How to care for a live microgreen tray

Live microgreen trays stay harvestable for 2–3 weeks when kept in a cool location (40–55°F), watered from the base every 1–2 days, and given indirect light or low light with good airflow.

How do you care for a live microgreen tray?

Live microgreen trays stay harvestable for 2–3 weeks when kept in a cool location (40–55°F), watered from the base every 1–2 days, and given indirect light or low light with good airflow.

How often do you water a live microgreen tray?

Add 1–2 oz of water to the bottom tray every 1–2 days. Avoid overhead watering directly on the greens to prevent mildew.

How long do live trays last?

With cool temperatures and regular base watering, live microgreen trays remain harvestable for 2–3 weeks — significantly longer than pre-cut packaged microgreens.

Watering

Keep the growing media moist but not saturated. To water, remove or tilt the greens tray and pour 1–2 oz of water into the lower tray. Gently replace the greens tray and repeat every 1–2 days until the tray is fully harvested.

Watering frequency may vary based on heat and airflow in your space. Avoid overhead watering directly onto the greens — this can cause mildew.

Airflow

Keep microgreens in an area with moving air. A table near a ceiling fan or in a high-traffic area works well. Avoid enclosed spaces where air becomes stagnant — this is the primary cause of premature decline.

Light and temperature

Live trays benefit from indirect light — a sunny windowsill or under a light fixture provides adequate light. For maximum shelf life, store at 40–55°F. Chefs storing in a walk-in refrigerator can hold live trays on the top rack for up to a week; they will pause growth but remain ready to cut.

Harvesting

Use clean scissors to cut greens close to the soil line — this method works well for harvesting portions as needed. For a full tray harvest, use a sharp knife. Rinse cut greens before eating to remove seed hulls. If storing cut greens in the refrigerator, ensure they are dry before packaging.

What to do with the remainder

After you have harvested all the greens, the spent growing media and roots can go directly into a compost bin or worm bin. Chickens and other birds also love to pick through the tray for seeds and stems. Do not put the hemp mat or soil in standard recycling.