Carrot micro greens are a delicious and nutritious way to elevate any meal. They pack a concentrated punch of carrot flavor and can be enjoyed on sandwiches, tossed into salads, or even used as a garnish to add a pop of color and taste. Growing them at home is surprisingly easy, but it requires a bit more attention compared to other micro greens.
Materials
Organic Carrot Seeds
Choose a variety specifically labeled for micro greens, as they tend to be untreated.
Shallow Container with Drainage Holes
A shallow plastic tray or dish with drainage holes works well.
Solid Container (Optional)
A container without drainage holes, slightly larger than the first, will be used to create a blackout period.
Seed-Starting Mix
Opt for a lightweight, well-draining mix specifically formulated for seedlings.
Light Source
A sunny windowsill works in a pinch, but a grow light 2-3 inches above the tray is ideal.
Spray Bottle
For misting the seeds during germination.
Instructions
Prepare the Growing Tray
Fill your container with drainage holes with the seed-starting mix. Aim for about 1-1.5 inches of soil, leaving some space at the top. Gently tamp down the soil to create a level surface.
Planting the Seeds
The salt shaker can be helpful for this task.
Lightly Press the Seeds
Don’t bury the seeds deeply. Gentlypress them into the soil using your fingertips or a flat surface to ensure good contact with the moist soil.
Blackout Period
Carrot seeds require darkness for germination. Moisten the soil with a gentle spray from the bottle. Cover the tray with the solid container to block out all light.
Germination
Store the covered tray in a cool (around 65°F) and dark location. Be patient! Germination for carrot micro greens can take 4-7 days. During this time, mist the soil lightly with the spray bottle if it appears dry.
Welcome the Light
Once you see most of the seeds have sprouted, it’s time to introduce light. Remove the cover and place the tray under your grow light, or a sunny windowsill for at least 12 hours a day.
Watering
Micro greens don’t require constant watering but they do need consistent moisture. The best way to water is from the bottom. Place the tray in a shallow dish filled with clean water. Let the tray sit for 10 minutes, then remove it and allow excess water to drain.
Harvesting
Your carrot micro greens are ready to harvest when they reach a height of 2-3 inches and have developed their first true leaves (usually around 14-20 days after planting). Use your sharp kitchen shears to cut the stems just above the soil surface.
