Thank you!!!

Since True Leaf is having additional issues from others, I looked at Johnny’s. They have the radish and cabbage you suggested, but not the pea. What do you think about Dwarf Grey Sugar Pea?

Johnnys has peas listed under 'shoots'. (they charge shipping and ny tax)

Just checked. I have all their peas. All good. I need to do a side-by-side grow test.

They are having delays as well.

Here they are...radish blend, peas and I think that is cabbage on the right. Probably about 5-6 days growth. I usually go to 7-9 days and up to 12 if I have too much growing. About 6 big salads. But I usually add other veg, cheese, olives, etc.

radish has some crunch and spice, peas are sweet, brassicas are meaty. Good combo.

I order micro-green seeds by the pound here: http://seeds.toddsseeds.com/microgreens/

They sprout very quickly and the seeds keep well. My son does not care for radish greens, saying they are too strong. I usually order the other blends. A pound of seeds lasts a long time!

ETA - They also have pea seeds by the pound. http://seeds.toddsseeds.com/search.php?search_query=pea+microgreens&x=0&y=0

Much more economical.

Ok I’ve ordered field peas, red rambo, China rose, and black sunflower. And coir. If a pound is a lot then I’ll have more than a lot. Will help spread the wealth and knowledge when I have some to share!

SD - I’ve emailed you.

I'd like to start doing this too, and have no clue where to begin - I'm in So Cali.

I have no idea what to get for dirt or growing medium, trays for the seeds to grow, kinds of seeds for edible greens or micro greens, etc and would appreciate some specific help (i.e. first you order this, and order that in the same order.... Then you.....(whatever, I'm a tabula rasa!) or a link with specific instructions. If anyone sends me an email, please let me know by posting here on this thread, so I can look for it in all my email folders just in case it gets sent to spam or junk! Thanks!

Smiles,

Sooz

Here you go, Sooz. Done with things you may have around the house.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCsUjeUJeQ0

Thanks, Cindy!!!

One other suggestion: I just used an ice pick to put the holes on the bottom of the container. (I'm using a mushroom container from Costco.) It worked just fine. If you don't have an ice pick, an awl would work, too.

Sooz, I posted a link above. (click on the word 'LINK') You should read the postings. And Cindy's video link is good. But he mentioned any ol' soil. I don't agree. Use clean non-soil seed starting mix. Coir is not soil. The pellets are excellent and compressed and dry. You just wet what you need each seeding. The coir bricks are not good as you need to wet the entire brick. You will then have 5 gallons of soil that may rot. Nor do you need that much soil he uses in the container. I like CurtisStone's videos because he covers 'trouble shooting'. Root hairs, mold issues. Dampening off.

Foas, oh good you got the sunflower. They are crunchy like romaine. A bit like fresh spinach/baby chard. Even better, you will be harvesting fresh. : )

Don't worry about the lack of a green thumb. I have many NYC friends growing that never even had a house plant. Sometimes seasoned gardeners have a tough time adjusting to an in-door grow. Dense planting. Summer gardeners do not usually buy bulk seed.

These are the exact seed grown in a garden. Just insanely cheap compared to tiny seed packets from the garden center. Why I like Dunn and ThomasLaxton. So if you have gardening friends or want to grow a teepee soon outside, you have the seed. Peas are an early Spring crop...they like cooler temps.

No need for a light bank. I just like an LED source I use as a night light and gives the micro trays some extra boost. They dance from pantry shelf to the sunny window shelf.

(gorgeous sunny day today!)

An LED light strip. what's used for under counter kitchen lighting. $Cheap to run. Or like I mentioned a desk lamp with an LED bulb. I don't have any of these so this is just an example. DO NOT like mine. I need to replace it. It only works with motion control, no manual setting. The peas grow so fast they shut it off all-the-time. Drives me nuts.

But I would not spend any more money until you find out if you will keep up with this. A desk lamp will do.

I'm at about 50% with co-workers, friends, and family growing. Kids love them but they tend to overwater and kill them. Bottom watering, sitting in a tray of water, will kill, called 'wet feet'.

I got your address foas. Containers are in the kit. And directions. I don't need anything. Just make a small donation, HERE

Funny, I was just talking in another forum earlier today that it was lucky I got into some microgreen growing over the winter.

