How to keep microgrees fresh when planting and harvesting them and how to store and dry them correctly, whether you plan to sell or give them as gifts. Specifically we talked about how to plant microgrees and when you would want to harvest them. This article covers the second issue in the series. How to store micromeres.
When growing microgreens from seed or cuttings, they are like small plants. They grow roots slowly spreading them out over a large surface area. The process of growing them takes time and the root systems have to be continuously nourished. Whether you plant them in pots or grow them in a container, continuous feeding of the roots during their growing stage should be done to ensure that the leaves get all the essential nutrients during their life cycle.
There are several ways of keeping fresh green micromeres. Planting them will ensure that you have a continuous supply of microgrees until they flower and start to die back. Also, planting them close together is a good idea if you are growing a lot of them at once.
Harvesting your microgreen plants can be difficult at first but with some patience, cutting off the top leaves and taking them away safely, they will go to seed in storage. You will need to make sure you have removed all the dark green leaves and then cut the tip off, but only take the very top of the leaf off leaving the middle intact. You can leave the rest on the plant to complete its life cycle. This can be done by freezing or can be done by hand snipping the tip off.
When you are cutting off the leaves, make sure you use the best sharp knife possible so as not to damage the plant further. If you are cutting off a whole section of leaf, then make sure that you take the whole length of the leaf. It is also important to do this carefully as it could cause a small cut or wound on your plant. However, if you are cutting off just a few leaves, then there is no need to worry because the wound will heal itself. If you are unsure about how to do the cutting, then you can contact a specialist who will be able to advise you on how to do it. You can even ask for advice from your local gardening store.
Another way of keeping microgrees alive is by ensuring they get enough water. Microgrees thrive in well prepared soil and if they do not get the required water then they will eventually die. The best time to give your microgree a water bath is in the early morning hours when the soil is warm and moist. It is important to only give them small amounts of water at a time. Microgrees can also thrive in some airless containers so if you have an airless container in your garden, then you should place your microgrowery there to ensure they get enough warmth.
One of the hardest tasks in keeping your microgrees alive is by ensuring they get the correct amount of sunlight. Microgrees are shade loving plants but when they are not given the proper amount of sunlight they will become sad and depressed. Microgrees thrive in areas of full sun during the day and then need to be protected from the shadows that occur at night. The best way of ensuring that they get the required amount of sunlight is to raise your container’s lid or put them inside a glass enclosure at night.
It is essential to check on your plants from time to time. Most plants love the attention of a gardener but some may not prefer it. If you find your plants are suffering from disease then you should isolate them from other plants and place them in an area where they will be safe from other disease loving plants. If you keep your plants healthy then you will reduce the amount of work you have to do keeping them alive. It is important to remember that microbreweries are very sensitive to water so you should never over water them, always provide them with an adequate amount of water to survive.