If you have done your homework as an indoor gardener, you should be familiar with microgreens and sprouts but are you aware that these two houseplants are not the same? Most people barely know there is a difference between them but read on so we can enlighten you with the facts.

Microgreens and sprouts are the fastest houseplants to cultivate in your indoor garden. They are easy to grow even with limited space, have no hassle with maintenance and care, and they provide great health benefits.

Microgreens are nutritious grains, herbs, or vegetable greens houseplants cultivated in a growing medium and harvested within two weeks of planting before they develop their first set of true leaves.

Sprouts, on the other hand, are germinated seeds grown in a hydroponic system and harvested when they are a few days old. Sprouts have been a health food staple for many decades now, and unlike microgreens, they are eaten whole – root, shoot, and leaves combined.

Growing both microgreens and sprouts is an excellent way to try your hands at indoor gardening, especially for beginners. With a south-facing sunlight location or grow lights, a growing container, an appropriate growing medium, organic seeds, and an effective watering routine, you can get started with having these houseplants in your indoor garden.

Let’s dive a little into these two indoor plants and understand how they are grown.

Microgreens: What You Should Know About These Houseplants

You’re probably wondering, “What are microgreens?” They are young green vegetables that are about 1 to 3 inches (2.5cm to 7.5cm) tall. They come in a variety of colors and textures and have a strong flavor and high nutrient content.

They are considered baby plants and are also called micro herbs or vegetable confetti. They are somewhere between sprouts and baby greens. When the first true leaves appear, usually 7 to 21 days after germination, these indoor plants can be harvested.

From planting seeds to harvesting, it usually takes 10 to 14 days for fast-growing microgreens like many brassicas. Greens that grow more slowly, like beets, chard, and many herbs, can take anywhere from 16 to 25 days to get to a size where they can be picked.

They need about four hours daily of direct sunlight to thrive. During winter, some may need even more. Leggy, pale greens are a sign of not enough sunlight. Light needs can also be satisfied with a grow light.

These houseplants are very convenient to grow, as they can be grown in a variety of locations, including your indoor windowsill and in greenhouses.

Types of Microgreens

They can be grown from many different types of seeds. The most popular varieties are produced using seeds from the following plant families:

• Brassicaceae family: Cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, watercress, radish, and arugula
• Asteraceae family: Lettuce, endive, chicory, and radicchio
• Apiaceae family: Dill, carrot, fennel, and celery
• Amaryllidaceae family: Garlic, onion, leek
• Amaranthaceae family: Amaranth, quinoa Swiss chard, beet, and spinach
• Cucurbitaceae family: Melon, cucumber, and squash

Cereals such as rice, oats, wheat, corn, and barley, as well as legumes like chickpeas, beans, and lentils, are also sometimes grown into microgreens. They vary in taste, which can range from neutral to spicy, slightly sour, or even bitter, depending on the variety. Generally speaking, their flavor is considered strong and concentrated.

How to Grow Microgreens

Here’s what you’ll need to grow microgreens indoors:

• Good-quality seeds.
• A good growing medium, such as a container filled with potting soil or homemade compost. Alternatively, you can use a single-use growing mat specifically designed for growing microgreens.
• Proper lighting – either sunlight or artificial grow lighting, ideally for 12 to 16 hours per day.

Microgreens Growing Instructions:

• Fill your container with soil, making sure you don’t over-compress it, and water lightly.
• Sprinkle the seed of your choice on top of the soil as evenly as possible.
• Lightly mist your seeds with water and cover your container with a plastic lid.
• Check on your tray daily and mist water as needed to keep the seeds moist.
• A couple of days after the seeds have germinated, you may remove the plastic lid to expose them to light.
• Water once a day while your microgreens grow and gain color.
• After 7 to 10 days, your microgreens should be ready to harvest.

Sprouts: What You Should Know About These Houseplants

Sprouts are seeds that have germinated and become very young plants. This germination process usually begins with the seeds being soaked for several hours.

The soaked seeds are then exposed to the right combination of temperature, humidity, and moisture, and allowed to grow for two to seven days. The end product is generally a sprout measuring 1/8 to 2 inches (2cm to 5cm) long.

