Broccoli Microgreens Growing Experiment: Paper Towels Vs. Soil

Hi Everyone, in this video I’ll be conducting an experiment with broccoli microgreens. The belief is that the seed contains all the nutrients the young sprout and microgreen needs, and therfore no additional nutrients are needed. If this is true, then the paper towel should yeild similar results to the growing on soil. The paper towel method is a cleaner way of growing broccoli microgreens… but I’ve been wondering if the yield is the same as growing them in soil? If the seed truly has all the nutrients a plant needs to begin its life, then we should not see much of a difference between the plants.
So I set up an experiment to compare the two methods…..to see which would produce a better crop. Please comment below, I would love to hear what you do, thank you for watching!
The article referenced in the video can be found here:
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
Below are links from Amazon for some of the products you might need to start growing. Good luck, and most of all, have fun!
Seeds for Microgreens and Sprouting: amzn.to/2QUfHIU
Sprouting Lids for Mason Jars: amzn.to/2NAsqSI
Two Tiered Sprouter: amzn.to/2zpKJ4J
Growing Trays: amzn.to/2QRSyXn

[@errorali39]

Hands down the best video I've seen about broccoli sprouts !!! Thank you very much, very factual and scientific, no useless unnecessary things in this video !!!

[@collinsfriend1]

true. I don't care for videos that ramble or assume you want to know more than what the title was about. Though if they have time markers that helps.

[@WonderfullyMadeLex]

I grow my micro greens in organic soil on paper towel.
Place paper towel on soil, seeds on paper towel. This gives the seeds the soil benefit and me clean cuts.
Love the shaker idea!

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks Wonderfully Made Lex, that is a great idea, I have done that as well! Coconut Coir is also a great option.

[@philipbailey4637]

Really great idea.

[@TwasNeverThus2]

do you need to change out the soil every time?

[@TikkiOOO]

@@TwasNeverThus2 after you harvest the microgreens you can throw the soil in your compost pile until the roots breaks down, and then use it again.

[@NumberOneChina]

What soil do you prefer for microgreens

[@DROY2004]

To be fair, grow both flats with fertilizer the soil has fertilizer mixed in & the paper towel substrate does not. A true comparison would both with fertilizer, the paper towel can have liquid organic fertilizer in a tray beneath it. The advantage of the paper towel method is lack of dirt, the whole micro green can be eaten, where as to do the same with dirt requires extra labor of washing the dirt out or harvest above it loosing some edible parts.

[@TikkiOOO]

Hi Dan, thanks for the suggestions!

[@TechnophilicProductions]

I was thinking the same thing. It is very encouraging non the less that the results were as good as they were on the paper towels without any nutrients added!

[@TikkiOOO]

@@TechnophilicProductions yes, I think this experiment was flawed in that regard. Someone else pointed out that since the soil raises the plants about an inch, the soil plants were closer to the lights and that could make a difference as well. In either case its nice to know that you can grow on paper towels if you don't want to use soil, but perhaps raise the paper towel seeds closer to the lights and add nutrients to the water feeding them. Thanks for the comment!

[@lawdogdaddyusa1255]

He is right

[@shantinaturechild3239]

@@TikkiOOO I saw a video where he grew flax microgreens placing paper towels on top of earth. That way it's clean and you have the nutrients from earth.

[@shaysg27]

I love this experiment. Simple, straightforward, and clear-cut. Great work.

[@TikkiOOO]

Thank you Shay, I appreciate it!

[@carolbates1803]

This is THE best video on growing broccoli micro sprouts. It is concise, full of information😢 and accurate it is everything I want in an instructional video, it is perfect Thank you so much. ❤🇦🇺 Carol

[@jasminestephens6274]

Yes I just found this creator too and am blown away by her content!

[@gc1186]

Great experiment! With awesome added info toward the end. Thank you!!

[@giespel68]

I love how you experiment with different growing techniques

[@ladypamela8269]

Amazing tutorial. Thank you

[@chiekomiami5022]

Thank you. I am ready to do it!!🤗

[@loidaluayon7369]

Thank you i learn a lot..watching from Philippines..

[@patsycav]

Very interesting experiment and informative. Thank you.

[@angellacyr1702]

Great video! Thanks so much for the details! That's what we need!

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks Angella Cyr, I appreciate the comment!