Thank you sleevendog for that :)

I laughed at Cindy's video- because I do have a large stack of those containers! I use them for storage in the craft room.

Instead, I've been using a big stack of recycled mushroom tubs. The regular grocery store ones. Small awl pokes holes in the bottom nicely.

Thanks SD!!! I will absolutely make a donation.

I don’t know how I overlooked the pellet detail as I’ve read that from you so many times. I ordered blocks. Maybe I can cut off what I need as I need it? Might be messy but we’ll see. I’m not familiar with the stuff.

I live in Maine and know several people who work for Johnny’s. They are having an absolutely insane season. They are running out of seed.

FWIW I bought some more seed a few days ago - grey striped sunflowers for ‘shoots’ were on sale at 50% percent off a few days ago.

Much thanks to Sleevendog for getting me started with Microgreens. I full on geeked out this winter. Yesterday I harvested Sunflowers, Peas, Radishes and a sprout mix.

If anyone is just starting I recommend these videos on YouTube. I find their presentation clear and simple and easy for me to adapt to my set up.

https://youtu.be/cxdxjqnzXfw

Sooooo much to learn! Thanks, everyone! I think I'm going to geek out on this!

A few questions...

1. Am I able to use regular dirt from our garden or is it better to use those compressed soil pellets or ?

2. If we're going to eat the sprouty parts of when the seeds are growing/sprouting up, should the seeds be heirloom and/or organic? Are all heirloom and/or organic seeds non-GMO (seems logical that they would be non-GMO, but I'm coming from a place of not knowing for sure).

3. I've never had sunflower sprouts! Are all sprouted seeds and micro greens edible? (I know I'm coming from a place of *I sure don't know so I may be asking stoopid questions!*)

Thanks!

Smiles,

Sooz

Sooz - 1. Potting soil would be best.

2. You would have to read the label to see if the seeds are organic or heirloom. Doubt that they would be GMO.

3. Only order the seeds recommended for micro-greens.

sleevendog is a better knowledge than I... I have tried to be a good student.

I use Pro-Mix. I get it by the bale for my other seed starting, and have had success using it for microgreens. Don't use regular garden dirt.

You as a home gardener/grower, can't buy GMO seeds. Farmers with contracts with the GMO producers and working with the Govt. can buy GMO seeds. The GMO free for home gardeners thing is more of a marketing tool. So even if the seed is a non-organic hybrid, it's not GMO.

IMO, hybrid seed is good as heirloom for microsprouts. Organic is a personal preference rather than an edibility factor.

A microgreen-shoot? I've liked growing is popcorn. Gotta grow it in a very dim/dark place to keep it blanched and tender... but it's tasty.

Thanks, Cindy and Beesneeds!

Got it, SD, thanks!!! And I did make a donation. Will get this started in a day or two and will report back. Johnny’s hasn’t processed my order yet, hopefully soon.

Cool, that was fast!...feel free to even call me and pm for my number for trouble-shooting. You could soak the pea seeds now in a small glass container even up to 48 hours. They need the time to absorb water.

(don't worry about failure....lots of time for that since they grow so fast)

I actually can't remember what I was stuffing the box...I kept stuffing...but they are portioned for the size tray. (every seed packet is for that size tray)

Oy, how many NYC friends and co-workers are texting so thankful I got them into this!

They have fresh salads every day and lots of seed for months.

I'm waiting for my seed order from Todd's Seeds.

Cindy mentioned above "Only order the seeds recommended for micro-greens." So... dumb questions coming up.... is there a problem if we grow seeds that aren't called micro greens and eat the sproutlings (is this even a word?) of those? <"seedlings"?>

Also, I don't quite understand how coir round pellet thingys can fit into a rectangular tray. Wouldn't there be a lot of space in between where the coirs touch and the seeds would fall down into the in-between?

Thanks!

Smiles,

Sooz

".... is there a problem if we grow seeds that aren'tcalled micro greens and eat the sprouts of those? "

YES! , a problem. (no time at the moment to explain)

The coir pellets expand in water to make a small amount of soil. They are compressed soil pellets. Soilless soil since it is coir. 4 pellets will fill a small tray about an inch.

Sooz, have you ever grown anything from a seed or gardened at all?