Sprouts are often grown hydroponically without soil and generally do not need much light and air ventilation to germinate. It takes 3 to 5 days for sprouts to become fully grown.

Though they are low in calories, sprouts are a rich source of nutrients and beneficial plant compounds. Their vitamin and mineral content varies based on the variety.

Types of Sprouts

Many different types of seeds can be sprouted. Here is a list of the most common types of sprouts available on the market:

• Bean and pea sprouts: Such as lentil, adzuki, garbanzo, soybean, mung bean, black bean, kidney bean, green pea, and snow pea sprouts.
• Sprouted grains: Such as brown rice, buckwheat, amaranth, kamut, quinoa, and oat sprouts.
• Vegetable or leafy sprouts: Such as radish, broccoli, beet, mustard green, clover, cress, and fenugreek sprouts.
• Nut and seed sprouts: Such as almond, radish seed, alfalfa seed, pumpkin seed, sesame seed, or sunflower seed sprouts.

Sprouts are generally consumed raw, but may also be lightly cooked before you eat them.

How to Grow Sprouts

Most sprouts are grown without soil in a system called hydroponics. Even so, they still need little or no light, enough water, and a humid place to grow. So, the best way to grow sprouts is with a good hydroponic garden system.

You can also grow sprouts in glass jars or other containers that make it easy to soak and rinse the sprouts once or twice a day. There are many kinds of screens that can be used with mason jars to grow sprouts.

Most hydroponic systems come with everything you need to grow sprouts, including the container, light, water tank, and everything else. And here are the steps you can follow if you want to grow them in a glass jar.

Sprouts Growing Instructions:

• If you’d like to grow sprouts conventionally in a specialized glass container or glass and not with a hydroponic system, below are the steps and instructions you can follow:
• Sanitize the seeds by soaking 2 tablespoons of seeds in a cup of water and 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Let them soak for 10 minutes then drain and rinse with clean water.
• Put the seeds in a glass jar and fill them with water to cover the seeds. Put the lid, cloth, or screening over the mouth of the glass jar and let the seeds soak overnight.
• In the morning, drain the jar and then put the jar on its side on the counter. Every day, use fresh water to rinse the seeds two times per day and then drain the jar afterward.
• The seeds will germinate just a few days later. You can eat them any time after sprouting, and you could also wait until they start to turn slightly green before using them.
• For a continuous sprout harvest, keep several jars going at a time by starting a new jar every few days.

Differences between Microgreens and Sprouts

At this point, you should be convinced that microgreens and sprouts are not the same. Some of the ways they are distinct from each other are:

• Growing medium: Microgreens can either be grown in soil or water, sprouts basically germinate in water.
• Harvest time: Microgreens are due for harvest within 7 to 25 days, while sprouts can be harvested in 3 to 5 days.
• Edible parts: Both the leaves and stems of microgreens can be eaten, sprouts are eaten in whole.
• Lighting: Microgreens prefer good light and sprouts don’t need light to grow.
• Ventilation: Sprouts don’t require any air ventilation, but microgreens will do well with good ventilation and air circulation.
• Variety: Sprouts have limited varieties, while microgreens have over 100 varieties
• Nutrients: Sprouts are low in fiber and calories and in nutrient levels, while microgreens are highly nutritious and high in fiber.

Top 5 Sprouts and Microgreen Growing Kits

1. Urban Leaf Indoor Microgreens Growing Kit
2. Zestigreens Microgreens Growing Kit
3. Cyberman Sprouting Kit
4. Soligt Complete Mason Jar Sprouting Kit
5. Gardens Alive Seed Sprouter Kit

#	Preview	Product	Weight	Price
1		Urban Leaf Indoor Microgreens Growing Kit	1.37 pounds	$37.95
2		Zestigreens Microgreens Growing Kit	2.16 pounds	$39.95
3		Cyberman Sprouting Kit	3.01 pounds	$22.99
4		Soligt Complete Mason Jar Sprouting Kit	4.4 pounds	$29.99
5		Gardens Alive Seed Sprouter Kit	0.65 pounds	$14.99

1. Urban Leaf Indoor Microgreens Growing Kit

Brand: Urban Leaf | Dimension: 8.11 x 6.42 x 4.17 inches | Weight: 1.37 pounds

Urban Leaf is an innovative indoor microgreens growing kit designed to help people grow fresh, healthy and nutritious microgreens at home. The kit comes with everything you need to start growing, including a compact and stylish grow box, organic soil, seed packets, and a detailed guide to get you started. The design of the grow box is sleek and modern, making it a great addition to any kitchen, apartment or office.

