If you’ve decided to grow some vegetables of your own and want to use raised beds, the next most important question to ask is, what kind of soil do I put in the raised beds to make my plants grow and do well?                                   There are lots of soil mixes for growing vegetables but knowing the difference between adequate and superior soil is a game changer.   To make it simple, here’s a breakdown of what w ..read more

Are all grow lights created equal? The short answer is a definite no. In fact, some lights won’t even work for vegetable production indoors. If you choose the wrong light, your microgreens or other seedlings will become leggy (too long in the stem) and pale. If you’re a new grower or looking to improve your skills in growing, the plethora of options for lights when you have microgreens may leave you feeling overwhelmed, confused, or have you picking one and hoping for the best. But we’re here to make a simple guide for you based on plant science and proven methods that work. So what do you ne ..read more

Anyone who wants to have their own garden finds it easier to get started by using a raised bed. It doesn’t have to be a big one, but it gives you much more control over the soil. And that’s the key to successful growing. Your soil is everything because it’s literally the foundation of what you grow. Sustainable soil refers to a healthy, diverse ecosystem under the surface that allows your plants to thrive. It contains the nutrients, moisture, and microbial activity to support the growth of whatever crop you have. So why choose raised beds? And how do you make your soil work for you instead of ..read more

One of the most common questions about growing microgreens is, how do I get an even germination? Germination is important because it sets the base for how well your microgreens will progress. A good start is essential to a successful crop. A few key factors are involved that can influence how much of your seeds actually sprout. Here are our 6 tips for a better germination: Use parchment paper over your seeds. Start with high quality seeds that have been stored properly. Don’t put too much weight on top. Keep evenly moist. Use a heat mat for consistent temperature. Don’t use too man ..read more

If you’re a gardener who has high hopes of a good garden crop only to be disappointed by the results, you’re not alone. Believe me, we’ve been there plenty of times. Maybe you’re frustrated with it. It’s easy to give up and brand yourself as having “a black thumb”. I’ve heard people say, “I kill everything I try to grow!” But in reality, it’s a matter of not having the knowledge and knowing how to work with the soil to make your garden thrive. Is it hopeless? No. Here are some simple rules to get you started on creating a great garden, whether you’re growing in raised beds or in ground: Swit ..read more

Root vegetables are easier to grow than you might think, especially if you’re growing in raised beds or grow bags. Some of the most commonly grown root crops are beets, carrots, onions, radishes, and baby salad turnips. How do you do it? It’s really just a matter of learning, like the ABC’s. Like all roots, they thrive in roomy conditions and are considered cool weather crops. How can you successfully grow one or all of these tasty and nutritious roots with little effort? It all hinges on the soil in your beds or containers. You need loose, sandy loam soil that will provide nutrients to your r ..read more

One of the most popular microgreens available today is sunflower shoots. Slightly crunchy with a flavorful, mild nutty taste, this green is packed with nutrition, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to enhance their meals. But how do you grow it as shoots for microgreens? Sunflowers are one of the easiest microgreens to grow. Getting sunflower microgreens to grow to just the right point where they taste the best (before any bitterness sets in) isn’t as hard as you might think. Here’s the breakdown of what to do: Soak your seeds for 4 hours (more on the amount below). Rinse the so ..read more

One of the most frustrating things about growing produce or other plants in your own garden is losing the beautiful greens or blooms to pests. And a pest that’s very common here in the Pacific Northwest (along with many other places) is slugs and snails. While we think of them as annoying for eating our leafy greens, they have to eat too, right? But what can you do to stop them from getting your food so you can actually use your full harvest instead of half-eaten leaves? There are several ways using organic methods: Planting repellent herbs — use certain flowers or herbs that are naturally r ..read more

Lettuce is a no brainer to grow for the home gardener as long as you have the garden soil all ready to go. It’s a good idea to start your lettuce in starter pots indoors or in a covered area outdoors like a covered porch or patio by your house. This is how we do it and have had 100% success after transplanting. If you prefer to start your lettuce seeds directly in your garden, read the instructions below to ensure you get a successful start. To grow perfect lettuce only takes a little effort. We have been growing several varieties for many years and selling it in our community fresh from the g ..read more

If you’re just starting to grow microgreens, you’re probably wondering how to know exactly how many seeds to use. It’s easy to overdo the seeding at first and make them too dense, but it’s also easy to over-correct that mistake by not sowing them thickly enough. We encountered this when we began planting microgreens and eventually got the balance down, which is essential whether you’re a home grower or starting a business like we did. Pinch a few of the seeds between your fingers and start dropping them from a few inches above the tray as you make sure that you get the edges all the way around ..read more