Have you been planning on growing some aromatic microgreens in your home? You may or may not have access to your own farm produce. The nutritious microgreens can resolve your woes and let you cultivate a little garden indoors or outdoors. With a microgreen starter kit, you can grow some delicious and healthy crops with little effort.
Are you excited about growing these greens but not sure where to start? Whether you want to grow Brussel sprouts or arugula, a microgreens starter kit can let you begin with ease.
We have taken the time to curate a list of the best microgreen starter kits for you. Read ahead to find our reviews and a buying guide that will take you through what you should look for in a good microgreens starter kit.
Table of Contents
10 Best Microgreens Starter Kits Review
Here are our reviews for the 10 best microgreens starter kits in the market.
1. Window Garden Veg Ledge Shelf Microgreens Growing Kit Bundle
This vertical veg ledge microgreens growing kit will have you growing some nutritious greens in no time. This kit comes with a double veg ledge that is attached to unique suction cups that smoothly attach it to your window. These bear the weight of the ledge well, and you won’t have to worry about it falling.
It also comes with pre-measured soil in a multiuse planter tray. You can begin growing the crops that come with this kit, and you will have these superfoods ready in as little as 10 days. These crops include sunflower, salad, pea shoots, radish, and wheatgrass.
These greens have 40% more nutrients than the adult vegetables, and you can go ahead and include them in your healthy lifestyle. With natural sunlight, you can begin growing your microgreens promptly.
Features
- Weight: 5.76 pounds
- Can be used as a window shelf
- Vertical Microgreens ledge
- Pre-measured fiber soil
- Comes with 5 microgreen varieties
Pros
- Holds up to 10 lbs. of weight when attached to the window
- Microgreens ready to consume in 10 days
- Makes windows look aesthetic
- Microfiber cloth included to clean surfaces
- Extremely easy to set it up
Cons
- No self-watering feature
- No automatic temperature control
2. ShungRu Smart Indoor Garden Kit
This is a mini smart indoor garden kit that is a versatile option for you to grow your microgreens. It comes equipped with red, blue, and white LED lights that also make it work as a table lamp. You can simply leave it on your desk as you read and watch it grow.
It is extremely easy to use and comes with a smart panel that has an auto on and off feature for light. These lights help speed up the growth of the microgreens and herbs you choose to grow.
You can go ahead and grow fresh basil, flowers, and salad greens. It is self-watering and will irrigate itself for 2 to 3 weeks. It also has a feature where it will beep to let you know that it is running out of water. It also has a compressed planting medium that will expand after 3 to 5 minutes of soaking.
Features
- Weight: 2.59 pounds
- Can double as a reading lamp
- Indoor lighting microgreens growing kit
- Comes with a mini garden toolset
- Comes with compressed planting medium
Pros
- Extremely easy to use
- Will need to water only about once in two weeks
- Does not require bright sunlight
- Versatile use a microgreens growing kit and lamp
- Aesthetic body
- Comes with a low water alarm to prompt you to add water
- Great for winter plants
Cons
- Does not come with microgreens seeds
3. Back to the Roots Water Garden
With this microgreens kit, you can go ahead and grow your flora and fauna together. Yes, this microgreens growing kit also doubles up as a fish tank. This is a self-cleaning fish tank that also comes with a mini hydroponic system.
You can begin growing your microgreens and harvest them in little as 10 days. You won’t need any excess fertilizer either. The fish waste from the aquarium will act as fertilizer for your microgreens that grow on top.
If you love learning, you will be excited to know that this kit also comes with a STEM curriculum on aquaponics and hydroponics. Hence, it serves as a perfect gift for children so that they can be a part of a mini ecosystem’s growth.
This kit also comes with organic microgreens seeds, grow stones, and fish food. When this is coupled with a self-cleaning cycle, you only have to watch and wait as your microgreens grow. The manufacturer also has refill kits available.
Features
- Weight: 6.61 lbs.