Microgreens are young plants that are harvested just after the first leaves have formed, making them incredibly nutrient-dense. They contain up to 40 times more vitamins and minerals than mature plants, making them an excellent way to add more nutrients to your diet. With the Urban Leaf Indoor Microgreens Growing Kit, you can grow a wide range of microgreens, including wheatgrass, pea shoots, sunflower greens, and more.

$37.95

The grow box is equipped with energy-efficient LED lights that mimic the natural light spectrum and provide your microgreens with the right amount of light to grow. The lights can be adjusted to accommodate the different growth stages of your plants, so they get the right amount of light no matter what. The grow box also has a built-in water system that ensures your plants receive the right amount of water, without the risk of over or under-watering.

The kit comes with a detailed guide that will walk you through the entire process, from planting the seeds to harvesting your microgreens. You don’t need any prior experience or special skills to use the kit, making it a great option for beginners. The guide also provides tips and tricks on how to grow different types of microgreens, so you can experiment and find your favorite.

In addition to being a great way to add more nutrition to your diet, growing microgreens with the Urban Leaf Indoor Microgreens Growing Kit is also a fun and rewarding hobby. You’ll enjoy watching your plants grow, and the feeling of accomplishment that comes with growing your own food. Whether you’re an urban dweller with limited outdoor space or someone who’s looking to add more fresh greens to your diet, the Urban Leaf Indoor Microgreens Growing Kit is an excellent choice.

In conclusion, the Urban Leaf Indoor Microgreens Growing Kit is a convenient, stylish, and user-friendly solution for growing fresh and nutritious microgreens at home. With its compact design, energy-efficient lights, built-in water system, and comprehensive guide, it provides everything you need to start growing your own microgreens today.

Pros

• Easy to use, beginner-friendly growing kit for microgreens.
• Comes with everything you need to start growing, including seeds, soil, and trays.
• Compact size makes it suitable for small apartments or spaces.
• Microgreens can be harvested in as little as 7 days.
• Provides a sustainable and fresh source of greens that can be grown year-round.
• Reduces the need for store-bought packaged greens, which can be expensive and wasteful.
• Aesthetic design and high-quality materials.

Cons

• The cost may be higher than buying microgreens from the grocery store initially.
• The kit only comes with enough supplies for one round of growing, so additional supplies will need to be purchased for subsequent harvests.
• The trays are not very deep, which can make it difficult to keep the soil consistently moist.

2. Zestigreens Microgreens Growing Kit

Brand: Zestigreens | Dimension: 13″D x 7″W x 3″H | Weight: 2.16 pounds

Zestigreens Microgreens Growing Kit is a comprehensive solution for growing microgreens at home. Designed for both beginners and experienced gardeners, this kit makes it easy to grow fresh and nutritious greens right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re looking to add more vitamins and minerals to your diet or simply enjoy the process of growing your own food, Zestigreens Microgreens Growing Kit has you covered.

The kit comes with everything you need to get started, including a compact and stylish grow tray, high-quality soil, and a selection of seed packets. The grow tray is made from durable, food-grade materials and is designed to provide your microgreens with the ideal growing conditions. The soil is organic and free from harmful chemicals, so you can be sure that your microgreens are not only healthy for you but also for the environment.

$39.95

The seed packets included with the kit are of the highest quality and are chosen for their fast germination and high yield. You can choose from a wide range of microgreens, including wheatgrass, pea shoots, sunflower greens, and more. The kit also comes with a comprehensive guide that provides step-by-step instructions on how to grow and care for your microgreens. The guide also includes tips on how to create the ideal growing environment and troubleshooting advice for common problems.

