bend, or warp through repeated use.
Professional quality: Made in the USA from food-safe BPA-free plastic. Backed by Bootstrap Farmer's warranty.
Perfect for variety testing: The 10x10 size lets you test multiple varieties or stagger harvests without committing to full 10x20 trays of each.
Smart drainage design: Strategically placed drainage holes prevent mold issues while enabling effective bottom-watering.
Multiple per shelf: Remember that starter rack we recommended? You can fit three 10x10 trays per shelf, giving you 12 trays total capacity. That's a lot of variety testing potential.
Compatible with reusable mediums: Works perfectly with our 10x10 Reusable Grow Mediums available in both silicone and stainless steel. While they are slotted trays, rather than mesh, they still work wonderfully with the medium.
Dimensions: Outer: 10½" x 10½" x 1¼" | Shallow depth: 1¼"
Our Recommendation for Beginners
If you're asking "Which one should I choose?", here's our honest advice:
For complete beginners who want an all-in-one solution: Start with the 7x14 OTG Microgreen Tray Kit. It includes everything, has a manageable learning curve, and produces the right amount of microgreens for personal use while you're learning. (You can fit 4 side by side per shelf on the grow rack we recommend = 16 trays total)
For budget-conscious beginners who want flexibility: Go with the Large Sprouting Tray Set. You get five complete setups to experiment with, excellent value, and substantial yields despite the smaller size. (You can fit 3 side by side per shelf on the grow rack we recommend = 12 trays total)
For extremely limited space or testing the waters: The Small Sprouting Tray Set lets you start incredibly small with minimal investment. Perfect for "I want to try this before committing." (You can fit 6 side by side per shelf on the grow rack we recommend = 24 trays total)
For variety testing and modular expansion: The 10x10 trays give you maximum flexibility to grow multiple varieties and scale up systematically. These pair perfectly with the starter rack we recommended. (You can fit 3 side by side per shelf on the grow rack we recommend = 12 trays total)
You truly can't go wrong with any of these options—they all work beautifully for growing microgreens. Choose based on your space, budget, and how you want to approach learning. And remember, you can always start with one tray type and add others later as you discover what works best for your situation.
Choosing Your First Seeds: Start with Easy Winners
With your trays and growing setup sorted, it's time to talk seeds. Not all microgreen varieties are created equal when it comes to beginner-friendliness. Some varieties are forgiving, fast-growing, and produce abundant yields even when you're still learning. Others are fussy, temperamental, or require specific techniques... and patience... to grow well.
For your first grows, stick with these easy, fast-growing varieties from the Brassica family:
Broccoli - This is the ultimate beginner microgreen. Fast germination (usually 2-3 days), consistent growth, forgiving of watering mistakes, and produces beautiful, dense trays. Mild, slightly broccoli-flavored greens that almost everyone enjoys. If you only buy one seed variety to start, make it broccoli.
Our personal favorite Broccoli varieties are: Broccoli - Purple Sprouting and Broccoli - Waltham 29
Radish (especially China Rose and Daikon) - Another fantastic beginner crop. Radish germinates quickly, grows fast (usually 7-10 days to harvest), and provides that peppery kick people love in microgreens. Very forgiving and produces high yields.
Radish - China Rose / Radish - Daikon / Radish - Long Scarlett / Radish - Rambo
Purple Kohlrabi - Beautiful purple stems with green leaves. Easy to grow, forgiving, and visually stunning. The color makes your trays look professional even when you're just starting out.
Kale - Straightforward, reliable, and nutritious. Grows well in most conditions and doesn't require any special techniques.
Red Russian Kale and Dino Kale are our two favorites, especially the Red Kale.
Mustard Greens - Fast-growing with a nice spicy flavor. Several varieties available (Red Giant, Golden Frill, etc.), all relatively easy for beginners.
We personally love the Spicy Oriental Mustard
A couple other brassica varieties worth trying for microgreens are Snowball Y Improved Cauliflower, Red Rock Mammoth Cabbage, Long Island Brussels Sprouts and Golden Acre Cabbage
Why start with Brassicas? These crops grow abundantly, are forgiving of beginner mistakes, germinate reliably, and are generally pest and disease-resistant. They give you quick wins and build your confidence before you move on to more challenging varieties. Brassicas are also known to be nutrient dense, easy to create your own fun blends, and taste good on almost everything.
