Guide to Growing Indoor Hydroponic Microgreens in North Texas - Beat the Heat this Summer

May 13, 2024

Microgreens growing in On The Grow's custom NFT Hydroponic grow System

Hydroponic microgreens are an excellent option for gardeners in North Texas looking to beat the intense summer heat that's right around the corner while enjoying fresh, nutritious produce. Microgreens are young vegetable greens that are approximately 1–3 inches tall. They are packed with nutrients and can be grown indoors using hydroponic systems & setups, which do not require soil and use minimal water. This makes them ideal for urban & suburban environments, apartments or places where outdoor gardening is challenged by harsh weather conditions.

In this blog, we will dive deep into the process of growing Hydroponic Microgreens indoors, from setting up and maintaining an indoor hydroponic system for growing microgreens to choosing the simple route of hydroponics for your North Texas grown greens. We will cover the benefits of hydroponic gardening, the best microgreens to grow in this region, setting up your system, and tips for successful growth.

Benefits of Growing Hydroponic Microgreens

Sunflower Microgreens growing under blurple lights using hydroponics - On The Grow

1. Nutrient Density

Microgreens are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Research indicates that these tiny greens can contain up to 40 times higher nutrient levels than their mature counterparts.

2. Water Efficiency

Hydroponics is highly water-efficient, using up to 90% less water than traditional soil gardening. This is particularly advantageous in North Texas, where summer can bring water use restrictions.

3. Space Efficiency

Hydroponic systems require less space than traditional gardening. They can be set up on small balconies, patios, or even indoors, making them perfect for urban dwellers.

4. Year-Round Growing

By controlling the indoor environment, microgreens can be grown year-round, providing a continuous supply of fresh produce despite the scorching summer temperatures outside.

Best Microgreens for North Texas

When growing microgreens indoors in North Texas, you really aren't limited to certain varieties, as most grow wonderfully indoors. However, here are some great options:

1. Radish Microgreens

Fast-growing with a spicy flavor, radish microgreens are ready to harvest in as little as five to seven days.

2. Sunflower Microgreens

Sunflower microgreens are hearty with a nutty flavor and are particularly heat tolerant.

3. Pea Microgreens

Pea microgreens have a sweet flavor and are also relatively easy to grow, taking about two weeks to be ready for harvest.

4. Arugula Microgreens

Known for its peppery flavor, arugula grows quickly and adds a spicy kick to salads and dishes.

Setting Up Your Hydroponic System

To start with indoor hydroponic gardening for your Microgreens, you'll need some basic gear and supplies. But first, it's crucial to decide which setup suits your space, needs, and lifestyle schedule. Here are three popular options for growing Microgreens hydroponically indoors, along with the basics of each:

1. Choosing a Hydroponic System:

Kratky Method: Perfect for beginners, this method involves suspending plant roots in a nutrient-rich water solution. It's a passive approach, requiring minimal effort, time, and equipment. We offer a 10x20 Kratky Tray Kit on our website, and our 7x14 Tray Kit follows a similar technique. This setup requires minimal space and is a favorite of ours. Watch the video above to learn more about this setup and how to grow with it
3-Tray Setup: This is the standard choice, consisting of three trays creating a "tray sandwich." You would need one tray without holes on top, a mesh or slotted tray in the middle for the growing medium, and another tray without holes at the bottom, serving as the reservoir after germination. Typically, 1" deep trays are used, and you'll need to water 1 to 2 times a day. This setup also requires minimal space. Watch this video to learn how to grow with this setup.
Nutrient Film Technique (NFT): Known for space efficiency, NFT involves a continuous flow of nutrient solution over the roots. Building an actual hydroponic system for this setup is necessary, and it can be a bit more costly depending on where you source the components. However, once set up, it's automated. Similar to the Kratky method, after germination, your greens are incorporated into the automated system, requiring only periodic checks until harvest day. Watch this video to learn how to setup this system.

2. Lighting

Microgreens require sufficient light to grow but do not need intense sunlight. A simple LED grow light setup is sufficient, providing about 12-16 hours of light daily.

3. Nutrients and Water

The hydroponic solution should include a balanced mix of nutrients tailored for leafy greens, which can be purchased at gardening stores or online. If you're curious to learn more about ratios, which nutrients we suggest, and more, then checkout our Free PDF Download "Fertilizer Ratio Guide for Microgreens"

4. Temperature and Humidity

Maintaining a temperature of 65-75°F and a humidity level of 40-60% is ideal for microgreen growth. In North Texas, indoor conditions can easily be controlled with air conditioning or fans.

Tips for Successful Growth

1. Regular Monitoring

If growing using the Kratky method, get your seedlings through germination (first 3 to 4 days for most crops). Then fill the bottom tray with 14-cups of your nutrient water mixture that has been pH balanced, place them into the light, do a root drip test to make sure all the roots are touching the water, then.... you do nothing but periodically check of them for a few days. This method is extremely passive.

If growing using the 3-tray setup, you'll follow a similar plan as you will with the Kratky method, expect when it comes to moving your microgreens out of germination and into the light for the first time, you'll water them 1 to 2x per day with your nutrient water mixture that has been pH balanced. Typically starting with about 1/4 cup and working your way up to no more than 2 cups per watering daily.

If growing in a NFT system, check your system daily for any signs of nutrient deficiency or disease. Adjust the pH of the water to be slightly acidic, around 5.5 to 6.5, which is optimal for nutrient uptake.

2. Harvesting

Harvest microgreens when they are 1-3 inches tall and have developed their first true leaves. Use a sharp knife or sharp scissors to cut them cleanly above the medium used.

3. Sanitation

Keep your growing area clean to prevent the spread of pathogens. Disinfect your system and/or trays between crops to ensure healthy new growth.

Conclusion

Growing hydroponic microgreens indoors is a smart and efficient way to ensure a year-round supply of fresh greens in North Texas. It not only bypasses the outdoor heat but also uses resources like space and water more efficiently. By following the outlined steps and tips, you can enjoy the harvest of your nutritious microgreens right from the comfort of your home.

Resources and Further Reading

For those interested in delving deeper into hydroponic gardening and microgreen cultivation, we are industry leaders who have been growing Indoor Microgreens Hydroponically in Rockwall, Texas ( zone 8a ) since 2019. Below are some of the resources we have to offer!

By understanding and utilizing these resources, you can optimize your indoor gardening projects and enjoy the freshest produce even in the heat of summer!