11 Best Microgreen Seeds For Your Survival Kit
Microgreens are incredibly versatile and require little work to grow, making them the perfect addition to any survival kit. Whether you’re an experienced prepper, a homesteader looking to add some freshness to your off-grid lifestyle, or new to emergency preparedness and want something quick-growing without needing too much space or time, microgreen seeds could be just the thing for you! In this blog post, we’ll share our top 11 picks with detailed instructions so that you can find the perfect fit for your individual needs. Let’s get started on your green journey today!
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What To Look For In Microgreen Seeds?
Homesteaders and health-conscious gardeners should consider more than just traditional hybrid seeds when growing microgreens. These include non-GMO, organic, heirloom, and open-pollinated seed varieties.
Non-GMO seeds are not genetically modified or altered with hormones or pesticides. Certified organic seeds have been grown without the use of chemical fertilizers. Heirloom seeds have been passed down through generations and retain their original genetic makeup, while open-pollinated varieties are grown by allowing natural pollen transfer from one plant to another.
Investing in quality seeds is always a good choice for homestead growth and future generations. With so many options available, it can also be the perfect gift idea that offers health benefits while being easy on the wallet too!
What Are The Best Microgreen Seeds To Stock Up On?
Microgreens are a great way to stock up on nutrition during an emergency. Not only can microgreens grow easily within a short period, their nutritional content often beats that of traditional leafy greens such as spinach and salad!
From amaranth to kale and sunflower microgreens, here is a list of the 11 best microgreen seeds to keep on hand. Each one can give an added punch of nutrients when needed most. Many microgreens have exceptional savory or bitter qualities that make them perfect for snacking or adding flavor to your meals. So consider stocking up today – you never know when these delicious microgreens will prove invaluable!
1 Arugula Microgreen
Arugula microgreens are a great source of vitamins A and K, calcium, and iron, among other micronutrients. Arugula also contains significant fiber and protein, making it an excellent option for salads or green smoothies. A serving of arugula microgreens daily can provide essential vitamins to maintain good health.
Arugula, also called rocket or roquette, has a bold, peppery flavor that pairs well with many dishes.
Arugula seeds have the added benefit of being easy to grow indoors in colder climates – sprinkle some seeds and keep the soil moist – you’ll be enjoying their great taste and nutritional benefits year-round!
2 Broccoli Microgreen
Broccoli microgreen seeds are tiny powerhouses of nutrition! Packed with Vitamins A, C, K, and E, broccoli microgreens are much more nutrient-dense than broccoli sprouts.
Studies have also reported that broccoli microgreens have up to 40 times greater concentrations of certain health-promoting compounds like sulforaphane than broccoli alone. Sulforaphane is an antioxidant compound that supports immune function and contributes to healthy skin and digestion. All these benefits make broccoli microgreen the perfect addition to your diet!
Growing broccoli microgreens is easy, and there’s no need to worry if you don’t have space for a full broccoli plant – these mature in as little as seven days, so you’ll have delicious broccoli sprouts on your plate in no time! And the best part? When you opt for broccoli microgreens, the broccoli flavor remains stronger than when grown from larger broccoli plants.
3 Radish Microgreen
With just a little water and sunshine, you can have radishes popping up within days! Radish microgreens are also rich in antioxidants and provide many nutritional benefits. Load up on vital nutrients like vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, iron, and calcium with radish microgreens for incorporating vibrant flavors into meals quickly and easily.
Radish microgreen seeds are a fantastic way to add a bit of extra pep to your salad greens, sandwiches, or even soups.
4 Watercress Microgreen
Watercress is a unique and versatile microgreen with various uses in the kitchen. It is high in vitamins A and C, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus. Highly nutritious and flavorful, watercress is often used in salads and sandwiches but can be cooked with other dark green leaves vegetables.
Planting watercress microgreen is easy with the right equipment, such as trays and some soil or compost. You’ll have fresh watercress available year-round to use whenever you need it!
5 Alfafa Microgreen
Alfafa microgreens are a nutrient-rich powerhouse, packing more vitamins and minerals than the mature Alfafa you may think of when it is time to feed your rabbits. They are crunchy and flavorful, making them perfect for adding texture to salad mixes and sandwiches.
Expert gardeners recommend harvesting Alfalfa sprouts when they hit 1-2 inches in height for maximum nutrition benefits.
6 Pea Microgreens
Pea microgreens are great for adding texture and color to any entree and are simple to incorporate into any recipe. They offer a wide range of health benefits thanks to their high vitamin content, such as B vitamins, E, and carotenoids. You’ll find these little gems in farmers’ markets all year round!
Pea microgreens are nutritious and delicious shoots that pack a punch of flavor. Peas are grown to the microgreen stage pack more phytonutrients than the typical mature pea.
7 Amaranth Microgreen
Amaranth microgreen seeds are a fantastic way to bring texture and flavor to any dish. Red Garnet Amaranth is prized for its beautiful red foliage and mild, nutty flavor.
