Microgreens, the young seedlings of vegetables and herbs, have become a culinary favorite for their vibrant flavors and high nutritional content. Whether you’re a home gardener or a commercial grower, CowPots offer a superior solution for growing these tiny, nutrient-packed plants. In particular, the 10 Row Tray provides an ideal environment for cultivating microgreens, ensuring a healthy and sustainable harvest. Let’s explore what makes CowPots the best choice for growing microgreens at your home or farm!
Here are some tips for using the the CowPots 10 Row Tray for your microgreens:
1. Prepare Your Growing Medium
Fill the 10 Row Tray with a high-quality, organic potting mix. Ensure it is light, well-draining, and rich in nutrients to support the rapid growth of microgreens.
2. Sow the Seeds
Evenly scatter microgreen seeds over the surface of the soil in the tray. Lightly press the seeds into the soil and cover them with a thin layer of the growing medium or vermiculite. Keep the soil consistently moist to encourage germination. You can cover with a lid or dome for a few days (before germination) to help retain moisture. You can also place the 10 Row Tray on a heat pad/growing mat to warm the soil and stimulate germination.
3. Provide Optimal Growing Conditions
Once you see germination, place the tray in a well-lit area, ensuring your microgreens receive adequate light, whether from natural sunlight or grow lights. Maintain a stable temperature and humidity level to foster quick and healthy growth.
4. Harvesting Your Microgreens
Variety depending, in 7-21 days, your microgreens will be ready to harvest. Use clean scissors to snip the greens at the base. Enjoy their fresh, nutrient-dense flavor in a variety of dishes.
There are several reasons why CowPots are the ideal option for growing microgreens:
1. 100% Biodegradable and Eco-Friendly
CowPots are made from composted cow manure, transforming agricultural waste into a valuable gardening resource. Unlike plastic pots, which eventually become landfill waste, CowPots naturally break down and enrich the soil. This sustainable approach reduces environmental impact and supports a circular economy.
2. Enhanced Root Development
The porous nature of CowPots allows for superior aeration and drainage, essential for the delicate roots of microgreens. This promotes robust root growth, preventing the root-binding issues common with traditional pots. Healthier roots mean healthier plants, resulting in a more bountiful harvest.
3. Convenience and Versatility
The CowPots 10 Row Tray is perfectly sized for growing microgreens, providing ample space for a dense, productive crop. The rows are just deep enough to accommodate an adequate amount of soil for germination and early plant development. This tray was designed to match similar seed starting trays used in horticulture, catering to both home gardeners and commercial growers. The trays can be used in various growing setups, directly on a greenhouse bench or propped up in a carrier tray next to your window.
4. CowPots vs. Black Plastic
In our first year of using the CowPots 10 Row Tray we have discovered that there is faster germination in the standard plastic tray because black absorbs the heat and aids in warming the soil which permits quicker germination rates. The thick walls of the CowPots 10 Row Tray act more like insulation. On the front end of the seed starting you have a slight delay in seed germination. But, the benefit of that insulatory aspect is that when your microgreens reach peak for harvest, the soil continues to stay cooler compared to black plastic, stretching out the harvest window before the microgreens bolt!
5. Replacing Plastic – Add it to your Compost
After your microgreens harvest, the CowPots 10 Row Tray can be blended into your compost pile, leaving you with no waste. CowPots decompose quickly adding nutrients and organic matter into your compost and soil. You definitely can’t do that with the other trays!
6. Sustainable Production
CowPots are manufactured on our Connecticut dairy farm using conservation farming practices, minimizing greenhouse gas emissions by capturing renewable energy and manufacturing all of our products in a zero waste stream facility. By choosing CowPots, gardeners contribute to a greener planet while ensuring the health and vitality of their crops.
CowPots offer an ideal, sustainable solution for growing microgreens, with the CowPots 10 Row Tray providing a perfect platform for both home gardeners and large-scale growers. The biodegradability, nutrient-rich composition, and superior root development provided by CowPots ensure a healthy, robust crop of microgreens. By choosing CowPots, you are not only enhancing your garden’s productivity but also contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly gardening practice. Experience the CowPots advantage and enjoy a fresh, healthy harvest of microgreens!