Growing Microgreens in 5x5 Trays

Growing microgreens at home is rewarding and easy; our 5x5 trays are perfect for trying out multiple varieties in a small space. Growers love how these trays fit neatly in a 1020 tray, letting them test different microgreens side-by-side or use them individually on a countertop. This is the perfect place to start if you are new to growing microgreens. 

With durable construction, color options for easy crop tracking, and simple cleanup, these trays make experimenting with new varieties and expanding your setup fun and efficient!

What are Microgreens?

Microgreens are nutrient-dense young plants harvested just after their first true leaves appear. They bring a punch of flavor and color to any meal, making them a vibrant addition to salads, sandwiches, smoothies, and more. With a wide variety of flavors and textures, microgreens are an easy way to elevate everyday dishes while adding fresh, healthy greens to your diet. These tiny plants pack a lot of nutrients into each bite, making them both a delicious and attractive choice for home growers and chefs alike.

Related:  Microgreen & White Bean Salad

Why Choose 5x5 Microgreen Trays?

5x5 microgreen trays are ideal for growing microgreens in small spaces like windowsills or countertops. Their compact size makes them easy to handle, allowing you to grow multiple varieties of microgreens without taking up too much room. These trays offer flexibility whether you’re experimenting with different crops or managing a small-scale setup for continuous production at home.

Benefits of 5x5 Trays:

• Compact Size: These trays fit easily on kitchen counters, windowsills, or shelves, making them perfect for small-space gardening.
• Versatility: Available in both shallow and deep versions, 5x5 trays cater to different microgreen varieties based on their root depth and growth cycles.
• Convenient for Experiments: The small size allows you to try different types of microgreens without using too much space or material.

Related:  How and When to Use 10 x 10 Microgreen Trays to Grow Nutrient Packed Microgreens

Getting Started with 5x5 Microgreen Trays

Before planting, you must prepare your trays and gather all the necessary supplies. You will need a few supplies to get you started. 

• 5x5 trays with and without holes, shallow works best for most microgreens.
• Spray bottle with misting capability
• Growing media
• Seeds 

Choosing the Right Tray

When selecting a 5x5 microgreen tray, opting for a heavy-duty, reusable tray made from food-safe plastic ensures ease of cleaning and long-term durability. Bootstrap Farmer’s 5x5 trays are available in both shallow and deep options, giving growers flexibility based on crop needs. The shallow trays are ideal for quick-harvest microgreens, while the deep trays provide additional root space for crops with longer growth cycles or those that require more moisture retention.

Having both trays with holes and trays without holes also allows you to customize drainage and bottom-watering setups, ensuring consistent moisture levels and healthy plant growth.

Related: What Trays Do You Need for Microgreens and Propagation

Preparing the Growing Medium

Microgreens can be grown in various mediums, including soil, coco coir, hemp mats, peat moss, soilless mixes, or a combination. The choice of medium depends on the grower's method and preferences. For smaller trays like 5x5, hemp mats are often ideal because they offer good drainage, are sterile, and effectively retain moisture.

To prepare the growing medium for microgreens, follow these steps:

1. Use clean trays: Ensure the trays are thoroughly cleaned and sterilized to prevent mold or bacteria growth.
2. Add the growing medium: Spread your chosen medium, such as soil, coco coir, or grow mats, evenly across the base of the tray. Use a second tray to press loose media and create an even flat surface. 
3. Moisten the medium: Lightly mist the growing medium with a spray bottle until damp but not soaking wet. This helps create the ideal environment for seed germination and growth.

Related: Top 5 Best Growing Mediums for Microgreens

Planting the Seeds

After preparing the trays and the growing medium, it's time to plant your microgreen seeds. The general process is the same for all types of microgreens:

1. Sprinkle seeds evenly: Spread the appropriate amount of seeds evenly across the growing medium's surface. The seed-specific section below provides the exact seed measurements for each variety.
2. Mist the seeds: Lightly mist the seeds using a spray bottle. The goal is to make the growing medium and seeds as damp as a wrung-out sponge.
3. Apply pressure: Place a tray without holes on top of the seeded tray to apply gentle pressure. This helps ensure the seeds make contact with the growing medium for proper germination. 

Germinating the Seeds

Germination is a critical part of the growing process, and it begins immediately after planting. How you handle this stage will vary slightly depending on whether you are growing multiple trays or just one. Keeping the growing medium moist as a wrung-out sponge throughout germination is essential to sprouting success. 

For Multiple Trays:

1. Stack your 5x5 trays with no-hole trays placed between each one.
2. Add a weight, such as a jar of jam, to the top tray to help press the seeds into the growing medium.
3. Stacked trays stay moist longer, but depending on the humidity and airflow in your growing space, you may need to water them. Lift the edge of the tray once or twice a day and lightly mist the seeds with water. 

For a Single Tray:

1. If you are growing only one tray, place a no-hole tray on top of the planted tray and add a light weight to it.
2. Lift the edge of the tray once or twice a day and lightly mist the seeds with water. Adjust the frequency based on your growing space’s humidity.