This non-GMO seed is perfect for growing indoors during cooler months and is quickly sprouted in just a few days. The result? Tender, aromatic microgreens that provide nutrition, intense flavor, and gorgeous color for salads, sandwiches, or soups! Start cultivating your red garnet amaranth microgreens today – your tastebuds are bound to thank you!
8 Basil Microgreen
Basil microgreens are an excellent addition to any kitchen garden. Their bold flavor adds an intense punch to dishes and salads!
Basil microgreens are naturally low in calories and packed with vitamins containing a variety of powerful phytonutrients, including antioxidants and flavonoids, that can help promote overall health.
These microgreens are incredibly easy to care for, allowing even the busiest gardeners to enjoy growing this superfood in their homes. With just the right temperature, soil quality, and moisture levels, this microgreen can be harvested within just a few weeks of planting.
9 Mustard Green Microgreen
Mustard green microgreens are a poplar ingredient in healthy diets across the world. These small yet mighty greens are related to garden cress and can vary in color from yellow-green to purple, depending upon their variety.
Packed with essential vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, C, and K and various carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin, these microgreens are especially beneficial if consumed regularly.
Grown hydroponically indoors or under sheltered conditions outdoors, these beautiful little plants add wonders to dishes, including tacos or homemade pesto. Their crunchy texture adds yet another dimension of flavor that is simply delightful!
10 Kale Microgreen
Kale microgreens offer a supercharged version of the nutrition found in regular kale. These nutrient-rich greens are filled with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can protect your body from disease and aid digestion.
In wraps or stir-fries, kale microgreens add a layer of crunch and bright greens to your favorite recipes. Plus, purchasing kale microgreens support local farmers who grow the greens with natural fertilizers for maximum flavor and nutrition.
So whether you’re looking for ways to increase your daily veggie intake or want to try something new, kale microgreens should be on your grocery list!
11 Red Cabbage Microgreen
Red cabbage microgreen seeds are popular among gardeners and hobbyists alike. Not only do they sprout quickly, but they also add a pop of color to dishes and salads and a hint of flavorful tang; they are nutrient-rich, providing vitamins A, C, K, and folate.
There is an art to cultivating such tiny greens – the right soil mix, adequate light exposure, and practice will benefit newbies! Starting with small batches can reduce any struggles one may encounter. In no time, you’ll have an abundance of fresh red cabbage microgreens available for you to enjoy!
Where Do You Buy The Best Microgreen Seeds?
For the best microgreen seeds, you should look for reputable sources that provide fresh, high-quality seeds. You can also find complete kits for those just starting to grow microgreens. When growing microgreens, make sure to follow the growing tips that come with your growing kit for the best outcome. Use a spray bottle and transport moisture over your growing medium as much as possible to ensure great flavor. If stored correctly, fresh microgreen seeds should last up to 6 months in such a short period!
Top 3 Places In Canada To Buy Stock Up On Microgreen
Mumm’s Sprouting Seeds
Meet the Mumm’s Sprouting Seeds! From passing down generations of knowledge and expertise, the Muum’s have become Canadian experts in organically farming high-quality sprouting seeds.
For over 35 years, despite the ever-changing weather of the Saskatchewan region, their relentless commitment to organic farming has made them one of the most sought-after suppliers in Canada, the US, and overseas. Whatever your sprouted needs may be – from small orders to large shipments – Mumm’s Sprouting Seeds are here to help.
West Coast Seeds
West Coast Seeds is much more than just a company – it’s a cornerstone of the gardening community in Vancouver, providing knowledgeable and friendly advice and top-notch seeds for home gardening use since 1983.
Founded by the Diamond family, West Coast Seeds is certified by the Pacific Agriculture Certification Society and offers over 1,000 varieties of untreated, non-GMO, non-GEO, open-pollinated, and hybrid seeds. They are passionate about preserving the traditions of organic farming and gardening in British Columbia while continuing to work hard to provide high-quality seeds to our customers worldwide.
William Dam Seeds
At William Dam Seeds, family is important to them. They are passionate about providing small farmers and gardeners with the perfect seed for all their needs, and they pride themselves on offering various varieties.
Their catalog boasts traditional and modern options, with products like Lucullus Swiss Chard being a part of our original price list. It’s always exciting when they find something new to try that will benefit the home gardener or small farmer. No matter what you’re looking for, you can rest assured it is at William Dam Seeds.
Top 6 Places In The US To Buy Stock Up On Microgreen
High Mowing Organic Seeds
High Mowing Organic Seeds is an organization passionate about producing organic varieties of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers.
Founded by Tom Stearns in 1996, it started with only 28 varieties, many of which came from his backyard. Now, it has grown its catalog to include more than 700 items, and its commitment to increase sustainability runs even deeper by sourcing varieties directly from independent organic seed farmers. By having accessibility to both home gardeners and commercial growers throughout North America, they play an essential role in furthering the organic movement.
Johnny’s Selected Seeds
Johnny’s Selected Seeds has an impressive history spanning fifty years, beginning with our founder, Rob Johnston Jr.’s vision and commitment to putting down roots in Central Maine. Their company has grown dramatically, becoming an international, employee-owned multi-channel breeder and provider of organic seeds, plants, tools, and supplies.
