FAQs about growing microgreens
Which microgreens can I grow on my Microbed?
Not every microgreen seed behaves the same or can be grown hydroponically. Seed size and germination preferences determine whether a seed can be grown with your Microbed.
The microgreens and seeds you can grow with your Microbed:
- Broccoli (see our article explaining broccoli varieties)
- Red radish
- Daikon radish (Kaiware)
- Rose radish
- Sunflower
- Arugula / Rocket
- Cabbage
- Mizuna
- Mustard
- Cress
- Kale
- Maple pea (dou miao)
- Pea tendrils
- Wheatgrass
And many others. We are always learning, testing and adding to this list.
Seeds that do not pair well with Microbed:
Amaranth and other extra small seeds, including the seeds of most herbs, can't be grown with your Microbed as they will fall through the gaps of the mesh. Coriander, Swiss Chard, and Beetroot microgreens also do not pair well due to their germination preferences.
How much sunlight do microgreens need, and where should I place my Microbed in my home?
Right after sowing your microgreens, they should be placed in blackout conditions to encourage strong and even germination. This mimics being covered by soil in nature and helps the seedlings develop sturdy stems.
After the seeds have germinated and the cover has been removed, move your Microbed to a bright, well ventilated area with indirect light. A spot near a window is ideal.
In Singapore, we receive more than enough natural light, so grow lights are usually not necessary.
However, it is important to avoid placing your Microbed in direct sunlight. Microgreens are delicate at this stage, and intense, hot sun can quickly dry them out, stress the seedlings, and cause them to wilt or scorch.
If your space gets very strong afternoon sun, place your Microbed slightly away from the window or use a sheer curtain to diffuse the light. Aim for bright, gentle light.
Your stainless steel hydroponic Microbed is designed to be used indoors rather than outdoors. In Singapore, microgreens prefer indoor temperatures to outdoor temperatures.
Is this mould or root hairs?
It’s common to notice fine, white, fuzzy growth around your microgreens in the first few days. In most cases, what you’re seeing are root hairs, not mould.
Root hairs are a natural part of the seedling. They help the seedling absorb water, and often appear as a soft, white “halo” around the roots, especially during early growth.
A simple way to tell the difference:
- Root hairs appear close to the roots, usually in an even pattern. They tend to disappear or flatten when you mist them, then reappear once dry.
- Mould is less uniform and can look wispy or like a web. It may spread across the growing medium or between seedlings, and doesn’t disappear with watering. You might also notice a musty smell. If it is contained to a small area, you can remove the affected seedlings.
Good airflow is key to help prevent mould from forming. If the space you're growing in does not have good ventilation, you can use a small fan to create a gentle breeze.
If you’re ever unsure about whether you're experiencing mould or root hairs, feel free to reach out with a photo, we’re happy to take a look with you.
How should I store my harvested microgreens if I can't eat them all at once?
We recommend harvesting your microgreens as and when you need them, enjoying them as soon as possible after harvest, when they’re fresh and at their peak in flavour and nutrition, which is part of what makes growing your own so rewarding.
But if you're unable to eat them all at once, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge. If available, place a dry paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb excess moisture. We recommend consuming your microgreens within 5 to 7 days for the best flavour and nutrition.
We recommend washing your microgreens just before eating rather than before storing them in the fridge, as excess moisture can reduce freshness.
