Planning
Microgreen Quick Reference Chart
Download Microgreen Quick Reference Chart
View below or download the Microgreen Quick Reference Chart here.
What will you grow?
Your Little Green Sprouts garden can be used to grow a variety of crops. You can even use the garden to start vegetable seedlings for your outdoor gardens.
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Pea, sunflower, clover, mustard, buckwheat, kale, fava, broccoli, arugula, beets |
Microgreens are the staple crop of your Little Green Sprouts garden. Microgreens are edible seedlings of various vegetable, herb or flower plants that have grown their cotyledons (also known as ‘seed leaves’), or their first ‘true leaves’. | Ready in 10-14 days | |
| Lettuce blends, mesclun, salad, blends, arugula, kale, dandelion, spinach | Baby greens are the next stage of growth after the microgreen stage. these crops have their second or third true leaves, and most are ready to harvest at 25 to 35 days. | Ready in 3-6 weeks | |
| Basil, cilantro, lemon balm, compact flower varieties, vegetable seedlings | Non-fruiting plants, such as herbs, typically require less intense light and grow well in the Little Green Sprout Gardens. Herbs offer interesting flavours to foods and will make your classroom smell fresh! You may also use your garden to start vegetable seedlings for your outdoor gardens. | Ready in 4-8 weeks |
Plant Needs
Plants, like all living things, have basic needs that must be met for them to survive. These needs are the same for indoor, as well as outdoor plants. When a gardener or farmer grows food, they become the provider of those needs, along with nature.
Though the needs of a particular plant may vary, all plants share the same basic needs. You can use the acronym LAWNS to remember the needs of your crops and ensure they survive and thrive.
(L)ight
Plants need sunlight or indoor grow lights to grow. Plant leaves capture sunlight, then convert and store that energy as a sugar called glucose, in a process called photosynthesis. Plants use glucose for energy.
(N)utrients
Just like humans, plants require essential nutrients to support their growth. Plants must take up essential nutrients from the soil to support their growth. The exception is that microgreens can access all of the nutrients they need directly from the seed before harvest, so they will not need fertilization.
(A)ir
Air contains carbon dioxide used by plants for photosynthesis. Plants also require the proper temperatures and humidity. Most plants in an LGT garden require daytime temperatures of between 18 degrees Celsius and 25 degrees Celsius. Nighttime temperatures should not drop below 10 degrees Celsius, as cool temperatures can cause stunted growth in plants.
(S)pace
Space is like a plant’s habitat. Plants need a place to grow, and in our Little Green Sprouts garden, that space for roots to grow is provided by potting soil. Enough space is also required for the leaves and stem of a plant to grow, without crowding. Without enough room, plants may compete for basic needs and become susceptible to disease due to lack of airflow.
(W)ater
All living things, including plants, are comprised mostly of water. Plants use water to move nutrients back and forth between roots and leaves. Water is used during photosynthesis and water pressure helps promote the growth of stems and leaves. Water also helps a plant stay cool during photosynthesis. Water in the soil is absorbed by the roots and travels through the stems to the leaves. Too much or too little water can cause plants to wilt or droop.