Frequently Asked Questions
Sprouts
Q: What is the difference between sprouts and microgreens?
A: Sprouts are a primal stage of growth and are often, grown in water. Sprouts are eaten whole, stems and seeds, usually soon after the seeds germinate.
Microgreens on the other hand, are grown in media such as soil or via hydroponics where the roots settle and cotyledons (first leaves) appear. They are then harvested at this stage before true leaves appear. Moreover, leaves and stems of microgreens are eaten unlike sprouts .
Q: Is it safe to sprout?
A: It is one of the questions we were asked frequently. The outbreaks of salmonella and e.coli associated with supermarket bought sprouts are scary, but since you are sprouting at home, you are in control, from the cleanliness of the jar, tray, your hands, how often you rinse the seeds and how much ventilation the sprouts get, so the chances of getting food-borne illness with sprouts are greatly reduced.
Q: Why do I need Verdant Republic's seeds for sprouting?
A: Unlike grocery store bought seeds, our organic sprouting seeds are tested and verified to be free of e.coli and salmonella. Our growers take great care in ensuring the seeds are cleaned and free of harmful bacteria and other pathogens that can thrive in the sprouting environment.
Q: Where is the best place to grow my sprouts or microgreens?
A: Sprouts grow well in temperatures between 18-24ºC; therefore, are best grown in areas like over the kitchen counter.
Q: Why do my sprouts smell?
A: Certain sprout variety like brassica ( broccoli and red cabbage) releases sulphur, so a little smell is a good thing, but when the sprouts have a bad or rancid smell, then it is most likely that the sprouts have rotted and when this happens, they need to be discarded. There could be a few reasons for this such as soaking the seeds for too long, uncleaned jar or too much water in the jar which drowns the seeds. Give your jar a hearty shake to remove excess water during draining. Click here to learn how to sterilise the jar.
A: Sprouts are a primal stage of growth and are often, grown in water. Sprouts are eaten whole, stems and seeds, usually soon after the seeds germinate.
Microgreens on the other hand, are grown in media such as soil or via hydroponics where the roots settle and cotyledons (first leaves) appear. They are then harvested at this stage before true leaves appear. Moreover, leaves and stems of microgreens are eaten unlike sprouts .
Q: Is it safe to sprout?
A: It is one of the questions we were asked frequently. The outbreaks of salmonella and e.coli associated with supermarket bought sprouts are scary, but since you are sprouting at home, you are in control, from the cleanliness of the jar, tray, your hands, how often you rinse the seeds and how much ventilation the sprouts get, so the chances of getting food-borne illness with sprouts are greatly reduced.
Q: Why do I need Verdant Republic's seeds for sprouting?
A: Unlike grocery store bought seeds, our organic sprouting seeds are tested and verified to be free of e.coli and salmonella. Our growers take great care in ensuring the seeds are cleaned and free of harmful bacteria and other pathogens that can thrive in the sprouting environment.
Q: Where is the best place to grow my sprouts or microgreens?
A: Sprouts grow well in temperatures between 18-24ºC; therefore, are best grown in areas like over the kitchen counter.
Q: Why do my sprouts smell?
A: Certain sprout variety like brassica ( broccoli and red cabbage) releases sulphur, so a little smell is a good thing, but when the sprouts have a bad or rancid smell, then it is most likely that the sprouts have rotted and when this happens, they need to be discarded. There could be a few reasons for this such as soaking the seeds for too long, uncleaned jar or too much water in the jar which drowns the seeds. Give your jar a hearty shake to remove excess water during draining. Click here to learn how to sterilise the jar.
Microgreens
Q: How long does it take for microgreens to grow?
A: Depending upon the type of seeds selected, microgreens are generally harvested within 9 days to 3 weeks from sowing or when they grow up to 3 inches or 75mm in height. Click here to learn about cotyledon & true leaf stage harvesting.
Q: Why am I getting rot in a part of my crops? How do I stop it?
A: Avoid sowing seeds too close as well as over-watering. These are the most common reasons that make your microgreens rot.
Q: Where is the best place to grow microgreens?
