How to Grow Microgreens Indoors (Easy Step-by-Step Guide)

Learn how to grow microgreens indoors with this easy step-by-step guide. Discover the best containers, lighting, and tips for growing fresh greens at home year-round.

Microgreens are one of the easiest and fastest crops you can grow indoors. These young, tender greens are harvested just weeks after sprouting and are packed with fresh flavor and nutrients.

If you’ve ever wondered how to grow microgreens indoors, you’ll be happy to know that it doesn’t take much space, time, or equipment. With just a shallow container, a bit of soil, and a sunny window or grow light, you can enjoy a steady harvest of fresh greens year-round.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• What microgreens are (and why they’re so popular).
• The best microgreens to grow indoors.
• Step-by-step instructions for growing microgreens in trays.
• Tips for lighting, watering, and harvesting.

Once you get started, growing microgreens indoors quickly becomes an easy habit, and a delicious way to add fresh greens to everyday meals.

What Are Microgreens?

Microgreens are young vegetable and herb plants harvested at an early stage, usually just after the first set of true leaves appear.

Unlike sprouts, which are eaten whole (including the seed), microgreens are grown in soil or a soilless growing medium and harvested by cutting the stems just above the surface.

These tiny greens may be small, but they deliver big flavor. Depending on the variety, microgreens can taste mild and sweet or bold and peppery. They’re commonly used in salads, sandwiches, soups, and as a fresh garnish.

Benefits of Growing Microgreens Indoors

Growing microgreens indoors is a simple way to add fresh, homegrown food to your kitchen, even in the middle of winter.

• Easy to Grow in Small Spaces: Microgreens don’t require a garden. You can grow them in shallow containers on a windowsill, countertop, or under grow lights.
• Quick Harvest: Most microgreens are ready to harvest in 7 to 21 days, making them one of the fastest crops you can grow.
• Nutrient Dense: Research from the USDA Agricultural Research Service found that some microgreens contain significantly higher levels of vitamins and antioxidants compared to mature plants.
• Fresh Flavor Year-Round: From spicy radish to mild pea shoots, microgreens add color, texture, and flavor to meals when outdoor gardens aren’t producing.

Easiest Microgreens for Beginners

Some of the easiest microgreens to grow indoors include:

• Radish: The seeds are large, easy to handle, and fast to germinate. A tray of radish microgreens will be ready to eat in 7 days. These tiny greens add crunch to salads and sandwiches.
• Broccoli: The flavor of immature broccoli leaves is much like cabbage. Broccoli microgreens are ready to harvest in about 10 days.
• Arugula: Its peppery flavor and crunchy texture make it useful in both raw green salads and cooked dishes. Immature arugula leaves are ready to harvest in 10-14 days.
• Cabbage: Adds a pop of color along with crunch to a fresh green salad. Select any variety of cabbage seeds for microgreens. The immature leaves will be glossy, and the stem colors can be red, purple, or pink, depending on the variety grown. Ready to harvest in 10-14 days.

Also consider your favorite salad green mixes, herbs, Asian greens, sunflower, and pea microgreens. These varieties germinate quickly and grow reliably, making them great for beginners.

Best Containers for Growing Microgreens Indoors

One of the best things about growing microgreens indoors is that you don’t need anything fancy to get started. Almost any shallow container can work as long as it provides good drainage and enough surface area for the seeds to grow closely together.

What to Look for in a Microgreen Container

When choosing containers for microgreens, keep these features in mind:

• Shallow depth: Microgreens only need about 1 to 2 inches of soil.
• Drainage holes: Prevent soggy soil and reduce the risk of mold.
• Flat growing surface: Allows seeds to be spread evenly for dense growth.
• Sturdy base tray: Helps catch excess water and keep your growing area tidy.

Common Containers You Can Use

You can grow microgreens in any shallow containers that you have on hand. I like using recycled yogurt containers, produce trays, and grocery-store bakery and berry containers.

Many everyday items work well:

• Recycled produce containers.
• Yogurt containers.
• Takeout trays.
• Plastic berry containers.
• Recycled bakery trays or deli containers.

Whatever container you choose, wash it with warm soapy water and rinse well. Add drainage holes if they don’t already have them, and be sure to place these containers in a seedling flat or tray to catch excess water.

Using Seed Trays for Microgreens

If you plan to grow microgreens regularly, seed-starting trays can make the process easier and more consistent.

Look for:

• 10 x 20 nursery trays (with and without holes).
• Humidity domes to help with germination.
• Shallow microgreen trays designed for dense planting.

A common setup is to use one tray with drainage holes for growing and place it in a tray without holes underneath to catch the water. This makes bottom watering easy and helps prevent overwatering.

Soil vs. Soil Less (Optional Growing Mediums)

The best growing medium for microgreens is fine-textured, lightweight, and holds moisture. A sterile seed starting mix made from coconut or peat moss is a good choice.

You can also grow microgreens using alternative mediums such as coconut coir, screened potting soil, or hemp mats for a cleaner setup or are growing indoors on countertops.

Best Light for Growing Microgreens Indoors

Light is one of the most important factors for growing healthy microgreens indoors. Without enough light, seedlings can become tall, pale, and weak instead of short and vibrant.

The good news is that microgreens don’t need intense lighting. They just need consistent, bright light each day.

Can You Grow Microgreens on a Windowsill?

Yes, microgreens can grow on a sunny windowsill, especially during spring and summer.

For best results:

• Choose a south- or west-facing window.
• Make sure plants receive at least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight.
• Rotate trays daily so the greens grow evenly.

Natural light can be inconsistent, especially in winter or in northern climates, so results may vary.

