How to Grow Microgreens Indoors in an Apartment (Ultimate Guide)

If you want fresh, nutrient-dense greens in your meals—but have no yard, balcony, or gardening experience—growing microgreens indoors is your best solution.

Microgreens are young vegetable greens harvested just 7 to 14 days after germination. They pack up to 40 times more vitamins and antioxidants than their mature counterparts and can be grown on a kitchen counter, windowsill, or shelf—no soil, no sunlight, and no yard required.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn exactly how to grow microgreens indoors year-round, even in the smallest apartment. From choosing seeds and containers to lighting, watering, and harvesting, every step is broken down for beginners.

Let’s get growing.

What Are Microgreens and Why Grow Them Indoors?

Microgreens are the tender, early-stage shoots of vegetables and herbs like broccoli, radish, kale, basil, and sunflower. They’re harvested when the first true leaves appear—usually between 7 and 14 days after planting.

Unlike sprouts, which grow entirely in water, microgreens grow in a growing medium and are harvested above the soil line. As a result, they are safer, more flavorful, and less prone to bacterial contamination.

Benefits of Growing Microgreens Indoors:

• Extremely fast – Ready to harvest in under two weeks
• High in nutrients – Rich in vitamins C, E, K, and antioxidants
• Space-efficient – Grow in trays as small as 10×20 inches
• Year-round production – No seasons, no weather dependency
• Cost-effective – One seed packet yields multiple harvests
• Zero food miles – Harvest and eat within minutes

Because they grow so quickly, microgreens are perfect for urban dwellers, renters, and anyone who wants fresh, living food without the hassle of traditional gardening.

Best Seeds for Microgreens

Not all seeds work well as microgreens. Choose varieties bred for high germination, fast growth, and great flavor.

Top 10 Microgreen Varieties for Beginners

For best results, use untreated, food-grade seeds labeled for microgreen or sprouting use. Garden seeds with chemical coatings can inhibit germination or introduce toxins.

Supplies You’ll Need

You don’t need expensive equipment. Here’s everything required to start:

1. Growing Trays

Use shallow trays with drainage holes. Standard size: 10×20 inches (common seed tray size).
Options include reusable plastic trays, recycled clamshells, or DIY wooden frames lined with food-safe plastic.

2. Growing Medium

Choose one of these clean, soil-free options:

• Coconut coir – Sustainable and moisture-retentive
• Hemp mat – Pre-cut and mess-free
• Potting mix – Lightweight and organic
• Paper towels – For simple, short-term setups

Avoid garden soil—it’s too dense and may carry pathogens.

3. Seeds

Buy from reputable suppliers like True Leaf Market or Johnny’s Selected Seeds. Start with 1–2 oz per tray for dense coverage.

4. Spray Bottle

Essential for gentle misting during germination.

5. Light Source

A south-facing window provides enough light, but a full-spectrum LED grow light ensures consistent growth. A simple clamp lamp with a 6500K bulb works perfectly.

6. Water

Use filtered, distilled, or standing tap water (let sit 24 hours to off-gas chlorine).

Step-by-Step: How to Grow Microgreens Indoors

Follow this process for consistent, healthy harvests every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Tray

Fill the growing tray with 1–1.5 inches of growing medium. Lightly compress the surface to create a flat, even bed. Then, moisten thoroughly with a spray bottle or gentle pour.

Step 2: Sow the Seeds

Evenly sprinkle seeds across the surface. Avoid overcrowding. For small seeds like radish, use about 1 tablespoon per tray. For larger seeds like sunflower, use 2–3 tablespoons.

Next, gently press the seeds into the medium using a flat board. This ensures good contact with moisture.

Step 3: Mist and Cover

After sowing, mist lightly to settle the seeds. Then, cover the tray with an identical empty one or a blackout dome. This creates a dark, humid environment ideal for germination.

Step 4: Germinate in the Dark

Place the tray in a warm spot (70–75°F). Check daily and mist if the surface dries. Most seeds sprout in 2–4 days.

Once green shoots appear, remove the cover immediately. Otherwise, mold may develop.

Step 5: Provide Light

Move trays to a sunny windowsill or under a grow light. Keep lights 6–12 inches above the greens and run them 12–14 hours per day.

Meanwhile, rotate trays daily to prevent leaning toward the light.

Step 6: Water from Below

Pour water into the bottom reservoir tray. The medium will wick moisture upward. This method keeps leaves dry and reduces mold risk.

Keep the medium moist but not soggy.

Step 7: Harvest

Microgreens are ready when the first true leaves have opened. Use clean scissors to cut just above the soil line.

For example, broccoli and radish microgreens are typically ready in 7–10 days, while sunflower and pea shoots take 10–14.

How to Harvest and Store Microgreens

Harvesting Tips

Cut with sharp scissors to avoid crushing stems. Harvest only what you need—microgreens don’t store well long-term.

Rinse gently in cold water if grown in soil or coir, then pat dry with a paper towel.

Storage

Place in an airtight container with a dry paper towel. Store in the refrigerator.

Use within 3–5 days for peak freshness. Sunflower and pea shoots can last up to 7 days.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

1. Mold or Fuzz on Surface

This is usually caused by overcrowding, poor airflow, or overwatering. To fix it, reduce seed density, improve air circulation, and water from below.

2. Leggy, Weak Growth

If your microgreens are tall and thin, they’re not getting enough light. Move them closer to the window or increase grow light duration.

3. Seeds Not Germinating

Old seeds, dry medium, or cold temperatures can prevent sprouting. Always use fresh seeds and keep the tray warm and moist.

4. Bitter or Off Flavors

Over-maturity or poor water quality can lead to unpleasant tastes. Harvest earlier and use clean water.

Can You Regrow Microgreens After Cutting?

Most microgreens do not regrow after harvest. They are a single-cut crop. However, pea shoots and sunflower shoots may produce a second, weaker flush if cared for.

For a continuous supply, stagger your planting: start a new tray every 5–7 days. That way, you’ll always have fresh greens ready.

Soil-Free Microgreens: Growing on Hemp Mats or Paper

Want a completely mess-free setup? Grow microgreens without any soil.

Using Hemp Mats

Cut the mat to fit your tray. Soak in water for 15 minutes. Spread seeds evenly, mist, and cover for germination. Water from below daily.

Hemp mats are reusable and biodegradable.

Using Paper Towels

Line the tray with 2–3 layers of paper towel. Wet thoroughly. Sprinkle seeds, cover, and germinate. Mist daily until harvest.

This method works best for radish, broccoli, and arugula.

Best Indoor Microgreens Kit (DIY or Store-Bought)

You can buy kits like the Havenshade Microgreen Kit , but a DIY setup is just as effective and much cheaper.

DIY Indoor Microgreens Kit:

• 2 plastic trays (one with holes, one solid)
• 1 bag coconut coir (1 lb)
• 1 LED grow light (clamp lamp, 6500K)
• 1 spray bottle
• Seed assortment (broccoli, radish, sunflower)

Total cost: under $50, reusable indefinitely.

Final Thoughts

Growing microgreens indoors is one of the easiest, most rewarding ways to bring fresh, living food into your home—no matter how small your space.

With a tray, some seeds, and a little light, you can harvest nutrient-packed greens in under two weeks. They add flavor, color, and vitality to salads, sandwiches, smoothies, and more.

Start with radish or broccoli. Follow the steps. Harvest your first crop.

And soon, you’ll never buy bagged greens again.

External References

• University of Maryland Extension – Microgreens Production
• Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry – Nutrient Levels in Microgreens
• ATTRA – Sustainable Agriculture – Microgreens Guide