Free U.S. Shipping On Orders Over $65

Best Microgreens for Small Spaces: Growing in Apartments & Tiny Kitchens

Quick Answer

Best varieties for small spaces: Radish, broccoli, arugula, and mustard. These grow fast (6 to 10 days), don't require deep trays, and can be grown on windowsills, countertops, or small shelving units. You can produce fresh greens weekly from just 1 to 2 square feet of space. No backyard needed.

Why Microgreens Are Perfect for Small Spaces

Living in an apartment or small home doesn't mean you can't grow microgreens. In fact, microgreens are one of the most space-efficient crops you can grow, requiring just a few square feet to produce fresh greens weekly.

Personal Note from Our Experience: We know exactly what it's like to grow in tight quarters. When we started On The Grow back in 2019, our entire grow space was a 160-square-foot mobile concession-style trailer that we had custom built. We proved you could run a microgreens operation from an incredibly compact space. Today, we grow at home in our office using a grow tent with a grow rack inside. Still compact, still efficient.

Brand new to growing? Start with our beginner's microgreens guide for a full overview, or grab our 41-page Beginner's Guide PDF for a printable walkthrough.

Space Efficiency That's Hard to Beat

1 Square Foot Can Produce:

  • 8 to 12 oz of fresh microgreens per week
  • Equivalent to 2 to 3 store-bought containers
  • More nutrition per square inch than almost any other crop
  • Year-round production from a single tray

No Outdoor Space Needed

✅ Grow entirely indoors
✅ No balcony or patio required
✅ Year-round production regardless of weather
✅ No neighbors or HOA concerns
✅ Perfect for renters

Minimal Equipment Required

Essential Setup (Under 2 Square Feet):

  • 2 to 3 growing trays (10x20 standard size)
  • Small LED grow light or bright window
  • Spray bottle
  • Growing medium (reusable silicone or coconut coir)

Best Varieties for Small Space Growing

Not all microgreens are equally suited for small spaces. Fast-growing, shallow-rooted varieties maximize your limited area.

Top 5 Compact Varieties

1. Radish Microgreens ⭐ Easiest for Beginners

  • Growing time: 6 to 10 days
  • Tray depth needed: 1 to 1.5 inches (shallow)
  • Light requirements: Moderate (bright window works)
  • Space per tray: 10x20 inches
  • Why it's great: Fastest harvest, forgiving, high yield, peppery flavor

2. Broccoli Microgreens

  • Growing time: 8 to 12 days
  • Tray depth needed: 1 to 1.5 inches
  • Light requirements: Moderate
  • Space per tray: 10x20 inches
  • Why it's great: Mild flavor, highly nutritious, reliable germination

For a complete walkthrough on growing broccoli microgreens, see our step-by-step broccoli growing guide. Broccoli is the variety we recommend almost every beginner start with.

3. Arugula Microgreens

  • Growing time: 7 to 10 days
  • Tray depth needed: 1 to 1.5 inches
  • Light requirements: Moderate to low (good for darker apartments)
  • Space per tray: 10x20 inches
  • Why it's great: Peppery flavor, grows well in lower light

4. Mustard Microgreens

  • Growing time: 8 to 12 days
  • Tray depth needed: 1 to 1.5 inches
  • Light requirements: Moderate
  • Space per tray: 10x20 inches
  • Why it's great: Beautiful colors (red, purple, green), fast growing, spicy kick

5. Kale Microgreens

  • Growing time: 8 to 12 days
  • Tray depth needed: 1 to 1.5 inches
  • Light requirements: Moderate
  • Space per tray: 10x20 inches
  • Why it's great: Mild flavor, nutritious, tolerates lower light better than most

Varieties That Can Be Challenging in Small Spaces

❌ Sunflower Microgreens

  • Hulls create mess that's annoying in small living spaces
  • Requires more growing time (10 to 14 days)
  • Takes up space for less frequent harvests

❌ Pea Shoots

  • Very tall growth (6 to 8 inches)
  • Takes up more vertical space
  • More cleanup needed (tendril debris)

Stick with: Brassicas (broccoli, kale, radish, mustard, arugula) for easiest small-space growing. Learn more about avoiding common growing mistakes.

Space-Saving Setup Options

Choose the setup that fits your available space and growing goals.

