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5 Best Soil For Microgreens In 2023 – Reviews & Top Picks

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Microgreens are weak-old sprouts that are cut 7-10 days after sowing. These sprouts are germinated seeds with a shoot of only 2-3 mm. Likewise, there are many types of microgreens, each with its value.

Each type is rich in vitamins, proteins, and trace elements. All this is necessary to help maintain a complete and vigorous state of the body, preserve health, and protect against environmental factors.

Growing microgreens, there is a need for substrate and soil to become the essential element in their growth. You need to go for the best microgreens soil because it has incredible features. It is lightweight and rehydrates quickly, and requires you to add water.

In the same way, it has a high water-holding capacity to ensure healthier roots and vigorous plant growth. There are fine natural ingredients without any chemical or synthetic plant foods. Minerals like earthworm castings, kelp meal, feather meal, and alfalfa meal can be found in these products.

Likewise, this best soil for microgreens is environmentally-friendly, peat-free, reusable, and renewable. It is tidier than carrying a large bag with moist potting soil. Also, it is ideal for vegetable plantings, patio containers, hanging baskets, herb gardens, and anywhere.

Mountain Valley Seed Company Minute Soil Coco Coir Fiber for Microgreens Best Soil For Microgreens 2
Mountain Valley Seed Company Minute Soil Coco Coir Fiber for Microgreens – via Amazon.com

How to grow microgreens in the soil

Growing microgreens in the soil are easy. To do this, you need to follow the following steps:

Step 1

Soak the Microgreen seeds in water for several hours so that they swell and subsequently germinate better and faster. It is enough to take a plastic cup, place the seeds there and fill it with water.

Step 2

If using a perforated tray, place a paper towel or thin cloth in the bottom. Fill the container with soil, but not entirely, leaving about 2-3 cm from the top. The soil should not be too dry or too wet. Level the surface without tamping it.

Step 3

Cover the container with a plastic mesh, divided into several sections. Containers intended to germinate several crops at once can be divided into sections with different diameters of holes in the grid. Then spread the microgreens seeds evenly on the rack.

Step 4

Spray the seeds with a spray bottle to add extra moisture and place them in a warm and bright spot.

Step 5

When the seedlings have germinated enough that their roots get stuck in the net, start rinsing the Microgreens under running water. You need to do this 2-3 times a day. After rinsing, do not forget to refill the container with water to make the plant roots reach the moisture.

Step 6

Harvesting young Microgreens depend on the culture’s growth rate because microgreens are ready to eat in 5-10 days. Usually, they are harvested when the seedlings grow to 4-7 cm in height.


5 Best Soil For Microgreens

1. Mountain Valley Seed Company Minute Soil Coco Coir Fiber for Microgreens

Mountain Valley Seed Company Minute Soil Coco Coir Fiber for Microgreens Best Soil For Microgreens

Many people go for this best soil for microgreens from Mountain Valley Seed Company because it is pure and untreated. It has raw fibrous coconut coir, which is compressed to light, convenient blocks or discs.

This quickly expands into a remarkable grow medium if water is added. Thanks to the light texture, it helps to keep the roots healthy and happy.

Similarly, it is compact, lightweight, rehydrates quickly, peat-free, raw and non-amended, and eco-friendly. You need to add water. In the same way, it is much easier and tidier than carrying a large bag of moist potting soil.

The soil is unique because it offers improved water holding aeration and capacity for healthier roots and firm, faster plant growth.

Additionally, you can use this soil as a straight grow medium or just added to the garden soil to improve the water holding aeration and capacity. Equally important, it is easy to rehydrate and transfer, making the urban garden easier to maintain and start.

It is perfect for different growing use like indoor seed starts, flowers, garden soil, herbs, vegetables, house plants, wheatgrass microgreens, and more.

Pros
  • Pure and untreated
  • Lightweight and compact
  • It rehydrates quickly
  • Peat-free and eco-friendly
  • Much tidier and easier
  • Offers improved water holding capacity
  • Aeration for faster
  • It has strong plant growth
  • Easy to rehydrate and transfer
  • It has a light texture
  • It is very effective
Cons
  • Not possible to reuse for subsequent planting
  • The growing mixture can dehydrate pretty quickly

2. Window Garden Easy-to-Store Expanding Organic Soil for Microgreens

Window Garden Easy to Store Expanding Organic Soil for Microgreens Best Soil For Microgreens

Are you looking for soil for microgreens that ensure fast and easy growing? Go for this product from Window Garden because it is ideal for advanced and beginning gardeners.

You can grow plants like house plants, wheatgrass, succulents, cat grass, and microgreens. This makes a home feel as fruitful, like planting outside with variability and without any inconvenience of outdoor growth.

I really appreciate the unique natural fibers because they offer abundant oxygen that reduces the root rot from excess watering. This ensures a healthy and long-lasting plant life.