Seeds to avoid as a beginner:
Beets and Swiss Chard - Require specific techniques (soil sandwich method, longer germination times) and can be frustrating for new growers.
Cilantro - Slow-growing and can be finicky about conditions - if you decide to grow them, never buy whole seed, always buy split seed for microgreens.
Basil - Prone to damping off (fungal disease) if watering isn't perfect and grows really slow and short.
Amaranth and other tiny seeds - Require very precise watering and can be challenging to manage, but well worth the try if you can get them right.
Save these for after you've successfully grown 5-10 trays of the easy varieties. You'll have developed the intuition for watering, timing, and troubleshooting by then.
Common Beginner Questions Answered
Over the years, we've answered thousands of questions from new growers. Here are the most common ones:
"How much should I expect to spend to get started?"
For a basic starter setup, budget roughly $150-250 total. That includes your grow rack ($50-80), lights ($40-70), your first set of trays ($25-50), seeds ($20-30), and growing medium ($10-20). This might seem like a lot, but remember—trays, lights, and the rack are reusable for years. Your ongoing costs will be just seeds and growing medium (if using soil or coco coir), which is minimal.
The beauty of starting small is you can spread these purchases out. Get the trays and seeds first, grow on a windowsill while you save for lights. Or start with one shelf worth of equipment and expand later.
"How long until I get my first harvest?"
Most easy varieties (broccoli, radish, kale) are ready to harvest in 7-14 days from seeding. The exact timing depends on the variety, your growing conditions (temperature, light intensity), and your personal preference for harvest size. This quick turnaround is one of the most exciting things about microgreens—you see results fast!
"How much time does this actually take per day?"
During germination (first 2-4 days), you'll mist your trays 1-2 times per day for about 30 seconds per tray. Once trays are under lights and bottom-watering, you'll check water levels and refill as needed, which takes maybe 1-2 minutes per tray. Harvesting a tray takes 5-10 minutes depending on the size. So we're talking maybe 15-30 minutes total per day for a small setup. It's very manageable, even with a busy schedule.
"Do I need to use nutrients/fertilizers?"
It depends on your growing medium. If you're using quality potting soil, you typically don't need additional nutrients—the soil provides what the plants need for the short growing period. If you're using coco coir or reusable mediums (which have no nutritional value on their own), you'll likely need to add hydroponic nutrients to your water when you start bottom watering. For beginners starting with soil, you can skip nutrients initially to keep things simple.
"What's the difference between microgreens and sprouts?"
Great question! Sprouts are germinated seeds that are eaten whole (roots, seed, and shoot) after just 2-4 days, grown in water or high humidity without soil or light. Microgreens are grown for 7-14 days in soil or a growing medium, exposed to light, and harvested by cutting just the stems and leaves—you don't eat the roots. Microgreens are more developed plants with true flavor profiles and higher nutritional density. We have a detailed blog post comparing sprouts vs. microgreens if you want to dive deeper.
"Can I grow microgreens without a grow light?"
You can try using a bright, south-facing window, but results will be inconsistent depending on season, weather, and your specific window situation. Microgreens need 12-16 hours of bright light per day. In summer you might get decent results, but in winter your greens will likely be pale, leggy, and weak. For consistent, year-round success, we strongly recommend investing in a basic LED grow light setup. The lights we recommended are affordable and will pay for themselves quickly in consistent, high-quality harvests.
"What's the most common mistake beginners make?"
Overwatering, hands down. More trays fail from too much water than any other issue. During germination especially, new growers tend to drown their seeds thinking "more water = better growth." The truth is, seeds and young seedlings need consistent moisture, not a flood. The growing medium should feel like a well-wrung sponge—moist but not dripping or pooling with water.
We HIGHLY suggest investing in this type of misting device as soon as possible, we have had ours for roughly 6 years and haven't had to replace it yet. A good misting device during germination will help give you better results, and save your hand from cramping if you were planning to use a regular mist bottle. This particular sprayer comes with a nozzle tip that has just been game changing for us in our indoor space.
