How to grow microgreen peas hydroponically?

The cultivation of sprouts of cereals, greens and vegetables has become a popular activity. Pea microgreens saturates the body with easily digestible protein, iron, vitamins. The resulting products can be used to decorate dishes, as a side dish, and put up for sale. Microgreens grow in a short time, and only seeds, container, substrate and clean water are needed. Sprout care is reduced to watering and maintaining optimal lighting levels.

What are microgreens?

Microgreens are sprouts grown from seeds with 2-3 true leaves. It is in this phase of development that plants are maximally saturated with vitamins, minerals, and biologically active substances. In terms of the content of nutrients, microgreens are dozens of times ahead of adult plants and germinated seeds.

Today, green sprouts are an integral part of a dietary and healthy diet. It is especially useful to supplement the diet with microgreens in the autumn-winter time, when the menu contains a limited set of foods rich in vitamins.

Pea seeds for microgreens

Peas are one of the popular crops used for germination. The taste of this microgreen is soft, the texture is juicy, crisp, reminiscent of young peas.

It is important to choose the right seeds so that the sprouts are tender. For example, chickpeas (chickpeas, popular in eastern countries) are not suitable for growing microgreens: its stems and leaves are too tough. It is better to purchase green pea seeds, they are inexpensive. Preference should be given to packaging of 50-100 g, since the planting on microgreens should be quite dense.

Useful properties of pea sprouts

The grown microgreens of peas contain a significant amount of B vitamins, as well as vitamin C, manganese, iron, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium. The product is saturated with essential amino acids and antioxidants, rich in fiber.

By consuming pea sprouts, you can get a healing effect. This is achieved due to the fact that:

• immunity is strengthened, the body is better able to resist infections and colds;
• the work of the blood-forming organs improves;
• metabolism accelerates;
• digestion processes are normalized;
• the body is cleansed.

Those who regularly consume pea sprouts report an overall improvement in well-being and a surge of energy. The condition of the skin, hair and nails also improves. Memory problems disappear, efficiency increases. The substances contained in the microgreens of peas have a positive effect on the reproductive system of men and women, and increase sexual desire.

Due to its high biological activity, it is better not to use the product for small children and pregnant women. In some, pea microgreens can cause individual intolerance, manifested by allergy symptoms. To begin with, you should try just a few leaves and make sure that there is no negative reaction of the body.

How to grow microgreen peas at home without land

At home, pea microgreens can be grown in soil or hydroponically. The use of land has one drawback: with this method of growing, the sprouts are often dirty, they have to be thoroughly washed. That is why many people prefer to cultivate microgreens hydroponically.To do this, in addition to seeds, you will also need a germinator, a substrate, a fluorescent lamp or phytolamp for illumination.

Types of germinators

It is convenient to germinate pea seeds in a wide container with low sides.

Often, a sprout is offered to be purchased with the seeds on the supplier's website or given as a gift when ordering for a certain amount.

The germination container is a tray with a mesh liner and does not require any additional support. Clean water is poured into the pallet every day, and the seeds are laid out on a grid. The water level should be such that it touches the seeds, but does not completely cover them.

You can also use as a sprout:

• plastic trays;
• glass or ceramic baking dishes;
• cake lids (seedlings are often grown in them).

The container must be clean. For the purpose of disinfection, the trays can be additionally rinsed with a solution of potassium permanganate.

Those willing to splurge can purchase an automatic microgreen germinator. The price of the equipment starts from 2500 rubles. Watering in such a device is carried out automatically using a pump. More sophisticated models can be additionally equipped with a timer, temperature and humidity sensors.

The most advanced devices - sprouters - can be remotely controlled using a special application. The owner will be able to make changes to the process using a computer or smartphone. Basically, sprouters are purchased by those wishing to organize a business on growing microgreens. The equipment can be designed for a specific request. The size of the working chamber, the number of sections are regulated. Such a "bed" is equipped with built-in lighting, since it will be difficult to place such a large-scale structure on the windowsill. However, there are also quite compact models of sprouters.

Materials used as a substrate

Instead of soil for germinating seeds, other organic and artificial materials can be used:

• linen rugs;
• coconut fiber;
• mineral wool;
• jute hay;
• artificial felt;
• vermiculite;
• paper towels;
• gauze.

Before sowing, any of these substrates are placed on the bottom of the tray and moderately moistened with water, if necessary folded in several layers if the material is thin.

Unlike primer, which can be used up to 3 times, all other substrates are used once.

Do not pour too hard on the substrate with water, waterlogging can cause mold in the tray.

Sowing and caring for microgreens

Before sowing, pea seeds must be soaked for 6-10 hours in a solution of hydrogen peroxide (1 tsp in a glass of water). This will help prepare the peas for germination and at the same time rid them of pathogenic microflora.

Sowing features:

1. Seeds are spread over the surface of the moistened substrate in one layer.
2. The crops are covered with a lid or foil with holes for air access.
3. The crops do not need lighting at this stage, the temperature should be maintained at 20-22 ° C.
4. As soon as the seeds hatch, the container is moved to the light and the lid is removed.

Most often, containers with microgreens are kept on the windowsill. When growing on a rack, illumination is mandatory. On the window, greenery is supplemented only in autumn and winter, turning on the lamp for several hours in the morning and evening.

Microgreens will be ready for cutting in 8-10 days after sowing. During cultivation, the sprouts are watered 2 times a day with a small amount of water or sprayed from a spray bottle. The leaves and the upper part of the stem are used for food, the roots of microgreens are utilized. Cutting is carried out with sharp scissors.

If the sprouts are clean, they do not need to be rinsed. Microgreens are not subject to heat treatment. If necessary, pea sprouts can be refrigerated by placing them in a plastic container.The shelf life of the product does not exceed 2–3 days.

Today, supermarkets sell various greens all year round, but the benefits of sprouts are incomparable with what ordinary parsley or dill can give. Microgreens are called the vitamin bomb for a reason, and many adherents of a healthy diet have already experienced this effect on themselves. The process of growing products does not require a lot of time, serious costs and careful care.