Option 1: Windowsill Growing (Smallest Footprint)

Space Required: 10 x 20 inches (1 tray on a windowsill)

Best For:

  • Testing microgreens for the first time
  • Producing greens for 1 to 2 people
  • No additional equipment budget

What You Need:

Weekly Yield: 8 to 12 oz every 7 to 10 days

Limitations:

  • Only 1 to 2 trays maximum
  • Seasonal variations in natural light
  • May need to supplement with desk lamp in winter

Best Varieties: Radish, arugula (tolerate moderate light conditions)

Option 2: Countertop with Grow Light (Recommended)

Space Required: 12 x 24 inches (counter space)

Best For:

  • Consistent weekly production
  • Year-round growing
  • 2 to 4 person household

What You Need:

Weekly Yield: 16 to 24 oz (enough for daily salads, sandwiches, smoothies)

Advantages:

  • Reliable light year-round
  • Can grow anywhere in home
  • Small footprint
  • Easy access for daily checks

Best Varieties: All brassicas work perfectly in this setup

Option 3: Vertical Shelf System (Maximum Efficiency)

Space Required: 24 x 18 inches (floor space) x 48 inches tall

Best For:

  • Feeding a family
  • Small business potential
  • Serious home growing

What You Need:

Weekly Yield: 3 to 5 lbs (48 to 80 oz)

Advantages:

  • Vertical space utilization (critical in small apartments)
  • Grow multiple varieties simultaneously
  • Professional-level production from small footprint

Cost: $100 to $200 initial investment

Best Location: Closet, corner of bedroom, kitchen nook, spare bathroom

If you're ready to scale up beyond the typical small-space setup, see our complete professional grow rack build guide for a full breakdown of how we set ours up.

Compact Tray Options for Tiny Spaces

If even a 10x20 tray feels too large, we have smaller options designed specifically for small-space growers.

10x10 Inch Trays (Quarter-Size)

Perfect for:

  • Very small countertops
  • Testing new varieties
  • Growing just enough for 1 person
  • Windowsill growing

Product: 10x10 Heavy Duty Shallow Trays

Yield: 4 to 6 oz per tray (perfect single serving size)

7x14 OTG Tray Kit (Narrow Footprint)

Perfect for:

  • Narrow shelves or counters
  • In-between size (not too big, not too small)
  • Variety testing
  • Complete kit with everything you need to start

Product: 7x14 OTG Microgreen Tray Kit

Yield: 6 to 8 oz per tray

For a complete walkthrough of this kit, see our 7x14 OTG Tray Kit growing guide.

Layouts for Different Small Spaces

Studio Apartment (350 to 500 sq ft)

Best Setup: Countertop with grow light

  • Location: Kitchen counter or end of desk
  • Footprint: 12 x 24 inches
  • Impact: Minimal visual clutter
  • Production: Enough for 2 people
  • Recommended Trays: 10x20 shallow trays or the 7x14 OTG Tray Kit

One-Bedroom Apartment (500 to 750 sq ft)

Best Setup: Small vertical shelf in corner or closet

  • Location: Bedroom corner, hall closet, kitchen nook
  • Footprint: 24 x 18 inches
  • Production: Enough for 2 to 4 people or small sales
  • Recommended: 4 to 6 10x20 trays with reusable grow mediums

Condo/Townhome (750 to 1,200 sq ft)

Best Setup: Full 4-tier vertical system

  • Location: Closet, spare room, garage (if attached)
  • Footprint: 36 x 18 inches
  • Production: Small commercial potential (enough to sell at farmers markets)
  • Recommended: 10 to 12 10x20 trays in rotation

Dealing with Small-Space Challenges

Challenge 1: Limited Light

Problem: No bright windows, rooms with limited natural light

Solutions:

✅ Use LED grow lights (necessary, not optional for consistent results)
✅ Position lights 6 to 12 inches above trays
✅ Run lights 12 to 16 hours per day
✅ Clip-on lights work great for 1 to 2 trays
✅ LED shop lights work for full shelving systems

Read our 7-year lighting testing guide for detailed light recommendations.

Cost: $20 to $30 for basic setup, $50 to $100 for full vertical system

Challenge 2: Humidity Concerns

Problem: Apartments can be dry (especially with winter heating)

Solutions:

✅ Use humidity domes during germination (days 1 to 4)
✅ Bottom water to reduce evaporation
✅ Keep trays grouped together (creates beneficial microclimate)
✅ Light misting daily if air is very dry

What to Avoid: Over-humidifying (increases mold risk in enclosed spaces). For a full breakdown on mold prevention and root hair identification, see our complete mold prevention guide.