The second most common mistake is overcrowding—using too much seed and creating a dense carpet that has poor air circulation. This leads to weak growth, mold issues, and difficult harvesting. Download our Free Tray-Specific Seeding Guide to learn exact seed amounts for different varieties.
"How do I know when to harvest?"
Microgreens are typically ready when they've developed their first set of true leaves (the leaves that appear after the initial cotyledon leaves and are found between the little leaves). Visually, this is when the plants are about 1.5-3 inches tall and have gone from looking like sprouts to looking like actual tiny plants. But here's a pro tip: just taste them! If you're unsure whether your tray is ready, pluck a few plants and give them a taste. If the flavor is good and the texture is crisp and tender, it's harvest time. If they still taste "grassy" or immature, give them another day or two.
"Can I reuse my growing medium?"
It depends on what you're using. Reusable mediums (silicone or stainless steel) can be cleaned and reused many of times—that's their whole purpose. Soil and coco-coir should never be reused for microgreens, instead compost it, and only reuse in outdoor gardening.
"What should I do with microgreens after harvesting?"
Harvest whenever it's convenient for you—since you're growing indoors, timing doesn't matter like it would with outdoor crops. Simply cut your microgreens at the base with clean scissors or a knife.
Critical storage tip: DO NOT rinse your microgreens before storing them. Washing before storage adds excess moisture to your container, which significantly decreases shelf life and can cause your microgreens to get slimy or spoil quickly.
The proper method: Harvest, then immediately store them dry in containers in your refrigerator. When you're ready to use them, rinse gently if needed (though properly grown microgreens on clean mediums often don't need rinsing at all). Properly stored dry microgreens last 7-10 days in the fridge. Just remember, do not let them get pushed to the back of your fridge! They might freeze, then go bad. We actually did this on our wedding day and lost 90% of what we had grown to bring... whoops.
Use them in smoothies, salads, sandwiches, as garnishes, or just munch on them straight from the container. They're incredibly versatile!
"I see 'sanitizing trays' mentioned a lot. Is this really necessary?"
Yes, absolutely—and this is one area where developing good habits from day one will save you a lot of headaches. Proper tray (and reusable grow medium) sanitization is actually one of the most important practices for consistent, healthy microgreen production. You should sanitize your trays after every grow.
Here's why it matters: even one tray with mold or disease issues can contaminate your entire growing area, your other trays, and even your grow rack through airborne spores. Pathogens build up over time on unwashed or improperly cleaned trays, and they can cause recurring issues like damping off, mold, fungal growth, and poor germination.
The Proper Sanitizing Process:
After harvesting, scrape off the root mat and growing medium, then follow these steps:
Step 1: Clean thoroughly - Wash trays with hot, soapy water (we use free and clear dish soap). Scrub away all debris and residue. Rinse well.
Step 2: Sanitize using one of these food-safe methods:
Hydrogen Peroxide (3% solution) - Our preferred method. Hydrogen peroxide is FDA-approved as safe for food contact surfaces, breaks down into just water and oxygen, and is very effective. You can spray or wipe undiluted 3% hydrogen peroxide (the standard drugstore kind) on all tray surfaces, or soak trays for 10-20 minutes. Let air dry completely. No rinsing needed.
Bleach Solution - Mix 1 tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water (or 1 part bleach to 9 parts water). Soak trays for 10-20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clean water and let air dry completely. When used at proper dilutions and rinsed well, this is food-safe and effective.
Important note about your local requirements: Different areas have different regulations about sanitizing equipment that contacts food. The best thing you can do is contact your local health department to find out your area's specific requirements and approved sanitizing agents, especially if you plan to sell your microgreens.
For Reusable Grow Mediums:
Silicone reusable grow mediums can be sanitized with boiling water (submerge for 1-2 minutes), which is one of the most effective sanitizing methods. This does NOT work for plastic trays—boiling water will warp and damage plastic. Use the hydrogen peroxide or bleach methods for trays only.
Even as a beginner, sanitize your trays after every grow. This prevents issues from building up and keeps your growing environment healthy. We have a detailed guide on our blog about tray cleaning and sanitizing methods if you want more information.
"Should I grow organically?"
