How to grow watercress microgreens at home?

The microgreens of the watercress have a unique taste that is unlike any other. For some, it resembles a radish, others feel a resemblance to horseradish or mustard. The leaves have a characteristic aroma, and their taste is spicy, piquant, with hints of bitterness. To grow microgreens at home, you will need a seed germinator, soil or other substrate, additional lighting. Seedling care is solely about watering.

The benefits of eating watercress

The hobby for the cultivation of microgreens (aka microgreen, from the English microgreen) has come into fashion quite recently. Thanks to scientists, it turned out that the content of nutrients in the first true leaves is significantly higher than in germinated grains and adult plants.

Microgreens are used somewhat differently than sprouts. When harvesting microgreens, only leaves and stems are cut, the roots must be disposed of. And the sprouted grains are eaten whole.

Watercress Microgreens Contains:

• a large amount of B vitamins, as well as vitamins A, C, D, E, K, PP;
• minerals (phosphorus, calcium, iron, potassium, iodine, sulfur and others);
• enzymes;
• phytoncides.

When ingested, the product has the following effects on the body:

• anti-inflammatory;
• fortifying;
• sedative;
• expectorant;
• diuretic.

The beneficial properties of watercress microgreens do not end there. Thanks to its constant use in the body, a number of positive changes occur:

• the work of digestion improves, appetite returns to normal, fermentation processes in the intestines are eliminated;
• toxins and waste products of cells are removed from the body, metabolism improves;
• the antioxidants contained in greens have a rejuvenating effect, help to normalize sleep, and stabilize the nervous system;
• adding watercress to vitamin cocktails and salads, you can improve skin condition, get rid of rashes.

Microgreens are suitable for use by children, pregnant women, the elderly, strengthens and maintains their health.

Before adding watercress to a dish for the first time, try a little greens. In some, it can cause an allergic reaction, it is also better to refuse sprouts for people with low blood pressure (microgreen watercress has a pronounced hypotensive effect).

What is needed to grow microgreens at home?

First of all, you need watercress seeds. Planting material in a standard package weighing 1 g is unprofitable to purchase from an economic point of view. In addition, these seeds can be pickled with chemicals in production.

For planting on microgreens, environmentally friendly seeds are produced today in packaging from 50 g, they can be ordered on the Internet without any problems. Some manufacturers offer to purchase ready-made kits for growing microgreens, which include everything you need.

As a germinator, you need a container with low sides (5-10 cm). It can be made from the following materials:

• ceramics;
• glass;
• plastic.

Some people use for this purpose, for example, baking dishes. You can also purchase a special germinator consisting of a pallet and a mesh insert. It is convenient in that it allows you to grow microgreens without soil or other substrate. The seeds are laid out on a net and the water is poured into a tray.

Those who decide to germinate seeds in the ground should take care of acquiring soil in advance.It can consist of a pure peat substrate or a mixture of peat, garden soil and river sand. The purchase of ready-made potting mixes should be treated with caution because of the possible processing with chemicals - when grown, microgreens will absorb all harmful substances.

In hydroponic cultivation, no land is used. Cover the bottom of the tray with one of the following materials:

• linen rug;
• jute hay;
• coconut mat;
• mineral wool;
• artificial felt.

As the simplest and most affordable materials, you can use cotton pads, gauze, paper towels. The thin substrate is folded in several layers.

When growing microgreens in autumn and winter, you will definitely need additional lighting. A height-adjustable lighting fixture with a fluorescent lamp, LEDs, phytolamp is best suited. Lighting should be arranged at a distance of 25-30 cm from seedlings. In spring and summer, seedlings do not need illumination.

Sowing seeds, further care

Before sowing, the soil or other substrate is moistened with purified water. It is best to use spring, filtered or melt water (boiled or tap water is not recommended). The seeds are pre-soaked for 8-12 hours. For sowing in one tray you will need 2-3 tbsp. l. seeds, planting should be tight.

Step-by-step planting procedure:

1. The prepared seeds are laid out on the surface of the substrate, trying to distribute them evenly. Seeds that have stuck together can be separated with a toothpick or tweezers.
2. After that, the crops are irrigated from a spray bottle and covered with a foil with holes.
3. Until emergence, the tray can be kept in a shaded area. As soon as the sprouts hatch, the container is rearranged to light; if necessary, artificial lighting is additionally turned on.

When grown in soil, it is convenient to water the seedlings using a sprayer, spraying the sprouts 2-3 times a day. If using the hydroponic method, add fresh water daily to the tray. In a germinator with a mesh, the water in the pan is changed every day. Once or twice during the growing cycle, water can be replaced with a nutrient solution based on complex fertilizers, for example, "Kemira - Universal". The concentration should be 2 times weaker than the manufacturer recommends.

There is no acute need for feeding. Microgreens can be successfully grown without the use of fertilizers. The nutrients for the sprouts are taken from the embryo of the seed. Cut the watercress microgreens with sharp scissors 5-7 days after sowing. By this time, 2 true leaves should be formed on the plants. When grown in soil, the soil can get on the shoots, they will need to be washed. Greens grown hydroponically stay clean.

One and the same soil can be used for sowing three times, other materials are used once.

Even in the refrigerator, watercress sprouts quickly lose their commercial qualities; it is recommended to store them no more than 2 days from the moment of cutting. Microgreens are not subject to heat treatment; they are used fresh, adding to cold dishes and drinks.

Self-grown watercress microgreens are very inexpensive compared to purchased products. In addition, the growing process takes place before our eyes, which means that there will be no reason to doubt the quality and benefits of the sprouts. In just a week, you can get an excellent vitamin supplement to your diet.