I've always been intrigued by the posts about microgreens, but I'm still unclear about how exactly they're used. Here, where the very idea of the possibility of snow is horrifying (it happens maybe every 60 years or more). We have macro greens all year round, including garden herbs, and microgreens are sold in twee little boxes for decorating fulsome green salads. From your post, I get the idea that where you live they're a source of fresh green nutrition during snow covered winters. Is that so? If so, how much per person is optimal? Or is it more about enhancement and enjoyment of something fresh?

I know my questions are tangential, so please only answer if you feel like it. I'm having enough issues keeping a few houseplants alive to accept your generous offer to share.

Hi Plllog

So last winter was the first time I seriously grew Microgreens. So my experience is just my own. Sleevendog has much more experience. I live in central Maine - winter here is long and cold. I grow MGs for several reasons - to add fresh food to my winter meals and to enjoy watching seeds grow.

Some Microgreens varieties stay pretty tiny and are mostly a garnish. Unless they are particularly tasty or pretty I have limited interest. I particularly enjoyed basil and cilantro even though they were pretty tiny.

Other varieties while small will produce enough plant to make an actual salad. Sunflowers, peas and say radishes are good examples.

I hope that helps... I have only been to California once. The fruits and vegetables choices were amazing. Here I am still dealing with garden produce so I am not growing any Microgreens at the moment. My mom has been making salad with beets and sunflower shoots.

Thank-you so much for the info and pictures! I've seen snow on the ground and a few actual snowflakes, but I do get it about limited growing seasons. I love the picture of the happy green shoots with the snowy scene outside! We are lucky here, though I've also read about how scurvy was a big problem during the gold rush. There are plenty of native edible greens but I guess the newcomers didn't know what to eat and were too busy trying to find their fortunes to bother. I've also seen the big grow cabinet from Germany. :) The only kind of shoots you've mentioned that I've eaten are pea. The rest sound very interesting!

No snow yet thank goodness. Coming soon though.

When I worked in nurseries and more particularly an orchard I always liked seeing who was aware of what weeds are edible. Generally recent immigrants. Often from Central America or parts of Asia. But I was often surprised by Eastern Europeans who often looked both very urban and hard living and who had working knowledge about foraging and mushrooming as basic life skills.

Cool, good score. Looks like fresh seed. That looks like their new labels?

I do an inventory about this time every year. Two full crates so very seed rich here. Around 70+ varieties. All the pea and radish available. I'm planning to take about a cup each of the larger seed and 1/4 cup of the smaller and food saver for the freezer. About the size/volume of a small shoebox. They will keep for years. (a back-up stash)

I grow 24/7 365days a year. It's a full salad, not a garnish. Sure it is added to garden greens all summer. But a 3 ft 9inch deep shelf in my pantry is 8feet from my kitchen sink. I can snip a fresh salad for 4 in a few minutes.

Good idea about freezing although my freezer space is very limited at the moment.

I will use up the sunflowers, peas, radish pretty easily. I look forward to trying the Cressida. At 500,000 seed per pound and a rep for being a bit fussy to grow I am not sure if I want over a pound of red garnet amaranth. I also have quite a lot of beet/chard mix.

I will try to inventory what I have later.

You have a pound of amaranth!!??. That is soo expensive.!! I would definitely do a trade if you want to try any of the other peas or radishes. I still need to do a side-by-side comparison of all the peas.

I have about a 1/4 ounce. Just grow it for special occasions for the color. This was last years holiday grow.

Never tried the cress. Not sure why not. It seems to be a quick (ish) grow. 10-15 days. Herbs take almost a month but worth it. Oh, good reminder as I should start those now. Don't bother with them as micros during the summer months. Still have kitchen deck herbs but that will end soon.

Just found a pound of nasturtium jewel mix never opened. Forgot all about it. 3,600seeds. A dwarf variety. 12-15 days. Warm water 4-6hour soak. Wasabi spiciness. I've used the leaves in salads from the garden and pickled the flower buds as a caper. Did not grow many this season so just let them flower. Did not bother using the flowers at all this season with no bbq's or dinner parties.

I would trade some seed. Is there a way to PM from here?

I think so. I'll do the pm thing.

Would you like to try some winter micro tomatoes?. I have 4 that are stable and named but not released into the public yet. (might get some garden friends jealous and serious creed),😂 all under 8inches. Tomatoes in early January and mine will be picked by the holidays since I started a few weeks ago.

We are working on a big micro. F3 so far. A big BLT micro. for a winter grow.

Yes that would be interesting to try.

I'm testing. These are up and harvesting. Starting the rest of the varieties. The nasturtiums are not doing well. Starting winter herbs. Busy but will pm and share address. Sending lots of packages next weekend.

Well you all did it, you inspired me to seek out seeds for microgreens and other sprouts, some will get here Saturday and some early November.