That's a personal choice. Organic growing (using organic seeds, organic soil, organic nutrients) will produce organic microgreens, which some customers prefer and you can potentially charge more for. However, organic inputs typically cost 2-3 times more than conventional options. For learning purposes, conventional microgreen-quality inputs work perfectly well and let you develop your skills without the extra expense. Once you're consistently growing great microgreens, you can transition to organic if that aligns with your values or business strategy.
Additional Resources to Help You Succeed
You don't have to figure this all out alone. We've created tons of free resources specifically for people just like you who are starting their microgreen journey:
Free Downloadable PDF Guides:
- Free Tray-Specific Seeding Guide - Exact seed amounts for dozens of varieties in different tray sizes
- Free Microgreen Troubleshooting, FAQ & Lingo PDF - Comprehensive guide to common issues and microgreen terminology
- Free Ultimate Tray & Kit Guide PDF - Everything you need to know about different tray options
- Free Fertilizer Ratio Guide for Microgreens PDF - Our favorite fertilizers, how to mix them, and how much to use, plus info about fertilizers.
Video Tutorials: Our YouTube channel @onthegrow has hundreds (350+) of free videos including full walk-through grows for different varieties, troubleshooting guides, setup tutorials, and more. Watching the visual process really helps when you're learning.
Comprehensive Course: For those who want the complete deep-dive education, our Microgreen Masterclass Course covers everything from beginner fundamentals to advanced techniques. It includes detailed modules on tray systems, growing mediums, and troubleshooting.
Our Blog: Check out the On The Grow blog for dozens of in-depth articles on specific topics. We're constantly adding new content based on questions we get from growers like you as well as updating old blogs.
Our Book: We self-published a book called "Becoming a Microgreen Master" and this comprehensive microgreen growing book is for beginners to commercial growers. It has step-by-step instructions, proven techniques, and troubleshooting guides.
Frequently Asked Questions: View our FAQ page on our website for even more answers.
Community Support: Follow us on Facebook to connect with other growers, ask questions, and see what others in the microgreen community are growing. The supportive community on our page is honestly one of the best parts of growing microgreens.
Learn more about our educational resources here, and what real growers are saying.
Final Thoughts: Your Microgreen Journey Starts Small
Starting something new can feel overwhelming, but here's the truth about growing microgreens: you don't need to have everything figured out before you begin. You don't need the perfect setup, every tool imaginable, or encyclopedic knowledge of plant biology. You just need some quality seeds, basic growing equipment, and the willingness to learn as you go.
We've watched thousands of people start their microgreen journeys over the past seven years. The ones who succeed and stick with it long-term almost always start with modest setups, learn the fundamentals on a handful of trays, make plenty of mistakes (we all do!), and gradually scale up as they develop confidence and skills. They don't try to do everything at once.
The Microgreen starter setup we've outlined in this guide—a compact grow rack, some LED lights, and a few beginner-friendly tray options—will serve you incredibly well as you learn. It's enough capacity to produce meaningful harvests for your household or even start testing local market interest if you're thinking about selling. But it's not so large that you'll feel overwhelmed or waste money on equipment you're not ready for. And we honestly suggest building your own setup over buying pre-made grow rack setups that tend to have a higher cost.
Start with 2-4 trays. Master broccoli, radish, and maybe one or two other varieties. Get comfortable with the daily rhythm of checking, watering, and observing your crops. Learn what healthy growth looks like, what overwatering looks like, when to transition trays from germination to light, and how to troubleshoot the inevitable issues that pop up.
Once you've successfully grown 10-15 trays and you're consistently producing beautiful microgreens, then you can start thinking about expanding. Maybe you add more trays, upgrade to a larger rack, experiment with specialty varieties, or test out selling at a local farmers market. But that comes later, after you've built the foundation.
Remember: every expert microgreen grower you see online, every successful microgreens business owner, every person posting beautiful harvest photos on social media—they all started exactly where you are right now. With zero trays, zero experience, and probably some nervousness about whether they could actually do this. They started small, learned through doing, made mistakes, adjusted their methods, and grew their skills over time.
You can do this. Start small, stay consistent, use quality inputs, and don't be afraid to reach out for help when you need it. We're rooting for you (pun absolutely intended 🌱).
Now stop reading and go order those seeds and trays. Your first harvest is waiting!
Published: January 2026
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