- Comes with D-Klor and Zym-bac that remove chlorine from water
- Comes with fish food and a coupon that has the necessary supplements for fish
- Features grow stones that let the microgreens absorb nutrients and water
- Contains organic microgreen seeds
- Has been certified organic by Quality Assurance International
Pros
- Self-cleaning system
- Self-fertilizing system
- Serves as an aquarium and microgreen grower kit
- Extremely easy to use
- Extremely low-maintenance system
- Good value for money
Cons
- Needs consistent sunlight for plants to grow
4. LeJoy Garden Seed Sprouter Tray
This microgreen starter kit is made free from any Bisphenol A or BPA. This makes it an ideal plastic holder for your microgreens. You can go ahead and enjoy some delicious spring microgreens with your salads and sandwiches.
It has a seed sprouter and a storage tray. With this, you can grow multiple microgreens like peanut, black bean, and wheat. The instructions are extremely easy to follow, and even children can begin growing microgreens with this kit.
It also comes with a covering tray that preserves heat and moisture as the microgreens sprout. Hence, it increases the budding rate and gets your microgreens to grow faster. It is an ideal microgreens starter kit for those who are new to this technique.
It also has a large capacity and can grow a large amount at a time. Hence, it is the ideal option if you want to grow your microgreens and begin selling it to little eateries around you.
Features
- Weight: 0.85 lbs.
- Deep tray capacity
- Designed to grow without soil
- Seed sprouter and storage tray in one
- Small holes for ideal ventilation
- BPA-free
Pros
- Lightweight for easy movement
- Has a large capacity
- Good value for money
- Tray preserves heat for faster growth
- Well-ventilated to prevent any rotting
Cons
- Seeds and plants are not included
- No automatic temperature control
5. Kitchen Crop VKP1200 Deluxe Kitchen Seed Sprouter
This Kitchen Crop seed sprouter kit comes with 4 trays that can be stacked one over the other. You won’t need any soil to grow your microgreens with this kit. You can even go ahead and stack more trays as you begin growing more microgreens.
This is an excellent kit for a beginner as it will introduce you to the basics of growing microgreens. The trays are made of BPA free plastic so that your health is ensured. With this kit, you can grow and enjoy some nutritious microgreens and add them to your salads and smoothies.
It comes with a lid that controls moisture. Hence, you won’t have to worry about excess leakage. It also has a drain basin for this purpose. You can go ahead and grow your microgreens indoors and won’t have to rely on sunlight.
With this self-sufficient system, you won’t have to worry about having a green thumb. You will find that you can easily grow your microgreens without them rotting.
Features
- Features: 1.1 lbs.
- Comes with 4 trays
- Hydrophobic irrigation for perfect moisture profile
- Reservoir lid for watering without displacement
- Works with multiple types of microgreens
Pros
- Easy to use and assemble
- Can add more trays as you grow more
- Keeps the microgreens ventilated
- Good value for money
- BPA-free plastic to make your health a priority
- No soil necessary
Cons
- Does not come with seeds
- Does not regulate temperature
- Is not self-watering
6. Wonder Soil Sprout House Seed Starter
This microgreens starter kit is excellent for beginners. It comes with 12 Wonder Soil seed starter cups that contain coco coir fiber. This soil fiber is great for your microgreens and keeps them breathing as they grow.
You will only have to add a little water into each soil cup so that the coco fiber converts into the soil. This soil is nutritious and will add to healthy microgreens that you can spread over your salads and sandwiches.
It also has a domed plastic lid over it. This helps regulate the temperature and moisture content of the microgreens. However, it is made for functionality and is not an extremely aesthetic design.
You can also expect large and strong root systems and some quick germination with this kit.
Features
- Weight: 5 lbs.
- Reusable seed starter
- Comes with coco coir fiber soil
- Features 12 little hothouses for microgreens
- Features compressed seed-starting wafers
Pros
- Easy to use
- Does not require too much time
- Can be used several times
- Comes with nutritious soil for healthy microgreens
- Good value for money
Cons
- Does not come with seeds
- Does not self-water
7. LeJoy Garden Four-Layers Sprout Tray
This sprout tray can be used as an excellent starter kit for your microgreens. It has 4 tiers and serves as a stand-alone shelf. This sprout tray has minute holes for the tiniest microgreens to grow well.
It also requires no soil for you to grow them. The shelf is also made of extra-strength plastic tubes that are extremely durable. They are also very easy to install, and you will need no additional tools to get your microgreens growing.
The roots of the microfibers will be able to draw ample water from the small holes and the tray placed beneath the holder of the green. Hence, they grow to be more nutritious. They are also made from BPA-free plastic so that your health is taken care of.