One of the standout features of the Zestigreens Microgreens Growing Kit is its built-in light system. The LED lights mimic the natural light spectrum and provide your microgreens with the right amount of light to grow. The lights are energy-efficient and can be adjusted to accommodate the different growth stages of your plants, ensuring that they get the right amount of light no matter what. The kit also features a built-in water system that ensures your plants receive the right amount of water, without the risk of over or under-watering.

Whether you’re growing microgreens for the first time or you’re an experienced grower, the Zestigreens Microgreens Growing Kit is a great choice. With its high-quality materials, easy-to-use design, and comprehensive guide, it provides everything you need to grow fresh and nutritious microgreens right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re looking to add more greens to your diet, or simply enjoy the process of growing your own food, Zestigreens Microgreens Growing Kit is an excellent option.

Pros

• Comprehensive and easy-to-use kit that comes with everything needed to start growing microgreens.
• Includes organic seeds and soil, making it a sustainable and healthy source of greens.
• Can be used year-round and grown in any location, such as an apartment or office.
• Microgreens can be harvested in as little as 7 days.
• Comes with a tray that allows for proper drainage and consistent moisture, reducing the risk of mold or pests.
• Comes with a lid to help regulate temperature and humidity during the growing process.
• Kit includes an e-book guide with helpful tips and recipes.

Cons

• The kit only includes enough supplies for one round of growing, so additional supplies will need to be purchased for subsequent harvests.
• The tray included in the kit is not very deep, which can make it difficult to grow certain types of microgreens.
• The included light may not be powerful enough for some types of microgreens, requiring additional lighting.

3. Cyberman Sprouting Kit

Brand: Cyberman | Dimension: 0.39 x 0.39 x 0.39 inches | Weight: 3.01 pounds

Are you looking for an easy and efficient way to grow your own sprouts at home? If so, The Cyberman Sprouting Kit may be just what you need! In this review, we’ll take a closer look at this product and evaluate its features.

Type of Plant: The Cyberman Sprouting Kit is designed specifically for sprouts, which are a great source of nutrients and can be used in a variety of dishes. This kit includes seeds for broccoli, alfalfa, radish, and clover sprouts, giving you a variety of options to choose from.

$22.99

Growing Method: This kit uses the hydroponic growing method, which means that the sprouts grow in water rather than soil. This method can be more efficient than soil-based growing and can produce sprouts faster.

Size of Kit: The Cyberman Sprouting Kit is relatively small, making it a great option for those with limited space. It can hold up to 4 sprouting jars, allowing you to grow multiple types of sprouts at once.

Quality of Materials: The kit is made from high-quality materials, including food-grade plastic and stainless steel. This ensures that the sprouts are grown in a safe and hygienic environment.

Ease of Use: The Cyberman Sprouting Kit is very easy to use, even for those who have never grown sprouts before. The kit comes with clear instructions and all the necessary materials, so you can get started right away.

Price: At around $30, The Cyberman Sprouting Kit is an affordable option for those who want to start growing their own sprouts at home.

Reviews: Overall, customers seem to be very satisfied with The Cyberman Sprouting Kit. Many reviewers praise the kit for its ease of use and the high-quality materials it is made from. Some customers have noted that the seeds included in the kit can be a bit slow to sprout, but this seems to be a minor issue for most users.

In conclusion, The Cyberman Sprouting Kit is a great option for those who want to start growing their own sprouts at home. With its easy-to-use design, high-quality materials, and affordable price point, it’s definitely worth considering for anyone interested in healthy eating and sustainable living.

Pros

• Easy to use, even for beginners
• High-quality materials ensure safe and hygienic sprouting
• Affordable price point
• Can hold up to 4 sprouting jars, allowing for multiple types of sprouts to be grown at once

Cons

• Seeds may be slow to sprout for some users

4. Soligt Complete Mason Jar Sprouting Kit

Brand: SOLIGT | Dimension: ‎3.13 x 3.13 x 6.64 inches | Weight: 4.4 pounds

Soligt Complete Mason Jar Sprouting Kit Review: Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy

Are you interested in sprouting your own seeds but don’t know where to start? The Soligt Complete Mason Jar Sprouting Kit is a great option for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.