Related:  Stacking Trays of Microgreens

Environmental Conditions:

• Keep the trays in a warm area between 65°F and 75°F. This temperature range is ideal for most microgreen varieties and helps the seeds germinate within 24-48 hours.
• If your seeds take longer to germinate, check the moisture levels and temperature to ensure they are within the optimal range.

Caring for Microgreens After Germination

Once the seeds have germinated, you will uncover the trays and expose the seedlings to light. Proper light exposure is essential for healthy growth.

Light Requirements:

Microgreens need at least 6-8 hours of light per day. More is better and will result in faster growth. Many professional growers provide at least 15 hours a day of light. 

• Natural Light: Place the trays near a sunny window with plenty of sunlight. Keep the light indirect for the first day of exposure to avoid burning new leaves. 
• Artificial Light: If natural light is limited, use a grow light to provide consistent, adequate lighting. Place the trays close to the light source to prevent the seedlings from becoming “leggy” (long, weak stems).

Related: What Lights Do I Need to Grow Microgreens?

Watering Your Microgreens:

Watering is one of the most important parts of growing healthy microgreens. The bottom-watering method ensures even moisture distribution and prevents overwatering.

• Bottom-watering method: Place the 5x5 tray with holes into a tray without holes. Add water to the bottom tray, allowing the growing medium to absorb the moisture.
• Watering frequency: Water once or twice a day, depending on the temperature and humidity of your growing space. After an hour, make sure there is no standing water in the no-hole tray—pour out any excess water to prevent root rot.

For larger setups, if you are growing multiple trays in a 1020 tray, you can water all the trays at once by lifting out one of the 5x5 trays and adding water to the bottom of the 1020 tray.

Related:  How to Water Microgreens

Growing Conditions and Adjustments

Microgreens thrive in a warm, well-lit environment. We often tell people, “If the room is comfortable for you. It will be comfortable for your microgreens.” However, different varieties may have slightly different needs.

For example, purple varieties like red acre cabbage will have more color when grown in cooler temperatures. The sections below outline seed-specific recommendations for growing various types of microgreens in 5x5 trays.

Seed-Specific Growing Plans for Microgreens

Each type of microgreen has slightly different requirements regarding the number of seeds used and the time needed for germination and harvest. Below are the details for common microgreen varieties grown in 5x5 trays:

Radish

• Seed amount: 1 heaping teaspoon per 5x5 tray.
• Germination time: 24-48 hours.
• Time to harvest: Radishes should be harvested around 7 days after germination before the true leaves develop spiky edges.

Cabbage

• Seed amount: ½ teaspoon per 5x5 tray.
• Germination time: 24-48 hours.
• Time to harvest: Around ten days from germination.

Broccoli 

• Seed amount: Scant ½ teaspoon per 5x5 tray.
• Germination time: 24-48 hours.
• Time to harvest: Around ten days from germination.

Basic Salad Mix 

• Seed amount: ½ teaspoon per 5x5 tray.
• Germination time: 24-48 hours.
• Time to harvest: Around ten days from germination.

Harvesting Your Microgreens

Microgreens are ready to harvest when they reach about 2-3 inches in height. The timing will vary based on the variety you are growing, but most microgreens are ready to harvest within 7-14 days after planting.

• Cutting the greens: Use clean scissors or a small, sharp knife to cut the greens just above the growing media.
• Storing the harvested greens: After harvesting, you can store microgreens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Rinse just before use. 

You can harvest the entire tray at once or snip smaller sections as needed over a few days. Most microgreens will not regrow after the first cutting. 

Related: Reusing Harvested Microgreen Trays

Cleaning and Maintaining Your Trays

Proper care and cleaning of your trays are essential for healthy microgreen growth and preventing mold or contamination. Follow these steps after each growing cycle:

1. Clean the trays: Wash them in hot, soapy water and allow them to air dry. You can also run them through a dishwasher, but turn off the heated drying feature to prevent warping.
2. Sterilize the trays: For extra cleanliness, especially if mold is present, spray the trays with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution and allow them to air dry. Vinegar or a mild bleach solution can also be used, but rinse the trays thoroughly before reusing them.

Related: How to Wash and Care for Seedling Trays

Growing Your Growing Setup

Once you’ve mastered growing microgreens in 5x5 trays, you can expand your mini garden by trying new varieties or increasing your growing space.

• Experiment with new seeds: Once you’re ready to expand your microgreen selection, check out our guide to the Top 10 Microgreens to Grow for inspiration.
• Scale up your operation: Use vertical racks or stack trays in a 1020 tray to maximize your growing space. This allows you to grow more microgreens at once without taking up extra room.

Related: A Quick Guide to Starting a Microgreens Business

Get Started Growing Your Greens 

Even with limited space, growing microgreens in 5x5 trays is an excellent way to enjoy fresh, nutrient-dense greens year-round. By following the simple steps outlined in this guide and adjusting your care based on the type of seeds you're growing, you’ll be well on your way to harvesting healthy, flavorful microgreens in no time.

Whether you're growing one tray a week for personal use or looking to start a small-scale garden on your kitchen table, 5x5 trays offer the perfect balance of convenience and productivity.

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