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November 26, 2024 8 min read 0 Comments
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!
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
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.
Related: How and When to Use 10 x 10 Microgreen Trays to Grow Nutrient Packed Microgreens
Before planting, you must prepare your trays and gather all the necessary supplies. You will need a few supplies to get you started.
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
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.
Related: Top 5 Best Growing Mediums for Microgreens
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:
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.
Related: Stacking Trays of Microgreens
Once the seeds have germinated, you will uncover the trays and expose the seedlings to light. Proper light exposure is essential for healthy growth.
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.
Related: What Lights Do I Need to Grow Microgreens?
Watering is one of the most important parts of growing healthy microgreens. The bottom-watering method ensures even moisture distribution and prevents overwatering.
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
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.
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:
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.
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
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:
Related: How to Wash and Care for Seedling Trays
Once you’ve mastered growing microgreens in 5x5 trays, you can expand your mini garden by trying new varieties or increasing your growing space.
Related: A Quick Guide to Starting a Microgreens Business
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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