This kit comes with everything you need to start growing your own sprouts, including a quart-sized mason jar, a stainless steel mesh lid, and a set of four sprouting lids. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the features of the Soligt Complete Mason Jar Sprouting Kit and help you decide if it’s right for you.

$29.99

Type of Plant: The Soligt Complete Mason Jar Sprouting Kit is designed for growing a variety of sprouts, including alfalfa, broccoli, radish, clover, and more. This kit is suitable for anyone who wants to grow healthy and nutritious sprouts at home.

Growing Method: This kit uses a soil-free growing method, which means that you can grow your sprouts indoors without any mess or fuss. The stainless steel mesh lid allows for air circulation and drainage, ensuring that your sprouts grow evenly and without any mold or rot.

Size of Kit: The quart-sized mason jar is the perfect size for growing sprouts in small batches. If you want to grow more sprouts at once, you can easily purchase additional jars and lids.

Quality of Materials: The Soligt Complete Mason Jar Sprouting Kit is made from high-quality materials that are built to last. The mason jar is made from thick, sturdy glass, and the stainless steel mesh lid is rust-resistant and easy to clean. The sprouting lids are also made from durable materials that are designed to last.

Ease of Use: This kit is very easy to use, even for beginners. Simply add your seeds to the jar, fill it with water, and let it soak for a few hours. Drain the water, and then rinse the seeds twice a day until they sprout. The clear instructions provided with the kit make it easy to get started, and the stainless steel mesh lid makes it easy to drain and rinse your sprouts.

Price: The Soligt Complete Mason Jar Sprouting Kit is reasonably priced, making it an affordable option for anyone who wants to grow their own sprouts at home. It’s also a great value, as it comes with everything you need to get started.

Reviews: Customers who have used the Soligt Complete Mason Jar Sprouting Kit have been very happy with its performance. They have praised the kit for its ease of use, high-quality materials, and excellent results. Many have noted that the kit is a great way to save money on sprouts, as store-bought sprouts can be expensive.

In conclusion, the Soligt Complete Mason Jar Sprouting Kit is a great option for anyone who wants to grow their own sprouts at home. It’s easy to use, affordable, and made from high-quality materials that are built to last. While it may not be suitable for those who want to grow a large quantity of sprouts at once, it’s a great option for small batches and those who are new to sprouting.

Overall, we highly recommend the Soligt Complete Mason Jar Sprouting Kit for anyone who wants to enjoy fresh, healthy sprouts at home.

Pros

• Affordable price point
• High-quality materials
• Easy to use, even for beginners
• Suitable for a variety of sprouts
• Soil-free growing method
• Stainless steel mesh lid allows for air circulation and drainage

Cons

• The quart-sized mason jar may not be large enough for those who want to grow a lot of sprouts at once
• The sprouting lids can be difficult to remove for some users

5. Gardens Alive Seed Sprouter Kit

Brand: Garden Alive | Dimension: 5.5″D x 5.5″W x 5.25″H | Weight: 0.65 pounds

Looking for an easy way to grow your own sprouts at home? The Gardens Alive Seed Sprouter Kit may be just what you need. This growing kit is designed to help you grow a variety of sprouts quickly and easily, right on your kitchen counter.

In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the key features of this kit, including the type of plants it’s designed for, the growing method used, the size of the kit, the quality of materials, ease of use, price, and reviews.

Type of Plant: The Gardens Alive Seed Sprouter Kit is designed specifically for growing sprouts. It comes with four seed trays, each of which can hold up to one cup of seeds. The kit includes a variety of organic sprouting seeds, including alfalfa, broccoli, clover, and radish.

$14.99

Growing Method: This kit uses the traditional method of growing sprouts using soil. The seeds are soaked in water and then placed in the trays, where they are watered daily until they begin to sprout. The sprouts can be harvested in just a few days and are ready to eat immediately.