Thanks for your offer for help, SD. Very generous. I’ll start soaking today and see how it goes.

I do have one question: While checking on the status of my order I noticed that the China Rose I ordered is a radish sprout, not a cabbage:

https://www.johnnyseeds.com/vegetables/sprouts/radish-china-rose-organic-sprouting-seeds-2154.32.html

I don’t think that’s what you meant, based on your list up thread. It’s back ordered anyway, so I wrote to them asking to exchange for Chinese Cabbage, which I chose due to quick grow time:

https://www.johnnyseeds.com/vegetables/microgreens/microgreen-vegetables/chinese-cabbage-tokyo-bekana-f1-microgreen-seed-2251M.html#q=Micro%2Bgreen%2Bcabbage&lang=en_US&start=1

Approve?

Yes, you are correct. I discovered that last Spring when I label switched RedRockCabbage and ChinaRoseRadish. But in my head it stuck, the wrong way. Cabbage seeds are tiny, radish 4 times the size. You made a good choice though!

Sorry for the confusion. (A co-worker growing actually pointed it out)

Oh, SD, I must come off as beyond dumb LOLAM! Thanks in advance for your & everyone's patience & encouragement! Yes, I've "gardened" -- flower seeds! Throw them on the ground, stand back, and watch them grow!

DH will sometimes bring home starter plants of tomatoes, zucchini, & cucumbers, so they go directly in the ground. I did start some alfalfa seeds once, in a glass jar with a mesh screen lid, but that was during my hippie days (and I'm a city gal who grew up in the Los Angeles area).

Sooz, here is a pic of the pellets. 3 3/4 inch pellets makes a small mound of soil when soaked in a small amount of water.

Many other ways to grow things. Hundreds. One method that works for me may not work for others. (I tried many). Since I grow 365days a year now it is compact and tidy. The pellets are extremely dry. I just soak quickly what I need. I can start 2-3 small trays while I have my coffee at 3.30 am. Takes 5 min. My seeds are in half-pint containers so I don't have the chore of opening one pound bags each time. All fits stacked in a small area in my pantry. I choose 2-4 varieties I want to start. 2-3 times a week. Now much more since we are home. Still a tiny footprint.

Every tiny seed has an embryo surrounded by its own suitcase of food to germinate once wetted. Enough food for the first 7-12 days, (depending on the seed). The time needed to harvest micros. Slow growers need extra food and a better light set-up. And take 4-8 weeks of precious real estate. Micros are jam packed with nutrients in such a small amount of time/space. Leaf lettuce takes forever and, though healthy, not nearly worth the time. (just my opinion in my situation). Except outside in a garden where space and time is plenty in the summer growing season.

I don't know the actual comparison nutrient numbers of, say, a bag of grocery salad greens compared to a pint of micros....(or care). But micros are so densely concentrated....and freshly cut....not traveling to packaging plants from growers, in plastic or clam shells, then shipped to stores, then shelved. Gardeners all know how great fresh is.

Not clear about the seed variety you might want to sprout. or what you are referring to. And eat. But one example is the pea varieties in the GenusLathyrus. Prolonged consumption can cause lots of side effects like paralysis. etc. Confusion in diagnosing such consumption by the medicals can take months as you suffer.

Similar to mushrooms harvested in the forest, or odd growing greens popping up in your garden or flowers. When in doubt, leave it alone.

Darn you rhubarb. LOL. I have so much and such a shame those gorgeous leaves that look like giant collards are not edible. (you would have to eat about 2-3 pounds to maybe get sick, not die, but gastric distress.) (not edible)...deer will not touch them.

Certain flower can kill you.

Gardeners are well aware about the best seed suppliers. On gardening forums it is discussed all the time.

Trusting the best suppliers is key in safe gardening. And a combined list of at least maybe 100+ recommended seed varieties for micros?....on a few recommended seed providers. No need to risk random seed.

One video guy wanders into various international market and sprouts random seed since it is cheap. (cheaper). Old seed will rot and not worth the effort. Some fruited seed will produce edibles, but their leaves/stems will be toxic. Beans/seed in a grocery does not list the variety. Sure if you are an expert in identification....

SD, what a wealth of information you've shared here! Thank you so much! It's so nice to see the coir pellets and how they look at different "stages!" Thank you so much!