A: Microgreens grow well in temperatures between 18-24ºC; therefore, are best grown indoors in warm areas like alongside the kitchen counter. Microgreens can be placed on your window sill once the seeds have sprouted open. You can also grow microgreens, but not sprouts, in covered outdoor spaces such as your balcony or the porch between late spring to early autumn seasons. Just watch out for insects and pests when planting outdoors!
Q: Why do I have to keep the microgreens out of light after sowing?
A: Keeping the seeds in the dark for the first few days encourages the microgreens to grow taller. This adds bonus length to the stems, thus making harvesting easier without getting into contact with undue dirt.
Q: How often should I water my microgreens?
A: We recommend watering the seeds once a day to keep them moist, at the start. Increase the amount of water as they grow and establish their roots.
Q: Why am I getting rot in a part of my crops? How do I stop it?
A: Avoid sowing seeds too close as well as over-watering. These are the prominent reasons that make your microgreens rot.
Q: My microgreens are wilting. What do I do?
A: Do not panic!
Excessive heat and lack of sufficient water can cause microgreens to wilt. Move it away from the heat and continue watering your microgreens. Be careful when placing the plants on a sunny window sill or in a conservatory!
Q: Why are my microgreens yellow and pale?
A: The reason your microgreen are turning yellor or pale shades must be because they are not getting enough sunlight. Try placing them under direct-sunlight or on a window sill at a sunny time of the day.
Q: Why is my microgreens growing slowly?
A: One of the main reasons for slow growth of microgreens is the temperature. It might be too cold and if so, blame it on your early winter. Try putting your microgreens in a warmer place such as a shady place inside the kitchen window!
Q: I don’t see my question on this FAQ, what do I do?
A: Please feel free to send us an email at [email protected] listing all your queries.
We will respond RIGHT AWAY!
Moreover, we will use your questions to improve this FAQ and help your fellow shoppers in the future. So, make no delay in sending your questions to our experts!
A: Depending upon the type of seeds selected, microgreens are generally harvested within 9 days to 3 weeks from sowing or when they grow up to 3 inches or 75mm in height. Click here to learn about cotyledon & true leaf stage harvesting.
Q: Why am I getting rot in a part of my crops? How do I stop it?
A: Avoid sowing seeds too close as well as over-watering. These are the most common reasons that make your microgreens rot.
Q: Where is the best place to grow microgreens?
A: Microgreens grow well in temperatures between 18-24ºC; therefore, are best grown indoors in warm areas like alongside the kitchen counter. Microgreens can be placed on your window sill once the seeds have sprouted open. You can also grow microgreens, but not sprouts, in covered outdoor spaces such as your balcony or the porch between late spring to early autumn seasons. Just watch out for insects and pests when planting outdoors!
Q: Why do I have to keep the microgreens out of light after sowing?
A: Keeping the seeds in the dark for the first few days encourages the microgreens to grow taller. This adds bonus length to the stems, thus making harvesting easier without getting into contact with undue dirt.
Q: How often should I water my microgreens?
A: We recommend watering the seeds once a day to keep them moist, at the start. Increase the amount of water as they grow and establish their roots.
Q: Why am I getting rot in a part of my crops? How do I stop it?
A: Avoid sowing seeds too close as well as over-watering. These are the prominent reasons that make your microgreens rot.
Q: My microgreens are wilting. What do I do?
A: Do not panic!
Excessive heat and lack of sufficient water can cause microgreens to wilt. Move it away from the heat and continue watering your microgreens. Be careful when placing the plants on a sunny window sill or in a conservatory!
Q: Why are my microgreens yellow and pale?
A: The reason your microgreen are turning yellor or pale shades must be because they are not getting enough sunlight. Try placing them under direct-sunlight or on a window sill at a sunny time of the day.
Q: Why is my microgreens growing slowly?
A: One of the main reasons for slow growth of microgreens is the temperature. It might be too cold and if so, blame it on your early winter. Try putting your microgreens in a warmer place such as a shady place inside the kitchen window!
Q: I don’t see my question on this FAQ, what do I do?
A: Please feel free to send us an email at [email protected] listing all your queries.
We will respond RIGHT AWAY!
Moreover, we will use your questions to improve this FAQ and help your fellow shoppers in the future. So, make no delay in sending your questions to our experts!
