Mats for growing microgreens - types and advantages

Growing herbs and vegetables on the window is an increasingly popular activity. Using special mats for microgreening, you can sprout dill, basil, cilantro, legumes and cereals, and some vegetables at home. Greens are cut at the stage when 2-3 true leaves appear: it is at this stage that plants are extremely saturated with vitamins, minerals and biologically active substances. With self-cultivation, you can be sure of the quality and ecological purity of the product.

Microgreen growing technology

Greens in the apartment can be grown all year round, and special devices will help with this. To organize a "conveyor", choose 3-4 types of plants and carry out their sowing in turn. The use of special mats for germinating seeds allows you to do without soil. For this purpose, you can even use ordinary cotton wool or gauze. The use of finished products in food has a beneficial effect on the work of many organs and systems of the body.

Trays specially designed for this are purchased as containers for microgreens, but you can take ordinary plastic containers or glass baking dishes for planting. Then they act as follows:

1. special rugs or soil are placed on the bottom;
2. moisten the substrate with filtered or structured water (tap water will not work);
3. spread seeds on the surface;
4. close the container with a lid to create a special microclimate;
5. place the container in a bright, ventilated place.

For seedlings to develop, it is necessary to maintain a stable moisture level. This parameter must be monitored, if necessary, water is added to the container. Cut greens retain their properties when stored in the refrigerator for no more than a week.

Linen rugs

Experts call linen rugs the ideal solution for growing microgreens.

Benefits of linen backing:

• the material retains moisture for a long time;
• greens remain clean during the growing process, they do not need to be washed;
• flax is excellent for the development of full-fledged plant roots.

The organic environment is initially sterile, which prevents the development of bacterial and fungal infections. In use, a linen substrate is much more convenient than a primer.

The mat is pre-moistened and placed in a box (overmoistening should be avoided). Having spread the seeds on the surface, the container is closed with a transparent lid. As soon as sprouts appear, the shelter is removed. Watering microgreens is carried out using a spray bottle.

Jute rug

Another popular option is a jute rug. It is made from jute hay. It is beneficial to use raw materials due to the following properties:

• the ability to absorb a lot of moisture - 4.5 times its own weight;
• lack of dust and odor;
• economical consumption;
• environmental and sanitary safety;
• completely natural composition.

Jute rugs can be ordered online with green containers or separately. The popular size is 11x16 cm. The cost of the set will be lower than when ordering mats alone.

Coconut mat

Coconut mat is produced in running meters, before buying you need to calculate the required size, since this material is relatively expensive. Its advantages:

• excellent ability to absorb and retain moisture;
• own favorable microflora, which prevents the occurrence of putrefactive processes;
• treatment with a special solution, which reduces the amount of fertilizers used.

The material is used once, re-seeding on the same mat is not allowed. To prevent the development of mold, it is recommended to periodically illuminate the plants with an ultraviolet lamp.

Felt for microgreens

Recently, a new type of microgreen substrate has appeared on the market - from felt. The substrate is organic.

Felt fabric has the following advantages:

• does not pollute the roots and stems of plants;
• the used mat can be recycled by composting;
• when grown for sale, the implementation period is extended 3-4 times, the greens are left on the mat.

Any dish with a height of 5–10 cm is suitable for growing. It is better if it is made of natural materials - ceramics, glass, clay. When choosing a plastic container, you should give preference to products made of high-quality material, which is expressed in the absence of a sharp chemical odor.

Growing microgreens is an affordable hobby that does not require a lot of money and time. As a result, you can take advantage of the results of your labor, bringing benefits to the body. Special rugs made of various materials will be an excellent help in this.