How to Grow Microgreens in Florida: 8 Smart Tips for Growing These Healthy Greens in Florida’s Steamy Subtropical Climate
Microgreens have skyrocketed in popularity in recent years. You can find these young, tender greens everywhere, from the windowsills of backyard gardeners to serving plates in high-end restaurants.
Microgreens are easy to grow and can be used in many different ways. Growing them at home saves you money, and you’ll have a constant supply of nutritious young sprouts throughout the year! Throw them on your favorite sandwich, or use them to garnish a summer salad.
Of course, Florida’s subtropical climate can present a few challenges when growing microgreens. Thankfully, we’ve got some pro tips on how to grow microgreens in Florida’s hot, humid weather!
1- What are Microgreens?
The basic definition of a microgreen is a young plant harvested at the cotyledon stage of development when leaves are first noticeable on the stem.
(Photo: Unsplash)
Microgreens are sometimes confused with sprouts, which are harvested before the growth of leaves, and baby greens, which are harvested when the leaves are bigger.
They are popular in kitchens around the world, adding color, texture, and flavor to almost any dish imaginable.
2- Can You Grow Microgreens in Florida?
Yes! Although microgreens are delicate, they are almost always grown indoors. This makes it easy for you to control their environment’s temperature and humidity level.
The Sunshine State’s heat and humidity are not a problem as long as you have a way to provide ideal conditions for the plants inside your home.1
In fact, high temperatures and humidity levels give Florida microgreen gardeners an advantage! Since the state is in a subtropical climate zone, microgreens have a better chance of growing all year round than those in colder climates.
3- How Much Humidity Is Too Much?
When it comes to temperate and humidity, microgreens require specific levels that change depending on their growth stage.
They generally thrive with a humidity level of 40-60% and a temperature of 70 degrees F (room temperature). In comparison, the average humidity level of Florida is 75%, and the level in most homes is around 50%.2
If humidity is too high or low, the germination process can be interrupted, and your microgreens may grow slowly and unevenly.
High humidity, which can be an issue in Florida’s subtropical climate, creates a host of problems. You may notice your plants starting to wilt and turn yellow. The tell-tale sign of too much moisture in the air is mold. (Yuck!)
4- How to Measure and Adjust Humidity
You can use a hygrometer tool to measure the amount of water vapor in the air. These are generally cheap and are a good investment if you live in a place like Florida, where heat and humidity often rise above the recommended level for microgreens.3
If you notice the humidity is too high in the room where you keep your plants, you can take a few steps to reduce it.
- Use a dehumidifier: This will remove excess water vapor from the air but won’t affect the room’s temperature.
- Create a ventilation system: This can be as simple as turning on a fan. Use anything that will create a flow of fresh air.
- Avoid overwatering: Be sure to keep the media moist but not soaked. Overwatering can contribute to humidity.
5- Humidity Requirements During Each Growth Stage
At all growth stages, microgreens will thrive if they are kept in stable conditions and are not exposed to changes in temperature and humidity levels. Here are some specific requirements for each life stage of the plant:
- Seed Stage: During this period, the three most important things seeds require are oxygen, moisture, and the correct temperature. The humidity level should be 50-80%. You can achieve this by covering the growing tray with a damp cloth or secure lid.
- Light Stage: Once your microgreens have emerged and reached 1 to 1.5 inches tall, you can decrease the humidity level to 40-60%. They should ideally have access to natural light and fresh air.
6- Do You Need Artificial Lights to Grow Microgreens?
Microgreens can grow and thrive with access to 4 hours of sunlight daily. However, if you don’t have a windowsill to place them on, artificial lights are a good alternative. Most commercial growers use artificial lights. Fluorescent lights can help to provide consistent light, and there is no risk of them burning or overheating the delicate plants.
Since microgreens grow in such a short time, it’s wise to look at the forecast for the two weeks after you plant them. If it’s going to be particularly stormy or cloudy, plan to use artificial light to ensure your plants get adequate light.
7- How Deep Should the Soil be for Microgreens?
You’ll want to fill a food-grade tray with about 2 inches of soil (often called media, as it doesn’t actually contain any soil). The media you use should be a sterile, germinating, loose type—peat moss and perlite are two great options!
After adding the media, moisten it and add the seeds. Don’t be afraid to plant them close together—you can fit 8 to 10 seeds per square inch! Press them gently into the surface of the media.
Once planted, mist them with water and cover the tray with a lid that will block light and trap moisture. After that, you’re done! Check the seeds daily to see if they have emerged from the media.
After most of the plants have emerged, you can uncover them and place the tray on a windowsill or under artificial light. These little guys will be pretty low maintenance for the next 5 to 6 days. Just mist them twice daily, and they’ll be ready to harvest on the sixth day.
8- When Should You Harvest Microgreens?
Plan to harvest your microgreens when they reach a height of 2 inches, either in the morning or evening. You can use scissors to cut the stems just above the soil.
After cutting, they can be washed and used immediately or placed in a container with air holes and stored in the fridge for up to 6 days.
The entire cutting is consumed when used in food, including the leaves and stems. Many report the taste of microgreens to be richer and more intense than mature versions of the same plant.
As you can see, there are plenty of reasons to start growing microgreens in Florida. They are easy to plant and are very low maintenance once you start the seeds. They grow quickly and are ready to harvest within days. Plus, they can be grown all year long!
The best part about such a short growing period is that if you mess up, you can easily try again!
Growing microgreens in the subtropical Florida heat presents a few unique challenges, but they can easily be overcome by monitoring humidity levels and using tools like dehumidifiers and ventilation systems.
Best of luck with your microgreens!
Cover Image
Photo: iStock
Recommended Gear for this Adventure
Disclaimer: We earn a commission if you click any of the links above and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
