First. let’s build a self-waterer. For this one, I chose to use a container that some deli meat came in. The container is flimsy, but I feel I can get a couple of more uses out of it. This containers lid has a indentation that I am going to use as my planter and the bottom is going to be my water reservoir. Some of the top has the indentation so you can just flip the top over and set that on top.

Once you have picked out your container with lid, cut a couple of slits in the lid. One on each side. This is where your wicking material is going to slide through, pulling up water from the reservoir for your seeds. The top doesn’t have to be too deep. Just deep enough where there is a lip to hold in a little bit of soil.

Pick your paper towels for wicking material. Paper towels come in different strengths and sizes. It doesn’t matter what brand or size. Take a few sheets and fold them so they fit through the slots. The paper towel is going to be your wick to move the water from the reservoir to your seeds that will be planted in the lid. The paper towel ends will go through the lid an end down through each slot. The ends will be placed into the water and will soak up the water to the top. 

Fill the reservoir almost to the top with plain water. Set your lid on the top so the ends of the paper towels will go into the reservoir. Once you put the lid on you can see the paper towel start to wick up the water.

 Once the wicking starts, you can put a layer of seed starting mix on top of the paper towel. You don’t need any fertilizer. The seeds have stored enough nutrients to get the seedlings started, plus you don’t want to burn the seedlings. The soil doesn’t need to be too deep, just enough to cover the paper towel on the top of the lid.

 The paper towel wick will then provide the soil with moisture.  Once the soil is wet, you can plant right. Wait over night for the paper towel to wick, or use a spray bottle and plant right away

Take your seed and sprinkle on top of the soil where the paper towel is underneath it. Sprinkle the seed close, like you would salt and pepper on your food. Thick but not too close. You are going to harvest the microgreens early so it is not like they need too much room between seeds.

 Once the seeds are sprinkled on top of the soil, spread a very light layer of soil on top of the seed. 

Cover the top loosely, whether it be with another container, or foil to keep it dark and humid for the seeds to germinate. Set the container in an area out of the sun. Check it daily. If it looks too dry use a spray bottle to moisten the top and re-cover.

After about 4-5 days the microgreens will have sprouted and start to grow. Once they get to be about inch to an inch and a half tall take the top off. Set the microgreens in the window and when they get to be 2-3 inches tall it is time to harvest.

Harvesting them is done with a sharp scissors. A microgreen is harvested when it has its first set of leaves, called a cotyledon, before it starts to get its second set of leaves.

 Cut the microgreens and wash them, eat them fresh or store them in the fridge and east within a few days. The microgreens will probably not grow back after the cutting. The seed will only have enough energy to produce its first and second set of leaves.