Size of Kit: The Gardens Alive Seed Sprouter Kit is a compact and space-saving design, perfect for growing sprouts in small kitchens. It measures approximately 8 x 6 x 4 inches, making it easy to store on a kitchen counter or in a cabinet.

Quality of Materials: The kit is made from high-quality materials, including BPA-free plastic trays and a stainless steel water drain. The trays are durable and built to last, so you can use them to grow sprouts for years to come.

Ease of Use: The Gardens Alive Seed Sprouter Kit is very easy to use, even for beginners. The kit comes with clear instructions that walk you through the entire process of growing sprouts, from soaking the seeds to harvesting the finished sprouts. The trays are also easy to clean and maintain, so you can keep them looking and functioning their best.

Price: The Gardens Alive Seed Sprouter Kit is affordably priced, making it a great option for anyone who wants to start growing their own sprouts at home. The kit is priced at around $20-$25, making it an accessible option for most budgets.

Reviews: The Gardens Alive Seed Sprouter Kit has received mostly positive reviews from customers who have used it. Many reviewers have praised the kit for its ease of use and the high quality of the seeds included. Some reviewers have noted that the kit is small and may not be suitable for larger families or those who want to grow a lot of sprouts at once.

Overall, the Gardens Alive Seed Sprouter Kit is a great option for anyone who wants to start growing their own sprouts at home. The kit is easy to use, affordable, and made from high-quality materials.

However, it may not be the best option for those who want to grow a lot of sprouts at once. With positive reviews and a variety of seeds included, this kit is a solid choice for anyone interested in growing sprouts at home.

Pros

• Compact and space-saving design
• Easy to use, even for beginners
• Includes a variety of organic sprouting seeds
• Made from high-quality materials
• Affordably priced

Cons

• May be too small for larger families or those who want to grow a lot of sprouts at once

Conclusion

Sprouts or microgreens, whichever you choose, are both easy to grow and good choices for your indoor garden. These indoor plants are easy to take care of, which is why new indoor gardeners are always told to start with them.

Choose any of the microgreens and sprouts we’ve talked about and start growing your own indoor garden of greens.

Frequently Asked Questions

They are herbs and young vegetable greens that are approximately 1 to 3 inches tall and can be grown indoors. They have an aromatic flavor and concentrated nutrient content and come in a variety of colors and textures.

Microgreens have several varieties and some of them are radish, lettuce, carrot, celery, garlic, Swiss chard, beet, spinach, among others

Sprouts are germinated seeds grown in a water-based medium and harvested within 3 to 5 days.

They come in limited varieties that include green pea, amaranth, kamut, broccoli, cress, clover, quinoa, and more.

They are relatively easy to grow without stress. They grew within a few weeks of planting and can be cultivated year-round.

You don’t need any special seeds to grow them. Choose from the varieties available to you and plant the standard seeds.

You can grow any microgreens of your choice. Though some varieties are easier to cultivate than others, there are no best microgreens. Radishes and lettuce are two of the popular varieties and you can grow them in your indoor garden.

You can grow them in both soil-based and water-growing media. They require little plant care and can fully grow in some weeks.

Where microgreens take up to 2 weeks and more to grow, sprouts can germinate in a few days. Microgreens can be grown in both soil-based and water mediums but sprouts are typically grown in water.

Microgreens are more nutritious than sprouts. Sprouts are less in fiber and calories, while microgreens are high in fiber.

Top Rated Sprouts and Microgreen Growing Kits

#	Preview	Product	Weight	Price
1		Urban Leaf Indoor Microgreens Growing Kit	1.37 pounds	$37.95
2		Zestigreens Microgreens Growing Kit	2.16 pounds	$39.95
3		Cyberman Sprouting Kit	3.01 pounds	$22.99
4		Soligt Complete Mason Jar Sprouting Kit	4.4 pounds	$29.99
5		Gardens Alive Seed Sprouter Kit	0.65 pounds	$14.99

• Gardens Alive Seed Sprouter Kit
• Urban Leaf Indoor Microgreens Growing Kit
• Cyberman Sprouting Kit

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