Microgreens have become increasingly popular for their delicate flavors and their wonderful taste. Grow on sprouts that you've grown to produce greens with colorful leaves that can be harvested and eaten. From red cabbage and arugula to cress and mustard and radish greens, these baby greens are filled with nutrition. For the space challenged, they can even be cultivated on a windowsill provided there is good air circulation.

As with sprouts, different seeds have different needs. For the best results, read up on each type of seed before beginning. Most greens will be ready to harvest in 4 to 14 days. Some seeds need to be soaked over night or be sprouted before planting although mucilaginous seeds such as arugula are never soaked. These seeds are sown directly on top of moist soil and form gelatin sacks to help hold in moisture during germination.

Growing greens on with kids is a great way of involving them in gardening and maybe even increasing the appeal of salads and greens. A simple seed starting tray and lid work well for growing these greens but an attractive cachepot allows one to leave them front and center as they grow in. Beautiful red amaranth greens have the appeal of a great houseplant while they are growing and have a nutty taste that is great in salads.

Materials:

Seeds
Sprouting container (necessary for seeds that need pre-sprouting before planting)
Sterilized seed starting mix or potting soil
Clean plastic lidded container with bottom drainage or terracotta pot for growing greens on.
Organic water-soluble fertilizer, optional

Tools:

Spray bottle
Mixing bowl
Spoon
Clear plastic bag

Directions:
1. Prepare your seeds by soaking in sprouter, following seed package directions. Some seeds, such as arugula, will not require initial sprouting.

2. Add 1 to 2 inch think layer of moist soil to selected container. Evenly spread seeds on top of soil. Gently mist the seeds with a spray bottle of water. Seeds should be moistened but not swimming in water.

3. Place container or pot near a window but out of direct sun light. If you have a lidded container, cover it to hold in moisture until seeds germinate. If using a pot versus a plastic container, cover it with a plastic bag during germination stage. Once tiny roots form, open lid or remove plastic bag and place container in a location with good air circulation and indirect light for the balance of growing period.

4. Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy at all times by misting seedlings with spray bottle. As roots grow in, water more deeply and less frequently, never allowing water to pool around young seedlings.

5. Depending on the greens, harvest in 4 to 14 days. If cut back with scissors, some greens will put on a second flush of growth like cut-and-come-again lettuce.