The soil is exceptionally compressed into pucks, which means you do not have to fear cumbersome or bulky bags. Essentially, you need to expand the soil and then expose it to enough water.

Top growers worldwide are now switching to these soil microgreens as their preferred planting soil since it works better. In like manner, it is organic, eco-friendly, peat-free, reusable, and renewable to help the customers and the habitat. It has compact pucks that make it easy to carry and excellent water-holding capability.

Pros
  • It ensures fast and easy growing
  • Provide abundant oxygen
  • Reduces root rot
  • It is organic and eco-friendly
  • Expands quickly
  • It is peat-free
  • Reusable and renewable
  • Convenient and easy to store
  • Good water-holding capability
  • It is compact
Cons
  • Some pucks can attract fungus after it has expanded
  • Require fertilizer to improve the soil’s performance

3. Sungro Gro Horticulture Black Gold 1302040 8-Quart All Organic Soil for Microgreens

Sungro Gro Horticulture Black Gold 1302040 8 Quart All Organic Soil for Microgreens Best Soil For Microgreens

Sungro Gro Horticulture has come up with this best soil for microgreens because it provides premium quality. Notably, the rich and loamy mix makes it the best for all gardening applications.

It can fit all your needs because it is quality tested, convenient, and has organic ingredients, which has proven a track record of performance.

Pumice and perlite are added to this soil to ensure optimum air space and pore for sturdy growth. On the other hand, it contains peat moss, compost, aged bark, earthworm, organic fertilizer, and castings. 

It has a wise application where you can use it in vegetable plantings, patio containers, hanging baskets, herb gardens, and anywhere you may like to use organic soil.

Pros
  • It ensures optimum pore
  • Ideal for sturdy growth
  • Best for different gardening applications
  • It has good air space
  • All-natural and organic
  • It ensures optimum aeration
  • Added compost and fertilizer
  • Fluffy and rich soil
  • High water holding capacity
  • Promotes healthy plant growth
  • Has good texture and color
Cons
  • Gnat and past issues

4. Espoma Organic Indoor & Outdoor Soil Mix for Microgreens

Espoma Organic Indoor Outdoor Soil Mix for Microgreens Best Soil For Microgreens

The unique thing about this soil for microgreens from Espoma is that it is the indoor potting soil and the outdoor potting soil. It is the ideal soil mix for herbs, vegetables, and other container flowers and plants. In all honesty, it is rich in sphagnum peat moss, perlite and humus.

Besides, you will get minerals like earthworm castings, kelp meal, feather meal, and alfalfa meal. The fantastic thing about this product is that you can use it anytime, starting the new plant or transplanting it into the larger container. This is because the plants need fresh planting soil and regular re-potting for optimum growth

In the same way, it is a patented blend of ecto and endo mycorrhizae. The soil is a rich blend of fine natural ingredients where no chemicals or synthetic plant foods are used.

This product is light with an excellent loose structure and high moisture retention that permits maximum airflow. Typically, this ensures the root systems in the plants stay healthy.

Pros
  • It can be used anytime
  • No chemical or synthetic plant foods
  • It has enough nutrients
  • Easy to store
  • It is very light and fine
  • High moisture retention
  • Good loose structure
  • Easy moistened storage
Cons
  • There are occasional mold issues

5. Mountain Valley Seed Company Minute Indoor Growing Soil

Mountain Valley Seed Company Minute Indoor Growing Soil Best Soil For Microgreens

If you are looking for the best soil for pure and untreated microgreens, then go for this model from Mountain Valley Seed Company. Notably, it has raw fibrous coconut coir, compressed in light, convenient blocks, or discs that quickly expand into an ideal grow medium when water is added.

This soil is much easier and tidier than hauling a large bag of moist potting soil. Equally important, it is compact, lightweight, and rehydrates quickly.

The model is peat-free, eco-friendly, raw, and non-amended. In like manner, it offers improved aeration and water holding capacity for healthier roots and firm, faster plant growth.

It is versatile for you can use it like a straight grow medium or add to the garden soil to increase water holding capacity and aeration. Also, it is easy to rehydrate and transfer, which makes it easy to maintain and start the urban garden.

Above all, it is ideal for different growing use like indoor garden soil, seed starts, flowers, house plants, vegetables, microgreens, herbs, wheatgrass, and more.

Pros
  • Lightweight and compact
  • It rehydrates quickly
  • Peat-free and eco-friendly
  • It offers improved aeration and water holding capacity
  • It is versatile
  • Easy to maintain and start
  • It has a light texture      
  • Easy to transfer
  • Excellent soil alternative
Cons
  • It can be expensive

How to grow microgreens at home without soil

Another way to grow microgreens is without using soil. To do this, follow the given steps.