Using Grow Lights for Reliable Results

If you want consistent, strong growth year-round, artificial light is the best option. It helps produce short, sturdy stems, deep color, and even growth. Grow lights are especially helpful if you’re growing microgreens indoors during winter.

What Type of Grow Light Is Best?

You don’t need expensive equipment. A simple LED shop light setup delivers excellent results at a low cost.

If you’re setting up an indoor growing space, see my guide on building a simple grow light system for starting seeds indoors.

How Much Light do Microgreens Need?

Once the seeds sprout, place grow lights 2–4 inches above the microgreens. Keep the lights on for 12–16 hours per day, and adjust the height as the greens grow.

Keep your light source close and consistent. Microgreens grow quickly, so maintaining steady light each day will give you the best flavor, color, and texture at harvest.

How to Grow Microgreens Indoors Step-by-Step

Growing microgreens indoors is simple once you understand the basic process. Follow these steps to grow healthy, flavorful greens right on your countertop or under lights.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

You will need:

• Shallow containers or seed trays with a humidity dome.
• A lightweight potting mix or seed-starting mix.
• Vegetable or herb microgreens seeds of choice.
• Spray bottle.
• A sunny windowsill or grow light.

Step 2: Prepare Your Containers

Select a shallow container with drainage holes, such as a seed tray or recycled food container. Clean the containers with warm, soapy water before using to prevent mold or contamination. Place the container inside a tray to catch water.

Step 3: Prepare the Soil

Pre-moisten the soil mix before filling your containers. Damp soil helps the seeds stay in place and improves germination.

• Add the soil to a bowl or bucket.
• Mix in warm water until it feels evenly damp (like a wrung-out sponge).
• Fill your container about 2/3 full.
• Gently level the surface, but don’t pack it down.

Prepare separate containers for each variety of microgreens, unless the tray is large. Large trays can be divided in half and used for two different types.

Step 4: Sow the Seeds

Larger seeds (like peas and sunflowers) may benefit from soaking before planting for faster germination. When you are ready to plant, sprinkle the seeds evenly across the soil surface.

• Sow thickly, but try to keep seeds in a single layer.
• Press seeds gently into the soil.
• Lightly cover with a thin layer of soil (optional, depending on seed type).
• Mist the surface with water.

Cover the microgreens tray with the humidity dome to lock in moisture, and place it in a warm, bright location away from direct sunlight.

Step 5: Keep the Soil Damp

Check the trays daily to ensure they have enough moisture. Seeing condensation on the inside of the humidity dome is a good sign of plenty of moisture. If there is no visible condensation, remove the dome, mist the soil with warm water, and re-cover.

Step 6: Provide Light

Once the seeds sprout (usually within a few days), remove the humidity dome, and place the containers in a sunny window or under grow lights.

• Sunny window: Choose a window that receives 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
• Under grow lights: Keep the lights close (about 2–4 inches above the plants) and provide 12–16 hours of light daily.

Watch for these signs that your microgreens aren’t getting enough light:

• Long, leggy stems.
• Pale or yellowing leaves.
• Seedlings leaning toward the light.

If you notice these issues, move your trays closer to the light source or increase daily light exposure.

Continue watering as needed to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Bottom watering (adding water to the tray below) helps reduce mold and keeps the stems dry.

Step 7: Harvest the Microgreens

Most microgreens are ready to harvest in 7 to 21 days.

The first leaves to emerge from the soil are called cotyledons. They are also known as seed leaves because they nourish the plant until the true leaves grow.

The second pair of leaves that unfurl are the plant’s “true leaves.” Once the second set of leaves forms, it is time to harvest the microgreens:

• Look for the first set of true leaves.
• Use clean scissors to cut just above the soil line.
• Harvest only what you need, or cut the whole tray at once.

For the best flavor and freshness, harvest right before eating.

Ways to Use Microgreens

Microgreens are a simple way to add fresh flavor, color, and nutrients to everyday meals. Their tender texture and concentrated taste make them incredibly versatile in the kitchen.

Here are a few easy ways to use microgreens:

• Toss into salads: Mix microgreens with other greens or use them on their own for a quick, fresh salad.
• Layer on sandwiches and wraps: Add a handful for extra crunch and flavor.
• Top pizzas and flatbreads: Sprinkle microgreens over warm dishes just before serving.
• Stir into eggs: Fold into omelets, scrambled eggs, or breakfast wraps.
• Garnish soups and bowls: Add just before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.
• Finish roasted vegetables or grilled meats: A small handful adds brightness and contrast.

Add microgreens at the end of cooking or just before serving to preserve their delicate texture and flavor.

Troubleshooting and FAQs for Growing Microgreens Indoors

If you’re growing microgreens indoors for the first time, a few common issues can pop up. Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions to help you grow healthy, vibrant greens.

Grow Fresh Greens Anytime with Microgreens

Growing microgreens indoors is one of the easiest ways to enjoy fresh, homegrown food all year long. With just a simple setup, you can turn a small space on your counter or under lights into a steady supply of flavorful, nutrient-rich greens.

Once you get into the rhythm of sowing and harvesting, microgreens become a quick and rewarding part of your routine. In just a couple of weeks, you can go from seed to harvest and add a fresh boost to salads, sandwiches, and everyday meals.

If you’re just getting started with indoor gardening, microgreens are a great place to begin. And once you see how simple it is, you may find yourself experimenting with new varieties and growing fresh greens all year long.

If you’d like to expand your indoor growing setup, explore these helpful guides:

• How to Assemble a Grow Light Shelf
• Troubleshooting Seed Starting Issues
• How to Grow an Indoor Garden