Bringing the Garden Indoors This Winter with Microgreens
Carol Albright – Class of 2025 • January 15, 2026
As the colder months settle in and our outdoor gardens take their seasonal rest, microgreens offer a wonderful way to bring fresh growth and color back into our homes. These tiny, nutrient-rich plants are simple to grow, require very little space, and provide a satisfying burst of life during the winter season. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or someone new to growing food, microgreens offer an easy and joyful way to experiment with indoor gardening. This is also a great project to do with kids and grandkids, giving them a hands-on introduction to growing food. I hope this information helps you as you experiment with microgreen production.
Microgreen Growing Steps
• Fill Your Tray
Add 1 inch of soil and pat it down gently—this removes air pockets, so seeds sit evenly and absorb water well.
Sprinkle them evenly and press lightly so they touch the soil—this helps them wake up and begin germination.
• Add a Pinch of Cinnamon
Cinnamon helps protect seeds from mold, fungus, and bacteria while they sprout.
• Water Gently Every Day
Mist the soil so it's damp, not soaked. Consistent moisture helps seedlings grow strong.
• Keep Covered for Two Days, Then Find Sun
For the first two days, keep the tray in the dark with a lid. When uncovered, sprouts may appear yellow—this is normal and they will green quickly in sunlight.
• Watch Them Grow!
Sprouts appear in 2–4 days and grow quickly with daily care.
• Harvest Time!
When 2–3 inches tall, cut above the soil. Rinse and enjoy. Store extras in a paper towel–lined container for 3–5 days.
Why Microgreens Are the Perfect Indoor Garden for Cooler Months
Grow Well Indoors and Fit Anywhere
Microgreens thrive in sunny windows and small spaces—ideal for winter.
Very Fast Growing
Harvest-ready in 7–14 days, offering quick gardening satisfaction.
Minimal Supplies Needed
A tray, soil, seeds, and water are all you need.
Easy to Care For
Daily misting and light make microgreens perfect for beginners, kids, and seniors.
Highly Nutritious and Adds Fresh Flavor
Microgreens contain 4–40× more nutrients than mature vegetables and add brightness to soups, salads, bowls, and sandwiches.
Supports Winter Nutrition
A reliable source of fresh greens during colder months.
Affordable and Cost-Effective
A single packet of seeds produces multiple trays. Most vegetable seeds can be grown as microgreens.
Clean and Pest-free Growing
Indoor growing avoids soil pests and harsh winter conditions.
Best Seeds for Microgreens
• Broccoli, kale, cabbage, collards
• Radish
• Peas
• Sunflowers
• Arugula and mustard greens
• Beet and Swiss chard
• Herbs: basil, cilantro, parsley, dill
• Lettuce varieties
• Lentils
Seeds to Avoid for Microgreens
Some seeds should not be grown as microgreens because they contain natural toxins that are unsafe when eaten raw.
• Nightshades: tomato, pepper, eggplant, potato—seedlings contain toxic alkaloids.
Kidney, black, lima, and fava beans—contain phytohemagglutinin, a toxin that can cause digestive upset when raw.
• Rhubarb—sprouts and leaves contain oxalic acid.
Rhubarb sprouts and leaves oxalic acid
• Ornamental or treated seeds—may contain chemical coatings not meant for consumption.
Sources & Further Reading
• Penn State Extension – Growing Microgreens at Home
• USDA Agricultural Research Service – Microgreen Nutrition Data
• FDA Food Safety – Raw Bean Toxicity (Phytohemagglutinin)
• University of Maryland Extension – Microgreen Production Guide