Smiles,

Sooz

I’ve finally got my peas soaking, will plant a few trays tomorrow. As a reward (I guess!) my Johnny’s order just arrived. I also got a True Leaf order in, the web site warns of delayed shipping times but this morning I got an email saying it’s on its way. I’m hopeful I’ll be able to use the coir bricks as I’ve got a lifetime supply, but we’ll see. For now I’ve got the pellets from the kit.

Question - How big a deal is organic vs non? I bought non, and I’m hoping that wasn’t a mistake.

I’ll post results as they become photogenic!

This morning, 72 hours, the trays have lifted. Look about right? No sun today so will set up under some LED lighting.

Give them another day or two. The radish is usually first, ready tomorrow. Keep the weight on. (the bit of fuzzy is root hairs). Peas like a light spritz of water.

Looks great.

Stack with the peas on the bottom, radish on top.

This pea tray was uncovered this morning, about 6 hours ago. The radish tray yesterday. They grow fast!

Will do!

What’s up with my radish? Started looking like this yesterday.

That happens when overwatered or underwater. Does the tray feel 'heavy'? They get thirsty when they take off. I'm guessing overwatered. Actually the soil looks dry.

Every morning I do a quick check by giving each tray a lift.

It feels light and it’s very difficult for me to think it’s overwatered. I’ll try giving more. Thanks!

Also, once up, I only water a lille bit into the corner of the tray...about 3-4 tBsp. Tilt the tray so it runs along the length of the tray. If it is lack of water, they will perk up in about an hour.

You will get used to how the tray feels in weight. They all should feel about the same. Under-watering is always best but the soil should look dark. I let mine get on the light side before watering. Over-watering is what causes the most trouble.

Ok they’ve definitely not been getting anywhere near that much water. You had me paranoid about OVERwatering! 🙂

It changes in the amount needed as they become larger plants. I occasionally, (when I had a job), would come home to a totally flat tray...splayed out dying of thirst. It jumped back up in just a few hours.

On second thought, start with 2 tBsp, lol. I'm growing some trays that are bigger. Twice that scale.

The radish partially recovered. It’s occurred to me that I have no idea when these are ready. I’m hungry, any of them good to go?

My computer is acting up at this time. I can barely see an image but can read type.

Remember, I have been growing for ten+ years. I start 4-6 trays in succession every 3-4 days. (Sunday I started 10 trays). not working now it is easy for me.

I can tell from your radish and peas, though look great, they probably came out from under the stacked weights 24 hours too soon. That weighted contact with the soil is hard to get used to.

I finally harvested some and ate them together with some egg salad. I’m very surprised (for some reason) how distinctive they taste! The peas remind me of raw green beans, the radish - my favorite - tastes just like radish, and the cabbage tastes familiar but I’m not immediately placing it. Love it. Now of course I’m annoyed that I haven‘t been starting new trays daily as I‘be been waiting. Fortunately at this point I have several pounds of various seeds to play with!

Thanks for the inspiration, advice, and the starter kit gift, SD!!!

Lots of flavor, right? I've had to ramp up tray production since we snip a couple trays then add some lemon and bit of feta...DH will eat the entire salad well before dinner so I have to make another. Great food value. Not much need for dressings.

Like recipes and different ovens, your humidity and home environment will be different....just getting used to the time under weight and how much water you need...

The weight during germination is key. Some friends/co-workers would hear a thump when the rock/weight would roll off onto the floor or counter in the middle of the night. The weight gives good contact with the soil so the roots go down not up and sideways...that may be what your middle tray did.

Seed density matters. Start a radish tray with more seed than seems needed. Spread them out. Pack down. Date and label. ( I have a sensitive scale) ...but can eye-ball now with my special scoop tool.

My perfect method in my home will not be exactly perfect for others homes.

Similar with fermentations and your natural yeast in the air...trouble shooting as always.

I was just measuring your packets and they seemed like roughly a tbsp for the peas and a tsp for the small. I’ll break out my “sensitive scale” and see what you came up with. And I’ll look at Johnny’s and True Leaf sites to get density recommendations and scale them to the trays I’ll be using. Now they I know that I like this, the initial effort will be worth it. I was wondering why the weighting down, so thanks for that explanation.