Features
- Weight: 3.72 pounds
- Can grow several microgreens
- 4-tier stand for good microgreen volume
- Appropriate for Garden, home, and office
Pros
- Floor-standing tray with multiple tiers for a variety
- Easy to install
- BPA-free plastic for healthy conditions
- Soil-free for easy maintenance
- Ensures a high budding rate
- Affordable
Cons
- Does not come with seeds
8. Tribest FL-3000 Freshlife Automatic Seed Sprouter
This is a smart and automatic sprouter that will let your microgreens grow in very little time. With this, you can grow various microgreens in layers. It also has an automatic watering feature, which makes it hands-free and convenient for you.
You will just have to fill it with water and add your seeds. Your greens will be ready in as little as 8 days. It has an intermittent watering system. Through this, it waters your greens for 5 minutes and rests for 25 minutes. It repeats this throughout the day.
It also has a powerful motor with which you can harvest up to 3 barrels of greens in a day. Hence, you can quickly harvest your microgreens and enjoy them on salads and sandwiches if you like. You also won’t need any soil to be able to grow your microgreens with this growing kit.
Features
- Weight: 7 lbs.
- Automatic sprouter for all-year growth
- Self-watering system
- Adjustable water pressure
- Holds 3 barrels at a time
Pros
- Great for indoor microgreens growing
- Easy to install and use
- Low-maintenance
- Needs no soil
- Easy-to-clean
- Good quality sprouter
Cons
- May grow mold if not careful
- Does not come with seeds
9. Montree Seed Sprouter Tray
This seed sprouter tray is made of healthy and eco-friendly material and is BPA-free. Hence, it is an excellent option for your sprouts and microgreens.
With this green tray, you won’t need any soil to do your planting. You won’t need any chemical additives, either. This kit is a great option for those looking for a beginner’s option and is great if the microgreens are consumed by your family.
It comes with a concave-convex design that makes it very convenient to use. Hence, it has an inner mesh tray that is easy to remove and clean. It also provides good breathability and seed germination for your microgreens.
Do note that this tray is not self-watering. You will have to replace the water in the tray every day. This keeps your microgreens fresh and healthy. Further, it is odorless and non-toxic. It also does not include a dome and is hence great for seasonal microgreens.
Features
- Weight: 2.09 pounds
- Good for ventilation and germination
- Comes with a concave-convex design
- Made of food-grade plastic
- Breathable mesh
Pros
- Excellent breathability
- Great for beginners
- Good value for money
- BPA-free plastic for non-toxic microgreens
- Odorless tray
Cons
- Small dry seeds may fall through the mesh.
- Requires regular watering
10. Homend Seed Sprouter Tray with Lid
This is a small starter kit for your microgreens that can get a beginner accustomed to growing them. It comes with a single tray in a pack. It has a cover that preserves moisture. Hence, you can expect your microgreens to bud quickly and grow well.
It is made from BPA free plastic that keeps your microgreens free of toxins. Hence, you get all of the best nutrients from them when you consume them. With this, you won’t need any soil or chemical additives to grow your microgreens well.
It has a bigger tray capacity so that you can grow a larger amount of microgreens. Hence, it is great for you if your entire family consumes microgreens regularly. You can go ahead and grow radish, alfalfa, or even Chinese cabbage.
Do note that you will have to refresh the water every day. This will ensure that your microgreens keep fresh. It does not have a self-watering or smart-temperature mode for easier growth.
Features
- Weight: 14.5 lbs
- Comes with a planting plate
- Features a water-containing plate
- It also features a cover
- Comes in a green and white color
Pros
- Affordable choice
- BPA-free plastic for non-toxic microgreens
- Comes with a cover for moisture preservation
- Paper ensures optimal absorption of water
- Good ventilation for germination
- Can buy extra trays if you want to grow more
Cons
- Does not come with seeds
- Will need to refresh the water every day
- No temperature regulation mode
Microgreens Starter Kit Buying Guide
Now that you have read through the reviews, you may have a fair idea of the available microgreens growing kit options. Each kit has its own nuances and is suitable for different growers. Before you make your choice, it is a good idea to understand the kits a little more.
We have taken the time to put a buying guide together for you. Here, we will take you through some queries you may have about what to look for in a microgreens starter kit.
