How do I water, light, and care for microgreens?
Daily care routines for watering, lighting, and environment control during the grow cycle.
- Ensure air circulation with a small fan4
A gentle breeze from a small oscillating fan pointed near (not directly at) your trays dramatically reduces mold and fungal issues while strengthening stems. Good airflow is the single most effective mold prevention strategy.
📌 best practice2/10/2026, 5:50:37 AM
🛠️ Small fan
- Maintain temperature between 18-24°C for optimal growth4
Most microgreen varieties thrive at room temperature between 18-24°C (65-75°F). Temperature affects germination speed, growth rate, and mold risk more than almost any other factor.
📌 best practice2/10/2026, 5:50:33 AM
🛠️ Thermometer, seedling heat mat (optional)
- Use the weighted blackout method for days 1-45
After sowing seeds, cover the tray with another tray (inverted) and place a 1-2 kg weight on top. This creates darkness and gentle pressure that forces seeds to push through the medium, building strong root systems and thick stems before they ever see light.
📌 best practice2/10/2026, 5:50:27 AM
🛠️ Extra tray, weight (brick or book)
- Provide 12-16 hours of light daily with a basic LED panel4
Microgreens need 12-16 hours of light per day after the blackout period ends (usually day 3-5). A standard full-spectrum LED shop light or grow light positioned 15-30 cm above the trays provides plenty of intensity for compact, colorful growth.
📌 commercial2/10/2026, 5:50:19 AM
🛠️ LED grow light or shop light, outlet timer
- Use bottom watering for stronger roots5
Fill the bottom tray (no holes) with about 1 cm of water and let the growing tray wick moisture up through the drainage holes. Bottom watering encourages roots to grow downward, produces sturdier stems, and keeps the leaf surface dry — reducing mold risk.
📌 best practice2/10/2026, 5:50:11 AM
🛠️ Solid bottom tray, spray bottle