Growing your own microgreens; it’s easier than you think

The Whitecourt Public Library held an information session on Microgreens and Seeds on Saturday, May 27. Library Assistant, Bev Littke, facilitated the event providing information and guiding attendees through a planting project.

Bev showed books that she recommends for those looking to start microgreen gardening all of which are available at the library. Her top three are Year-Round Indoor Salad Gardening by Peter Burk, How to Grow Nature’s Own Super Food by Fionna Hill, and Micro Green Garden by Mark Mathew Braunstein.

Throughout the presentation, Littke shared tidbits for soaking seeds, what potting mixes to use, where to place your seedlings while they germinate, and when to start consuming them (when they have four leaves). The health aspects of greens were a key reason for the session.

“In the winter time your lettuce comes from such a distance away that by the time it gets here you’re basically not getting much out of it,” said Bev.  She showed how little room microgreens can take up, the benefits you will receive out of consuming them, and how easy it can be to set up a planter with just a few supplies. She also brought along her own planter filled with two-inch-high microgreens that she had just planted a week prior to the session.

Those in attendance created a planter with small foil containers, a piece of paper for interior lining, and potting soil. After poking holes in the base of the container, they filled up the planters and added seeds. Bev also divulged a way to properly dampen potting soil by placing the amount you need into a sealable bag and slowly adding water until it’s a doughy consistency then working it with your hands while the bag is tightly sealed shut.

If you missed the session and want to read up on microgreens and how to garden them, visit the Whitecourt Public Library and speak to the staff.  They will happily direct you to the area containing the books that will help you learn even more.