What Should I Know About Microgreens Before I Grow Them?
Microgreens are dainty and tiny vegetables and herbs that take little space to grow. They have seen the light of day in some popular eateries and restaurants. This is because they add some vibrant color to the plate and are extremely nutritious.
They are abundant in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and are storehouses of polyphenol. Studies suggest that the compound polyphenol is exceedingly beneficial to your health. It reduces the free radicals in your system and can prevent heart disease and some cancers.
Why Should I Use a Microgreens Growing Kit?
There are several benefits to using this kit. Read ahead to find out.
Low-Maintenance Kits
A microgreens starter kit, or growing kit as they are called, has the ability to perform most of the work for you. Some kits require that you water it regularly. Other kits have been called smart-kits that tend to self-water.
You will also find microgreens starter kits that have a feature that adjusts the temperature periodically. Depending on the amount of time and effort you can spare, you can choose one that suits your needs.
Affordable Option for Your Microgreens
While a microgreens growing kit sounds fancy, they can be quite easy on the pocket. In the long run, you will be able to save all of the funds you would have spent on purchasing microgreens from the supermarket. These kits only require water and seeds, which will give you a supply of greens that span months.
The same microgreens in a supermarket will also include costs from growing and transporting them. To avoid these, you can invest in a good quality microgreens growing kit that will keep your pantry stocked for months.
Versatile Use
You won’t have to stop using your microgreens starter kit when you are done growing one particular crop. You may want to look for a kit that has nutritious soil to begin with. You can use the same soil to grow other kinds of microgreens for months after you switch crops. You can also use it again for the same vegetable if you like.
For instance, you can first grow cabbage and later watercress in the same soil.
You Can Profit Off of Them
You may begin with a microgreens starter kit just for your family’s use. However, as you learn the tricks of the trade, you will be able to grow good quantities of microgreens with little effort. You can make a little extra money on the side by selling the microgreens you grow.
What Microgreens Seeds Come with My Starter Kit?
The best part about growing these greens using a microgreens starter kit is that it is a versatile piece of equipment. You will be spoiled for choice when it comes to picking the crops you can grow.
Here are a few popular microgreens that you can opt for from the various plant families.
Cucurbitaceae Family
From this family, you can go ahead and pick some fresh squash, melon, and cucumber to grow as microgreens.
Amaryllidaceae Family
This family includes onion, leek, and garlic
Asteraceae Family
From within this family, you can grow microgreens of chicory, radicchio, lettuce, and endive.
Brassicaceae Family
Microgreens within this family include broccoli, cabbage, endive, arugula, and radish.
Apiaceae Family
Here, you will find fennel, carrot, celery, and dill.
Amaranthaceae Family
If you are opting for microgreens from this family, you can grow beet, spinach, and amaranth, among others.
Some kits will even let you grow cereals like oats and wheat. You can also go ahead and grow legumes like chickpeas and lentils.
What Are Some of the Features of a Microgreens Growing Kit?
Now that you know the seeds that go into them, here are a few features of the microgreens growing kit you should keep an eye on.
The orientation of the Kit
Your microgreens growing kit may be vertical. In this case, they can be placed on your home’s walls. These are often aesthetic and come with wooden accents to fit into your living space well. You will also find horizontal kits that can sit on a table or window sill.
These may not be as aesthetic but are extremely convenient to use.
Leakage-Free Design
If your microgreens starter kit also doubles up as an aesthetic centerpiece, you don’t want any dirty leakage on your table. You may want to look for a microgreens starter kit that is free from any leaks.
Smart Watering
Some microgreen starter kits come with an automatic watering system. You will only have to pour some water into the reservoir that comes with the kit. With this, the smart watering system will gauge the conditions of the plant and self-water it as and when needed.
Smart Temperature Mode
Some crops grow best only during summers or winters. If you want to grow certain microgreens all year round, look for a microgreens starter kit with smart temperature control. In this way, the kit will maintain the right temperature all year round.
You can hence continue to grow your summer microgreens even in the winter.
Endnotes
You now know that a microgreens starter kit can be extremely beneficial in helping you develop a healthy lifestyle. Using our reviews and buying guide, you can go ahead and purchase the right kit for you.