Oh no, I'm so sorry, 🤪

It can be an obsession but obviously a healthy one. I'm having a day of explosion...trays ready for the lights and trays needing harvest. Great fresh salads this week as the cold weather keeps showing low morning temps....fresh greens all winter. Focus on what method works for you. I've been mentoring so many all over NYC....trouble shooting, etc.

Agmss, I have your address. Thanks!. My dining table is loaded with seed sorting at the moment and soaking, and testing germination rates for seed shares, oy. 😂

I started this last Friday. I expected this to take a couple days. Tomorrow is another Friday. FU covid, lol.

Abzzybee - I can send you some of my largesse if you so desire.

Sleevendog - I hope to figure out packaging and organize seed for you today or tomorrow. I am not too worried about germination - this seed has all been tested in 2019/2020. I think most of what I have is pretty run of the mill besides the amaranth.

My seed germination table is finally mostly empty of ripening tomatoes and peppers so I hope to start some MG soon. My mom is going strong already - she really only likes peas and sunflowers for speed and bulk.

Just had my last of the season BLT. Sad.

Germination testing my own saved tomato seeds for another gardening forum. I'm part of two different breeding programs.

I do have some sunflowers that are not sprouting as well as they should. All other micro greens are fresh, 1-2 years. I agree about the bulk and fast growers. My main crops are pea, radish, sunflower. Found a fresh un-opened bag of black oil. Sunflower is fussy if some do not sprout. Gets moldy. I've been spritzing with dilute peroxide as they sprout.

It is all my garden seeds that are a heap/mess. I'm usually very organized.

I think it might have been sleevendog that inspired me to get back into micro greens last year. I did it and sprouts a while back, but fell out of habit.

But got back into it again last winter. I had already been doing reusing stuff like green onion and celery ends to give me some winter fresh, and I use my little garlics for greens and re-grow leeks too. So why not micro-greens too? Around here in winter when the snow is deep the greens produce is also expensive at the stores.

And now the last of my salad bowls is pulled into the closed porch- those are too big to go under the lights indoors, and it's getting too cold to keep them outside... they will get eaten over the next couple weeks, but no more growing out macro greens till next year... so micro-greens start. They take up less space than the salad bowls that have the more mature versions, and that space isn't going to be claimed by other seed starting for months yet.

I've found that micro-greens can be really nice for having a variety of flavors in the small too- I can try or run a dozen different greens at once or in quick succession if I want. Ultra fresh corn taste with sprouts when sweet corn is a nope, broccoli tang without needing florets.

And seriously, having a plush little garden inside when right outside the window is crappy arse blech... it's a spiritual balm to this cook and gardeners soul. Incredibly gratifying to have fresh plucked from the garden goods when Mama N is playing with storms outside.

I eat my greens fresh.... and also cook with them a lot. A snipped tray of greens or sprouts instead of a handful of fresh herbs or stirred in to finish off a dish. Like instead of a handful of fresh basil or nast leaves in the summer to scrambled eggs, a snipped tray of radish or clover. Corn sprouts to finish off a chowder or in cornbread.

I wax on here, lol.

Hi Sleevendog

I am packaging seed for you. Finally. My envelope search was slowed by the fact that I avoid stores.

I wanted to check with you on a few varieties when you have a moment.

And again anyone else who wants to try out MGs as well.

Where to start. I bet I have just about everything. I don't really need anything. Just some amaranth would be great for the holidays.

Maybe if you tell me what peas and radish you have, I'll send what you don't have to try. Fun to do a side-by-side. LittleMarvel and Feisty are short and dense where ThomasLaxton is tall and leafy. (peas)

beesneeds, the corn is surprisingly good and tastes just like corn. Because it needs to grow in the dark under a box I keep forgetting about it. Had to put a post it, "don't forget about me!"

Let us know if you are running low of anything. Or try something new.

Hi SD

I have daikon and confetti mix. And dwarf grey and field peas.

I packed up garnet red, Cressida, Mild mix, confetti mix, daikon, beet chard mix. If you don’t need them you can pass them along.

I also have double packets of Verona and Defiance tomatoes if you would be interested.

Just now getting to the garden seeds. Maybe we shall do a small 'what's missing in your seed collection' after the holidays.

I have well over 300 tomato seed varieties, 🙄...from another big trade.

Here are a couple of the micros.

I am very very interested in trying the micro tomatoes!!! Mentioned it to my generous seed gifter who has been turning down my plant offers all fall - her response was ‘oooohhhh’!!!!

This just may become my winter pandemic garden . . . hubs already rigged up a grow light table for me in our "greenhouse" shower stall. Still working on outside stuff right now though . . .

You all put my one small tray of mixed greens to shame. I'm always happy to add them to just about anything tho'. But, I get to start my outdoor winter garden this afternoon. The fresh lettuce and radishes will be a special treat all winter.

agmss. I'll send out next weekend after this mess is over. So cute micro plants now. Angora leaf, multi-flora rugosa, and the so adorable carrot leaf...I need to take pics.

Just horribly stressed and need to get over the state of our country right now, oy.

I-pink and Kate. No problems sending some trial seeds.

