The supplies essential starting microgreens fall into four groups: containers to grow in, seeds to plant, growing medium for roots, and a light source. You can start with basic cheap versions of each. Upgrade later as you learn what matters for your setup. Many new growers overthink gear when simple tools work great.
My first setup cost under $15 using stuff I already had. Takeout containers from the recycling bin became my trays. A bag of potting soil and one seed packet came from the garden store. A sunny window gave me light for free. That bare bones approach taught me the basics. Now I run a shelf with grow lights that handles six trays at once.
Containers need holes in the bottom and at least 1-2 inches of depth for soil. Real microgreen trays cost about $2-4 each and last for years. Cheap options include takeout boxes, plastic produce shells, and foil baking pans. Poke holes in the bottom for drainage. Standing water kills seedlings fast so drainage is a must.
Seed quality matters more than beginners think. Buy seeds labeled for sprouting or microgreens from trusted sellers. They test for good sprouting rates and food safety. Garden seeds coated with fungicides should not be eaten. A single packet at $3-5 plants many trays based on seed size and type.
Growing medium runs from regular soil to soilless options. Standard potting mix works well and costs about $5-8 per bag. That fills dozens of trays. Coconut coir gives a sterile lightweight option many growers prefer. Hemp mats offer the cleanest setup with no mess at all. They cost more per tray than loose media though.
Your light source shapes how steady your harvests become. A south window gives free light that works for casual growing. Results shift with seasons and weather though. LED grow lights at $25-50 deliver reliable results all year. Put lights 2-4 inches above trays for compact stocky plants.
Your full microgreen equipment list should add a few more items. Get a spray bottle for misting seeds and young plants. Small scissors or a sharp knife lets you make clean harvest cuts. Labels or markers track planting dates and seed types. A tray under your growing container catches drips and lets you do bottom watering later on.
Budget tiers help match spending to how serious you want to get. A starter setup under $20 uses free containers, one seed packet, basic soil, and window light. Mid-range at around $50 adds real trays and a basic grow light. Committed growers spend $100-200 on shelf systems, multiple lights, and bulk seeds.
Start simple and learn what you need grow microgreens in your space before buying fancy gear. Your first few crops show what works and what falls short. Build up based on real results rather than guesses. Many items sit unused when people buy everything at once before knowing what they need.
Read the full article: How to Grow Microgreens Indoors at Home
