The last of the winter squash have been harvested, the beds have been mulched, and the perennials are fast asleep (dreaming of sunnier days). What is a gardener to do to fill these cold, dark days? I’m growing indoor herbs, sprouts, and microgreens to pass the time! Not only are they delicious and nutritious, they bring a green freshness to stuffy indoor air. Here are a few tips to help you winterize your green thumb!

Growing Indoor Herbs

HERBS like basil, oregano, thyme, sage, rosemary, chives, and mint can easily be grown indoors. Not only will they bring their brightness and fresh, herby scent to your home, they’ll also be readily at hand for adding to your favorite recipes.

A few thing to keep in mind when growing indoor herbs:

• Be sure your indoor herbs have plenty of light.  Consider adding a grow light.
• Be careful not to overwater or under water.  When soil is dry down to about a 1/2 inch, water thoroughly.
• Dilute fertilizer to 1/4 the recommended strength to account for slower winter growing.
• Keep leaves from coming in to contact with cold windows.

Growing Sprouts And Microgreens

WHAT ARE SPROUTS? Sprouts are germinated seeds that are eaten root, seed, and shoot. They are grown in a damp environment without soil or a starting medium, and do not require light to sprout.

Growing your own sprouts is an easy way to enjoy inexpensive, healthy homegrown food all year long. Sprouts are the nutritional stars of the vegetable world. They are rich in dietary fiber, bioavailable vitamins, minerals, amino acids, proteins, and phytochemicals – all essential for human health. Sprouts also contain digestive enzymes and some of the highest known levels of certain antioxidants.

WHAT ARE MICROGREENS? Microgreens are the shoots of herbs or vegetables picked just after the first leaves have developed. Research has found that the leaves from almost all microgreens have four to six times more nutrients than the mature leaves of the same plant. Unlike sprouts, microgreens are planted in growing medium and require light to grow. You can grow microgreens from sprouting seeds.

IS SPROUTING SAFE? A downside to consuming raw sprouts is that the process of germinating seeds can also be conducive to harmful bacterial growth. To ensure the safest growing environment, it is important to use sterilized equipment and thoroughly clean work surfaces and hands when working with sprouts. It is recommended that children under two years of age and people with highly compromised immune systems refrain from eating sprouted seeds.
Some people suggest soaking seeds in a hydrogen peroxide solution prior to sprouting to inhibit bacterial growth. Learn more here to decide if this is an option for you:
https://ucanr.edu/sites/Postharvest_Technology_Center_/files/231294.pdf

Tip: Prepare harvested sprouts with known antimicrobial foods such as vinegar, garlic, and onions.

Make your own sprouting jar

• Sprouts are very easy to grow in any container with a lid with holes for draining water and allowing air circulation. Here’s how to make your own. You will need:
• A wide-mouth jar (quart size or larger).
• Cheesecloth, very fine plastic mesh like that used to package produce, or any clean, porous material that will allow water to drain.
• A rubber band to secure the cover, or an open center screw-on lid
• Simply place the cheesecloth over the open jar mouth and secure with a rubber band. Or, cut mesh or other porous material to fit the inside of the metal screw-on lid.

How to grow sprouts

• Rinse approximately 1 1/2 tbsp. seeds and soak overnight in fresh room temperature water
• Drain the water, rinse the seeds once or twice, and drain again
• Place the seeds in a clean, sanitized sprouting jar or other container with a lid that allows easy draining and air circulation
• Do not add water, seeds should be slightly damp, not wet
• Twice a day (morning and evening) rinse with fresh water and drain
• Continue to rinse and drain daily until sprouts are desired size
• Rinse well before serving
• Sprouts taste best when eaten fresh, but well- drained sprouts will keep up to one week in the refrigerator

How to grow microgreens

• Grow in shallow trays filled with pre-moistened potting mix. Seeds can be spaced densely at 1/8 – 1/4″ apart. Press gently into potting mix and cover lightly with additional mix or with a humidity dome.
• Water the tray from the bottom or with a mister to prevent seeds from dislodging. Keep potting mix evenly moist, do not allow to dry out.
• Place trays on a sunny windowsill or under grow lights. Seeds germinate best at 75°F. Warmer temperatures or insufficient airflow may encourage disease.
• Harvest once seedlings develop leaves, or at 1/2 – 2″ tall. Use clean scissors to cut desired amount at soil level. For a continual crop, sow every 14 days.

I hope these suggestions, tips, and tricks help to insulate your green thumb and your mood from the winter’s chill. Happy Planting, Gardeners!

Leave a comment and let us know what you’re doing to winterize your green thumb this year.