Learn about proper blackout timing to manage humidity during germination.

Challenge 3: Smell/Mess Concerns

Problem: Worried about soil smell or mess in your living space

Solutions:

✅ Use reusable silicone grow mediums, cleaner than soil, no smell
✅ Coconut coir has minimal odor compared to traditional potting soil
✅ Dedicate a tray or mat for your workspace
✅ Harvest over sink or step outside briefly
✅ Store supplies in closed containers

Reality Check: Microgreens are one of the LEAST messy indoor growing options. Far cleaner than most houseplants.

Learn more about our reusable silicone grow medium and why it's perfect for apartment growing.

Challenge 4: Space for Supplies Storage

Problem: Where to store trays, seeds, equipment in a small apartment

Solutions:

✅ Stack trays vertically under sink or in closet
✅ Use over-door organizer for spray bottles and seed packets
✅ Plastic bin with lid holds all supplies (fits under bed or in closet)
✅ Wall hooks for hanging spray bottles

Space Needed for Supplies: 2 to 3 cubic feet total (one small bin or half a cabinet shelf)

Challenge 5: Temperature Control

Problem: Apartments can be too warm in summer or too cool in winter

Solutions:

✅ Ideal range: 65 to 75°F (most apartments fall naturally in this range)
✅ Too warm (over 80°F): Grow near AC vent, add small fan for circulation
✅ Too cold (under 60°F): Grow near heat source, add extra light (generates warmth)
✅ Most microgreen varieties tolerate 60 to 80°F range well

Good News: Most climate-controlled apartments are already in the ideal temperature range for microgreens.

Cost to Start Growing in Small Spaces

Minimal Setup (Windowsill): $30 to $50

Total: ~$43

Can Start Growing: Immediately if you have a bright window

Recommended Setup (Countertop with Light): $70 to $100

  • 6 trays (3 kits, growing and backup): $30
  • Clip-on LED grow light: $25 to $40
  • Seeds (3 varieties): $15
  • Reusable grow mediums: $16 to $32
  • Spray bottle: $5

Total: $90 to $120

Best Value: Most versatile, reliable year-round production

Full Small-Space System (Vertical Shelf): $150 to $250

  • Wire shelving unit (3 to 4 tier): $50 to $80
  • 12 trays (6 kits): $90
  • LED shop lights (3 fixtures): $60 to $90
  • Seeds (5 varieties): $25
  • Reusable mediums or coconut coir: $20 to $40
  • Spray bottle, timer, misc: $15

Total: $260 to $340

ROI: Pays for itself in 3 to 6 months if used regularly (saves $40 to $60/month on store-bought microgreens)

Weekly Routine for Small Spaces

Time Commitment: 20 to 30 minutes per week total

Weekly Tasks Breakdown

Sunday (Seeding):

  • Seed new tray (10 minutes)
  • Check moisture on active trays (5 minutes)

Monday-Friday (Daily Maintenance):

  • Quick moisture check (2 minutes)
  • Water if needed (3 minutes)
  • Total daily: 5 to 7 minutes

Saturday (Harvest):

  • Harvest mature tray (10 minutes)
  • Clean harvested tray (5 minutes)
  • Package/store harvest (5 minutes)

Total Weekly Time: 1 to 2 hours including all tasks

Maximizing Yield in Limited Space

Strategy 1: Stagger Planting

Don't: Plant 3 trays all at once (results in feast-or-famine harvest)

Do: Plant 1 tray every 3 to 4 days

Result: Continuous harvest schedule, never overwhelmed with too much at once

Strategy 2: Focus on Fast Varieties

Fast Growers:

  • Radish (6 to 10 days)
  • Broccoli (8 to 12 days)
  • Arugula (7 to 10 days)

Result: Harvest every 7 to 10 days consistently

Avoid: Slow growers like beets (14 to 21 days) that tie up your limited space for longer

Strategy 3: Grow Vertically, Not Horizontally

Horizontal Growing (1 shelf):

  • 2 trays = 16 to 24 oz/week

Vertical Growing (3 shelves, same floor space):

  • 6 trays = 48 to 72 oz/week

Result: 3x production from identical floor footprint

What You Can Realistically Harvest

From 2 Trays (Windowsill Growing)

  • Weekly Yield: 16 to 24 oz
  • Equivalent to: 2 to 3 store-bought containers ($8 to $12 retail value)
  • Enough for: 2 people's daily salads

From 4 Trays (Countertop Setup)

  • Weekly Yield: 32 to 48 oz
  • Equivalent to: 4 to 6 store-bought containers ($16 to $24 retail value)
  • Enough for: Family of 4 or serious meal prep

From 10 Trays (Vertical System)

  • Weekly Yield: 5 to 6 lbs (80 to 96 oz)
  • Equivalent to: 10 to 12 store-bought containers ($40 to $48 retail value)
  • Enough for: Family + sharing with friends or small farmers market sales

Landlord and Lease Considerations

Is Growing Microgreens Allowed in Rentals?