You can buy a smart micro-kit that is self-watering and can manage the temperature. You can also opt for a hydroponic beginner’s kit that will let you grow microgreens and experiment with other veggies like sprouts.
With this, you can conveniently make nutritious microgreens a part of your daily diet. Whether it is a simple smoothie or a gourmet salad, your microgreens will always be just within your reach.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are a few popular questions about growing microgreens answered for you.
1. Can You Eat Tomato Microgreens?
No, you cannot eat tomato microgreens. Tomatoes, like other veggies like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant, belong to the nightshade plant family. These vegetables are poisonous in sprouted form and can be hazardous to health.
2. Can You Use Regular Seeds as Microgreens?
Microgreens are simply baby vegetables that can be produced from regular seeds. Microgreens grow the way they do because of the cultivating method used and not any special seeds.
3. Can You Use Bird Seed for Microgreens?
Yes, you can use birdseed like black oil sunflower seeds for growing microgreens. However, as you grow them, make sure that the seeds are sanitized. It is also a good idea to look out for any mold formation.
4. Can You Cook Microgreens?
Yes, you can cook microgreens. They pair very well with a stir-fry and can even be added to a pizza as it bakes. You can even go ahead and add them to curries.
5. Can Microgreens Be Eaten Raw?
Yes, microgreens can be eaten raw. They are much better in their raw form. This is because they may lose some of their vitamins and minerals that are water-soluble when cooked. However, it is a good idea to clean them well before you eat them raw.
6. Can You Eat Too Many Microgreens?
It is difficult to overeat microgreens. They are a nutritional powerhouse that is full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. While these can be harmful in large quantities, you will have to eat at least 20 pounds of microgreens every day for a week for it to be harmful.
7. Do Microgreens Smell?
Too much water and moisture can make the microgreens decay and smell bad. However, some microgreens naturally have a strong odor that doesn’t necessarily mean any harm. Hence, if you are preventing your microgreens from decaying, you have no cause to worry.
8. Are Microgreens Better than Vegetables?
Microgreens tend to have a more concentrated nutrition content than regular vegetables. Hence, even small quantities are thought to be very healthy. However, they tend to be more expensive than regular vegetables.
9. How Long Do Microgreens Stay Fresh?
Most micro-greens stay fresh for up to one week when refrigerated. However, their shelf-life also depends on their variety. If stored well, many microgreens even last for two weeks.
10. Is It Better to Grow Microgreens in Soil or Water?
It depends largely on the variety of microgreen. Soil is a great medium for the microgreens to manage moisture and take root in. Water in a hydroponic system can be a much more hassle-free method.
11. Do Microgreens Need Nutrients?
No, microgreens usually have all the nutrients that they need to grow within the seed. However, you can enhance the soil by using 3 parts of peat moss, 1 part of perlite, and 1 part of sand.
12. Can You Reuse Soil for Microgreens?
Yes, you can reuse your microgreen soil after the first batch is harvested. You just have to turn over the soil and plant new seeds. The roots from the old greens can be composted and used over time.
13. Are Microgreens Just Baby Plants?
Microgreens are younger than baby greens. They are plants that are consumed just after they sprout. Baby greens are an intermediate plant development stage between microgreens and adult greens.
14. Are Microgreens a Superfood?
Microgreens like mustard and watercress have always been grown at home on window sills for years now. However, scientists now consider them as functional food that imparts important nutrients when they are part of your diet. With a high antioxidant content, these greens do qualify as superfoods.
15. Which is Healthier Microgreens or Sprouts?
Sprouts tend to be less nutritious than their microgreens counterparts. They have less fiber and maybe slightly risky to eat if not tended to properly. Microgreens also have a safer growing environment than sprouts.
16. What are the Best Tasting Microgreens?
Mustard and pea greens are very delicious. Mustard has held this reputation for over 5000 years, and pea greens have a sweet and crispy taste. Besides these, radish, beet, and garden cress taste excellent.
17. How Often Should You Water Microgreens?
Microgreens can be grown in soil or using hydroponics. It is a good idea to water the soil once every two days or whenever the soil or the growing pad feels dry to the touch. Excess watering can cause mold to grow.
James Fields is the founder of Gardener to Farmer. His passion for gardening goes back to his childhood days when he would visit his grandfather during the holidays and help him with the plants in the backyard. This has now translated to creating a dependable resource for gardening.