At the center of this success is the dedication to providing customers with the highest quality customer service supported by research-based discoveries through successful trialing and educational resources.
Kitazawa Seed Co.
Founded in 1917 by a Japanese entrepreneur and former apprentice, Gijiu Kitazawa, the Kitazawa Seed Company began as a small warehouse and storefront tucked away in downtown San Jose, California.
From its humble beginnings, the company now provides hundreds of seed varieties to customers domestically and abroad. Their offerings range from traditional Japanese vegetables known as dento yasai to specialty farmers’ market produce popular in restaurants, grocery stores, and other food outlets. Guided by an uncompromising mission to provide only the highest quality Asian seeds to its customers, Kitazawa Seeds proudly remains an industry leader.
Rainbow Heirloom Seed Co.
At Rainbow Heirloom Seed Co., they combine generations of family farming with a commitment to quality, non-GMO seeds. Their passion for heirloom varieties means that they put a lot of thought and care into selecting vibrancy and outstanding nutrition in our seeds so that the result is unbeatable.
With this comes the responsibility to choose wisely and use sustainable practices, as the impact that their seed choices have on the planet is significant. They take pride in being part of something larger: a force for good through agriculture.
The Living Seed Company
The Living Seed Company is an inspirational family-run company that provides gardening solutions and heirloom organic seeds.
Founded by husband and wife team Astrid and Matthew Hoffman in 2011, their mission is to nurture the soul of humankind through sustenance in the form of wholesome nutrition paired with beautiful aesthetic value.
Their ideology that food production can be achieved through collective engagement could bring inner peace and global harmony. The Hoffmans have since then made it their business to provide growers from beginner to experienced with access to quality heirloom seeds, plant starts, and gardening blends – all organically sourced!
True Leaf Market
At True Leaf Market, they are committed to helping people from all walks of life experience the joy of growing. They are a passionate, independent non-GMO seed company providing accessible access to indoor and outdoor growing practices.
They offer our customers customer support, education, and online growing information so that anyone can be informed and empowered to become successful gardeners – regardless of one’s level of knowledge or experience. And with this modus operandi, they have built strong relationships with suppliers, customers, and the home garden seed industry. They believe when everyone grows together, they can help their communities thrive – one plant at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Are Microgreen Seeds Different From Regular Seeds?
Microgreen seeds are different from regular seeds in a few ways. Most significantly, they tend to be smaller than their garden-variety counterparts, making them harder to grow on a large scale and more costly to produce.
One important factor when growing microgreens is timing – the quicker you can get your plants started, the better! Because of this urgency, microgreen seed suppliers often pre-clean and sort their batches for quality assurance which adds to the cost.
Fortunately, it is possible for growers looking to save money to collect and reuse your microgreen seed! Ensure that the environment is dry and cool during storage, and the seed will remain viable for up to four months when well preserved.
You must use fresh microgreen seeds for each planting. You cannot save your seed and replant it throughout the season as you can with traditional sprouting or sowing seeds. This leads to why microgreen seed is more expensive than regular sprouting or sowing seed – it only has a single use which requires you to buy more frequently!
What Are The Benefits Of Stocking Up On Microgreens?
Stocking up on microgreens is a great way to upgrade your diet and get creative in the kitchen. There’s no better way to add a flavorful and colorful combination when it comes to meal preparation than with microgreens. The germination process makes them unique, starting from seed, sprouting, and harvesting. These flavorful little greens are so much more than garnish – they’re packed with nutrients and can be used for a nice nutritional boost!
These small plants pack a lot of flavor and nutrition into a tiny package that is easy to incorporate into meals or snacks. Eating microgreens promotes healthy gut bacteria, reduces inflammation, and improves heart health. They contain vitamins C, E, and K and minerals like copper, iron, and zinc.
How To Best Store Microgreens Seeds?
A prepper pantry is ideal for any emergency, and stocking up on microgreens seeds for long-term storage is an excellent way to ensure you always have healthy, nutrient-rich food.
The key to properly storing microgreens seeds long term is controlling temperature and humidity levels. Keeping them in the dark, airtight containers will prevent moisture or contaminants from entering and ensure that your seeds retain their freshness until you’re ready to use them.
Storing them in locations with a consistent temperature of 40 to 47 degrees Fahrenheit (4.5 to 8.3 degrees Celsius) in a cool, dry location will help the seeds last longer without losing viability.
Ensure that the air humidity level within the seed storage area you choose is at most 65%, as too much moisture can make your microgreen seeds germinate prematurely – making it difficult for you to save these superfoods until later use!
Lastly, it’s helpful to add desiccants – such as rice, calcium chloride, or silica gel packets – to absorb any excess moisture and prevent mold from forming. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your quality content microgreens remain intact for future use!
In Conclusion
Microgreens are a versatile, an easy-to-grow crop that offers a concentrated source of nutritious addition to any prepper’s survival kit. Microgreen seeds can last for years when stored correctly, making them a valuable asset in any long-term emergency. Add microgreens to your survival kit today, and rest assured, knowing you have one more tool to help weather any storm.
