When you grow fresh sprouts at home using Nature Jim’s sprouting seeds, the entire process happens indoors. But you can also use certain types of our seeds to grow microgreens in your own backyard!
That’s why we put together this quick guide on how to sprout seeds outdoors. Not many people know that with certain seeds, you can choose to grow sprouts or microgreens—it all comes down to which growing method you choose. Let’s dig into the details.
In many cases, microgreens and sprouts can both grow from the same seed. These aren’t different kinds of plants—they’re different stages in a single plant’s life cycle. Sprouts are what you get when germinating seeds in water, as you do with a sprouting jar. They don’t need sunlight to grow. And when you eat them, you eat both the seed and the shell.
Microgreens, on the other hand, are from a little later in the life cycle, when the plant grows its first couple of leaves. They require lots of light and ventilation to thrive like most other plants. In terms of preparation, you eat the stem and the leaves, but not any part of the seed or roots.
So, if you’re looking to sprout seeds outdoors, you won’t end up with sprouts. You’ll end up with microgreens (or an entire plant, if you let it grow for a long while).
It’s important to know that while not all sprouting seeds from Nature Jim’s are suitable for growing microgreens, several of them can be used. Here are the seeds we recommend if you want to grow microgreens outdoors: Broccoli seeds Sunflower seeds Wheatgrass seeds Daikon radish seeds
Limited on outdoor space? You’ll be happy to hear growing microgreens outdoors is very easy on small patios and balconies. If you have more room to work with, you still might consider planting in trays or raised beds for simplicity’s sake.
Before you can get your hands dirty, your sprouting seeds need to be sanitized and then wakened from their dormant state. You see, sanitizing your seeds is one of the most important steps in sprouting safely.
So, first you’ll soak seeds in apple cider vinegar or distilled white vinegar for 15 minutes. Use two tablespoons of vinegar to one heaping tablespoon of seeds for sprouting. Then, rinse your seeds until the smell of vinegar is gone. (Click here to learn more about disinfecting sprouting seeds)
Next you have to soak the seeds in water to wake them from their latent state. Without this step, some (or most) of your seeds might never sprout! Use three-parts water to one-part seeds. Add both to a jar or bowl and mix. Soak for six to eight hours, rinse and drain and you’re ready to plant.
You’ll want to leave about a three-inch gap between the container or bed’s rim and the top of the soil. If you’d like to add compost, do so at this stage. You want the water to be able to drain effectively, so don’t pack the soil too tightly.
Take a few minutes to evenly sow your seeds, aiming for about a quarter inch between each. Ideally, none should overlap. Just barely cover them with soil and lightly mist to help the seeds sink into the soil a bit.
Your seeds can develop fungal problems if they’re overwatered. But it’s also important to keep the soil surface damp, especially during the first few days. Check your containers at least once daily and mist as needed.
To grow sprouting seeds into microgreens, you’re generally looking at two to three weeks. You’ll know it’s time to harvest when the plants are around two to four inches tall and you see what is called “cotyledon” (the first set of leaves grown by a plant).
The seeds will deplete the soil’s nutrients, which are crucial for microgreens to grow properly. Always swap in new soil between batches of seeds.
Nature Jim’s provides a wide variety of sprouting seeds
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With certain types of sprouting seeds, you’re practically getting two versions for the price of one. The growing method you choose is the deciding factor in whether you end up with sprouts or microgreens.
Now that you know how to sprout seeds outdoors, consider giving it a try on your own patio or balcony. All you need are containers or raised beds, soil and a spray bottle! And don’t forget to purchase your seeds from Nature Jim’s. We have the varieties you’ll need to be a successful microgreens grower. And be sure to have fun and enjoy!