In this video we will be growing pea shoots micro green using four different pea varieties.
We will grow them all simultaneously and we'll compare and try to find the best variety to grow.
We will be using four basic steps each of the steps will be explained in detail as we go along.
We will be using three different types of chickpeas and the green peas for
our growing. These are all regular dry seeds which were purchased from the grocery store.
Wash the seeds to remove any impurities and then soak them for 12 to 24 hours.
Soaking the seeds is very helpful to achieve a quicker germination and consistent growth.
After the soak time the seeds have swelled and almost doubled in size.
We will be using these plastic growing trays. You can find them online if you search by 10 20 or 10
10 growing trays. The upper tray has holes for drainage and the lower tray without any
holes is the watering tray. These trays are made of plastic and are food safe grade.
We will be using coconut coir as our grow media. Coconut coir is an excellent grow media,
it is organic and holds water very well. Although coconut coir does not have any nutrients to
provide to the plant it is very easy to use and is a very popular choice for microgreen growers.
We will only use approximately one inch thick layer for this medium.
Using a block of wood gently pack the media.
Spread the pre-soaked seeds evenly on the media.
In micro greens method the seeds are packed close to each other.
Let's put two varieties in each tray.
Spray the seeds with water and fully moisten the media.
We have to put enough water to last 3 days through the germination process.
Next we will be using another entry tray and put the flat side on top of the seeds.
We will be adding a weighted pressure on top tray
by placing a paver. Weight is added to the tray forcing the seeds to root deeper and grow stronger
after they germinate. The weight also keeps the planting surface compacted
during and after germination. The next 6 days we will keep the tray in the dark away from any
light. The weight is removed after 3 days. The weight is no longer needed after this point.
From this point we will have to water the lower tray every day. You can use regular
drinking water or introduce some liquid nutrients in the water every other day.
Continue to water the lower tray as needed.
Now we will flip the top tray and place it on top and continue with the blackout for 3 more days.
In the dark the micro greens will have no choice but to stretch out actively
for the light source, this leads to longer slimmer and more tender shoots.
The top lid is no longer needed after this point and the black out time is over. At this point,
I would say that the green piece is doing the best and the regular check piece is trailing.
In selecting a place to grow your microgreens consider that like any other plants microgreens
benefit from good exposure to sunlight therefore place them where you have more light usually
a window on the southern side of your house or you can use artificial light. I'm using
regular led shop lights for the light source. Remember to water the lower tray every day.
Micro greens are nutrients dense tiny greens that can be grown in limited space, in relatively short
time, even on a windowsill. Given their high nutritional value and the variety of seeds that
you can grow micro greens have the potential to provide you with nutrient dense greens.
Micro greens can be harvested using a clean sharp knife or a pair of scissors
right before being used for any preparation.
All four types of seeds got the same growing condition. You can see that the green piece
had the best germination and growth. Among the chickpeas the green version of chickpeas did the
best. I performed the exact same experiment three times and each time the results were the same.
Washing the micro greens in fresh drinking water before consuming them is always recommended.
Since our growing media is organic we can compost it and we can wash and reuse the plastic trays.
Hope this video was helpful thanks for watching