Usually YES, because microgreens are:

✅ Same as having houseplants (not specifically restricted)
✅ No structural modifications needed
✅ No water/plumbing risk
✅ Easily removable when you move out
✅ No outdoor space used
✅ No permanent fixtures installed

Potential Lease Red Flags (Rare)

❌ "No indoor gardening" clause (very rare, but check your lease)
❌ "No grow lights" restriction (some areas concerned about cannabis cultivation)

Best Practice: If you're concerned, show your landlord setup photos and explain it's food-grade microgreens (like growing herbs on a windowsill). Most landlords have zero issues with this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will growing microgreens make my apartment smell?

No significant smell. Reusable silicone mediums and coconut coir have minimal to no odor. Much less smell than cooking dinner. If you can smell anything, it smells faintly like fresh sprouts, pleasant and clean.

Will microgreens attract bugs in my apartment?

Very unlikely indoors. Microgreens grow so fast (7 to 12 days) that pests don't have time to establish. Soil-free growing with reusable mediums eliminates most pest risks entirely. We've never had pest issues growing indoors. For the rare case fungus gnats do appear, see our guide on managing fungus gnats indoors.

Can I grow microgreens in a studio apartment?

Absolutely. A 12x24 inch counter space or even a 10x10 tray on a windowsill is all you need. We started in a 160-square-foot trailer. If we could make it work there, you can make it work in a studio.

Do I need a grow light or can I use a window?

A bright south or west-facing window works for radish and arugula. However, grow lights ($20 to $40) provide more consistent results year-round, especially in winter. See our detailed lighting guide.

Is it worth it if I'm only feeding myself?

Yes. One 10x10 tray or 7x14 OTG Tray Kit per week (4 to 8 oz) provides fresh greens for salads, sandwiches, and smoothies daily. More nutritious than store-bought greens at a fraction of the cost.

What if I travel frequently?

Microgreens need daily moisture checks (2 to 3 minutes). If you're gone 3 to 4 days, you can usually pre-water carefully. Week-long trips require pausing your grow cycle. If you travel monthly or less, microgreens work great. If you're gone weekly, they may not be ideal.

Can I grow microgreens on reusable silicone in an apartment?

Yes, and this is actually our top recommendation for apartment growing. Our reusable silicone grow mediums are food-grade platinum-cured, FDA compliant per 21 CFR 177.2600, and LFGB tested and compliant. They produce no soil mess, no odor, and can be reused for 20 to 30+ grow cycles. For apartment growers especially, the cleanliness factor alone makes silicone the easiest medium to live with day-to-day.

What's the easiest microgreen variety for a complete beginner in a small space?

Broccoli is our top recommendation. It germinates reliably, grows fast (8 to 12 days), has a mild flavor that works with anything, and it forgives beginner mistakes better than most varieties. See our complete broccoli growing guide for a step-by-step walkthrough.

Key Takeaways

✅ Small spaces are perfect for microgreens. More efficient than any other crop per square foot
✅ Start with 1 to 2 trays on a windowsill or counter to test the process
✅ Best small-space varieties: Radish, broccoli, arugula, mustard
✅ Add a grow light for year-round consistency (not expensive)
✅ Vertical growing maximizes limited floor space. 3 to 4 tiers produce 3 to 4x more
✅ Total time investment: 1 to 2 hours per week (very manageable)
✅ Minimal smell, mess, or pest issues, especially with reusable grow mediums
✅ Approved in most rentals. Same as houseplants, no modifications needed

You don't need a farm or even a backyard to grow fresh, nutritious microgreens. Just a countertop, 30 minutes a week, and the right supplies.

Learn More and Get Started

Essential Resources:

Recommended Products for Small Spaces:

Ready to Start?

Related Blogs You Might Enjoy

Updated: May 23, 2026
All content is property of On The Grow®, LLC