AND, learn something new every day. ...looked at my citric acid container after the irritable spice post.

This will be another help I think sprouting the sunflower and the most susceptible to minor molds. I've been using a dilute peroxide but another arsenal is good to know. Sunflower is notorious for shell shedding molds. The greens are fine but molds building up is not so good soil surface indoors.

Sleevendog - I finally sent out packages to you and a (seedless) friend today. I was actually in town to vote anyway. I added a few of the items my sister and I make from our ‘seconds’ stash.

My anxiety and stress are pretty high as well. We have so much to work on as a country and conversations to start. The discourse is so nasty it makes me exhausted to imagine progress. Ranked choice voting in Maine is one positive.

LPink and Kate - let me know if you want some seeds.

Oh and I have read about using citric acid for sprouts. I remember to use it sometimes but usually use dilute hydrogen peroxide.

Agmiss, thank you for your generous offer. Right now I do have plenty of seeds to start. I just do one small tray at a time so the seeds last awhile.

Kate

We will emotionally regroup after the outcome. (I spent a few hour on Canadian citizenship this morning, and not so funny, 😂) maybe a little bit.

We have had a home in Canada 20 years now. Spending 3 years out of five once we retire will not be so complicated. (?)

Those armanath sprouts get me every time, so pretty. Anyone use this company? https://www.everwilde.com/store/Red-Garnet-Amaranth-Herb-Seeds.html

I think I would like to try some of that, and the price seems good.

I think I'm pretty good on seed. Started a tray each of broccoli, purple kohlrabi, and 2 of popcorn today.

@beesneeds I have a huge amount of amaranth. If you want an ounce to try....

@beesneeds I am not sure. I did message Sleevendog but I can’t seem to get back to wherever I did that from... I will try later when I am on my computer.

I've had trouble with the messaging but it only happens when I need to re-sign in. Some settings do a re-set?. Usually when on my phone.

Amaranth seed is so tiny. Flavor is suspect but winter grows are often about color and visuals. Though all have food value intensified. Especially cut fresh.

Whats nuts?...every year I count back the days leading up to the holidays...today is the forth. Thanksgiving is the 26th. Start herbs this weekend. Soak peas and sunflower the 15th...sow radish, mixed greens, the 18th, lol.

We have no company, family or friends for the holiday. No need to sow a boatload. Just do as I do for the two of us.

@beesneeds

Ok I think I managed to send you a message.

I got it and sent you one back :)

Just took this pic an hour ago. Feisty/little marvel. They do not grow tall but stay curly small and bulky. So good. I have bagged seed finally and will send soon. And an extra feisty packet for your mom to sample. 😀

That looks like Rambo on the left.

Oooohh! Thank you! Looking forward to it.

@beesneeds

I sent you a package. Hope it arrives in a timely fashion. PO is a bit wonky of late. Enjoy!!!

Just opened my gifts!

Looking forward to new varieties....and holiday amaranth.

How did you know I broke my favorite spatula my mother gave me years ago!?

Gorgeous and love the feel of the handle. 😍 happy dance.

Oh yay! It actually arrived. There was a little kaffir lime leaf packet floating around in there too.

Enjoy!!!

I got mine too! Now I just gotta get the timing right for Christmas dinner, lol. That little wooden knife is so smooth... do you make them?

@agmss15 April Fools? Recently, it didn't offer me Cooking automatically, but cooking was on the list. It's possible that we're in some realm of code they thought they had pruned. Did you try putting the address right your location bar? https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/cooking

^That is all I can think of. Google 'cooking forum garden web' and put that direct Link in your 'favorites'. Houzz does not seem that interested in the GW forums or that familiar. HotTopics is gone being an annoyance to them with all the flagging. KT might be next as some there do the same.

Yes, I have had numerous issues trying to get back to the forums also. Most of what I used to browse seems to no longer be accessible.

I kept trying, thinking that I was doing something wrong. Now, I see that I am not alone

Please don't tell them, but I sneak in through a mouse hole in the wall. Otherwise, it seems that the front door is closed tight.

Happy Thanksgiving to all! Hope you are all safe and well fed today. We have our first real snow here.

I am keeping close to home although I have to go check on my mom who mounted a holiday (against medical advice) escape from a rehab for mobility issues. We are having a Covid surge here so her choice isn’t entirely irrational. But not entirely rational either.

I wanted to report grew my first crop of Cressida. I need to work on the technique a bit - uneven germination. The flavor is nice - both peppery and mustardy. Related to but not quite like watercress. I keep thinking it would be good on a post Thanksgiving turkey sandwich.

Happy Thanksgiving back at-cha.! 65º here. So much rain the past 24 wow would that have been a snow bank.

I over planted my micros and have a few bags fridged. Lots of salads next week. I'll focus on issues after this weekend. I have a few dry spots on the delicate grows. Flats. They just need more attention.

I'll start my winter basils, chard, cilantro, leek, next week and pay attention. They like a small fan windy 24/7.

This mornings grow pic...lots of the frilly peas.

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