Microgreens are definitely not a waste of seeds! In fact, they are a fantastic way to utilize old seeds and prevent them from going to waste. As seeds age, their germination rates may decrease, meaning that fewer seeds will successfully sprout into plants. However, when it comes to growing microgreens, this is not a big concern.
One of the reasons why microgreens are a great option for using old seeds is because they are sown so densely. Unlike traditional gardening where seeds are spaced out to allow each plant to grow to its full potential, microgreens are grown by scattering the seeds densely across the growing medium. This means that even if some of the seeds fail to germinate, there are still plenty of other seeds that will sprout and grow into healthy microgreens.
Another advantage of growing microgreens is that they have a short growth cycle. Unlike full-grown plants that take weeks or even months to mature, microgreens are harvested when they are still young and tender, usually within 1-3 weeks of sowing the seeds. This means that even if the germination rate of your old seeds is lower, you can still enjoy a bountiful harvest of microgreens in a relatively short amount of time.
Personal experience has shown me that even seeds that are several years old can still produce a good yield of microgreens. I have often found forgotten seed packets in the back of my gardening cabinet and decided to give them a try by growing microgreens. While the germination rates may not be as high as fresh seeds, I have still been able to grow a lush tray of microgreens by sowing the old seeds densely.
In addition to preventing seed waste, growing microgreens has other benefits too. They are packed with nutrients and can be a great addition to your diet. They are also incredibly easy to grow, requiring minimal space, time, and resources. Even if you don’t have a garden, you can easily grow microgreens indoors on a windowsill or under grow lights.
To sum it up, microgreens are a fantastic way to make use of old seeds without letting them go to waste. Their dense sowing method compensates for lower germination rates of old seeds, and their short growth cycle allows for a quick and satisfying harvest. So, don’t throw away those old seed packets – give them a chance to shine as delicious and nutritious microgreens!