  1. Take enough gauze to be laid in 7 layers in the growing container of your choice.
  2. Place the seeds in the tray, lightly dampening each layer with spray water.
  3. Sprinkle the seeds well on the top layer of the moistened gauze, with very little space between them. Spray lightly with water.
  4. Cover with plastic wrap to keep moisture in until the seeds germinate. Place the container in a warm, dark place and check every 24 hours.
  5. Spray with water as soon as the gauze begins to dry out. When you see sprouts, move the tray to a sunny windowsill.
  6. Continue watering as needed, and within a few days, when the sprouts have 2-3 true leaves, you will have microgreens ready to harvest. Cut it carefully with scissors just before use.

Conditions for growing microgreens

  • The optimal temperature for growing microgreens is 20-22 ºС. If it is lowered, the plants will take longer to grow, and if it is increased, they may rot or dry out.
  • During its short growth, microgreens do not have time to become infected with any diseases, but there are exceptions. With excess moisture or poor seed quality, mold may appear on them. If you doubt the quality of the seeds, pre-soak them in a solution of soda (1 g per 200 ml) or boric acid (0.2 g per 1 liter) for a day.
  • After each harvest, the container to be reused must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
  • Rugs made of linen, wadding, coco substrate, etc., should not be used a second time. If you plan to reuse the soil, it must be disinfected with a magnesium solution.
  • Place the mini sprouts in a sunny spot, but avoid direct sunlight. Microgreens don’t need that much light, and they can only dry out the plants or lead to the active growth of pathogenic fungi.
  • Do not exceed the sowing density as the seedlings will be less ventilated, and as a result, mold will appear on them.
  • It is also worth distinguishing mold from the presence of normal root hairs on seedlings. They are needed for better moisture retention. Root hairs have a fuzzy structure, and the mold is more like a web. Mold, unlike hairs, is slimy to the touch. Also, in the presence of mold, a characteristic smell will appear on the roots. The mold disappears after rinsing with water, and the root hair will return after a couple of hours. 

Advantages of growing microgreens

  • They grow fast. It takes about 1-3 weeks from seed to finished product, depending on the variety chosen.
  • High yield ratio. You can grow an incredible number of Microgreens in a small area. Many varieties are capable of producing multiple crops.
  • Minimal cost, time, and effort are required to obtain Microgreens for a healthy diet that is in high demand.
  • Microgreens are undemanding to conditions. Besides, they need good lighting, a suitable shallow container, water, and a growing medium. You can use inexpensive fluorescent lamps.
  • Low production costs. Since growing microgreens do not require expensive equipment, startup costs are pretty affordable and can be cheaper than you think.
  • The concentration of nutrients in microgreens is several times higher than when harvesting plants in the maturity phase. Low calorie with a small volume, the body is provided with all the necessary substances.
  • You can grow in an apartment and not purchase at the store, and you do not need germinators.

Useful properties of microgreens

  1. Microgreens contain up to 40 times more nutrients than adult plants and fruits from the garden, and the amount of vitamin C is off the charts.
  2. Micro and macro elements in microgreens are absorbed by the body much better than seeds and cereals, and the calorie content is minimal.
  3. Microgreens are an excellent food for healthy eaters and vegetarians.
  4. Being highly saturated with vitamins, enzymes, chlorophyll, antioxidants, and biologically active substances make microgreens natural, easily digestible food that improves digestion processes and increases the body’s efficiency and endurance.
  5. Microgreens are rich in essential vitamins. This is especially true of cereals, which people are accustomed to seeing in the form of cereals. Microgreens seeds contain group B, PP, and E vitamins without extra gluten, starch, and other unnecessary components.

Uses of microgreens in cooking

Microgreens are a hot trend in the food world. They are popular among people who monitor their well-being and adhere to a healthy lifestyle. Microgreens add color, enhance flavor, and add interesting texture to any dish while enriching it with beneficial nutrients. For chefs in restaurants they serve microgreens as a garnish when served.

Here are the tips for using microgreens in cooking:

  • Use it as an addition to soups and salads.
  • Put some drops into the juice or smoothie before blending.
  • Serve as the side dish with different main course.
  • Sprinkle microgreens on a pizza sandwich after cooking.
  • Hen add it to casseroles or omelets.

Conclusion

Microgreens are important because they strengthen the body, improve metabolism, and increase endurance and performance due to the high concentration of carotenoids and vitamins.

They grow rapidly, allowing you to get fresh greens at any time. This means you need the best soil. Go for the above soil for microgreens because it has outstanding features. For instance, it has improved water holding aeration and capacity to ensure healthier roots.

The best-selling product is Mountain Valley Seed Company Minute Soil Coco Coir Fiber for Microgreens because it is easier and tidier than other moist potting soil. Also, it helps to improve water holding aeration and capacity to ensure healthier roots and vigorous plant growth.

This product has attained the required features because it is easier and tidier and has improved water holding aeration and capacity.