How much should you store your growing microgreens? Microgreens like most greens are best eaten shortly after they are plucked from the plant. Planting microgreens, for instance, should ideally be done in a sunny and warm location but, given the environmental constraints of most greenhouse structures, they do better when stored in cool, dry containers. The amount of time the microgreen spends in storage before being consumed should be enough to make it perish naturally within a week from being plucked.
Some greenhouse operators prefer to use a traditional vase or “dish” as a microgreen container because it allows them to plant more plants and have multiple, shorter growing plants at one time. Others prefer to use two bowls, one large and one small, filled with soil or a berry culture. You should keep in mind however that a larger microgreen container will usually require more frequent emptying of the container to allow for removal of the waste. If the microgreen container is small, it is more likely to go stagnant than a larger one, especially if you do not have room for a large greenhouse and it is not possible to plant other small plants in its place. Smaller containers are also better when you are using several varieties of microgreens simultaneously.
Do you want to use a plastic container, like a Terracotta egg carton? Or do you want to use something more durable, such as a terracotta glazed pot? Plastic is probably your best option for growing microgreens since it is easy to clean and is cheaper than other materials, but plastic does have the disadvantage of slowly losing its color. Terracotta is extremely durable but can be difficult to clean. A Terracotta pot will retain its color for years, although you have to replace it periodically.
Another consideration for storing microgreens is whether you will be keeping them indoors or outdoors. When you are growing microgreens indoors, they should be kept in a cool, dark place that is free from drafts and which has good air circulation. Wood vinegar, fish oil, or vinegar powder made from vinegar can be used to increase the humidity level in your container. Once you are certain that your microgreen container will be kept indoors, you can consider how you are going to keep it protected from the elements.
There are several ways to protect your growing microgreens. One option is to purchase glass, plastic, or ceramic containers made of aluminum or tin. These containers can be placed on a sunny windowsill to help distribute sunlight to the microgreen. There are also several specially designed window boxes and hanging baskets that can be used to give direct sunlight to your growing microgreens.
A good, quality growing microgreen container will be made of food grade plastic. This means that the plastic has been approved by the FDA. Food grade plastic will not allow pesticides or other chemicals to Leach out into the food that is being stored in the container. Microgreens should be stored in a dry and well-ventilated environment, away from high temperatures and light. They will normally last for about two years if you take very good care of them.