[@StreaminFreedom]

Thanks for both of your micro broccoli growing vids

[@Ana-vj8by]

Very smart idea to spread the seeds~

[@alana8863]

Excellent, thank you!

[@orlandoramos7971]

simple,straight to the point. thanks.

[@TikkiOOO]

Orlando Ramos, thank you!

[@josephnorcalusa1710]

Helpful information, thank you for sharing !

[@soldierofgod7564]

Thank you for sharing this with us. God bless ❤❤❤❤

[@abundantYOUniverse]

Perfectly done and presented thanks!

[@TikkiOOO]

Glad it was helpful, thank you for the comment!

[@SharpLady53]

Thank you, good woman! 🌻

[@traveleverywhere7000]

thank you! love your videos. keep up the great work!

[@MichelleCreate324]

Thanks, Tikki! 😊

[@oscxr3266]

Thanks so much! So wholesome!

[@californiagumbo8702]

THANK YOU!

[@xoombug830]

Thank you! Very interesting and informative.

[@ferkelandstier9406]

Thank you for sharing your video. Excellent editing both audio and video. Also your step-by-step script -- thumbs up.

[@chrisboucher79]

AWESOME EXPERIMENT!!!!!!! Thanks love it.

[@TikkiOOO]

Thank you Chris!

[@billysmether6237]

Thank You!! Very well done!

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks Billy, I appreciate it!

[@JipseeGirl]

I love your experimental approach to everything.

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks Rustie!

[@julmacinnis]

thanks for sharing this experiment.

[@al6374]

I really enjoyed this video, thank you!

[@TikkiOOO]

Thank you Alan Ambrose!

[@duhhhh1723]

You are awesome..Thank You for sharing Your experiments.MUCH APPRECIATED!

[@TikkiOOO]

Thank you Duhhh, I appreciate your comment!

[@continuousharvest5822]

Excellent experiment, thank you.

[@TikkiOOO]

Appreciate it, thank you!

[@reformeddoomer6777]

Thank you so much for this.

[@schlappemusic]

Good stuff! Thanks, you saved me some work.

[@tinameschko]

Thank you for all of the information you share. I'm new to gardening and have never grown microgreens. Now I will give it a try. Loved the spice shaker idea!

[@jeannettestuckelschwaiger5071]

Absolutely good presentation. Thank you. I used to eat alot of microgreens when I lived in Holland.

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks jeannette!

[@wilfredstewart3348]

Lovely video on topic for me as I'm just starting to do this. Thank you so much.

[@661Justice]

Wish I discovered this channel earlier. Love watching this lady's content.

[@kevinj5989]

Another excellent video! Thank you!

[@TikkiOOO]

Thank you Kevin for taking the time to leave a comment, I appreciate it!

[@seanproinsias]

excellent video....great to see comparison

[@TikkiOOO]

Glad you liked it, thanks for the comment!

[@Elizabeth-zg4ez]

Súper. Gracias

[@zona7069]

Very interesting thank you so much

[@gabe8776]

Awesome
Bless your heart ❤️

[@taliaha8053]

Excellent!

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks Taliah, I appreciate it!

[@AaloPhoto]

Wonderful, thanks!

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks AaloPhoto for leaving a positive comment, I appreciate it!

[@jennysullivan1958]

I am LOVING your channel so far! Watching your videos is like therapy in the middle of Winter. Keep up the good work!

[@TikkiOOO]

Thank you Jenny! Don't worry, winter will be over soon.....I hope....meanwhile, grow inside! Thanks for your comment, I appreciate it!

[@totallymixed7685]

Nice experiment. Looking forward for your upcoming.

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks totally mixed...working on it....thanks for the comment!

[@shadestj]

I am now growing broccoli microgreens. Thank you for your video. I love that you added some scientific data. 😁

[@AnnaBrickerRobledo]

I appreciate you doing this experiment! Very thorough, I feel like I’m in science class.

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks Anna...I'm doing a better experiment now....3 trays, all with paper towels, one with plain water, one with Grow Big Hydroponic solution, and one with Masterblend formula. Will there be a difference in the grow rates???? Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching!

[@hellooutthere8956]

LoL
Tht would be a good science experiment.

[@suedick6171]

Thank you for a very informative video.

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks Sue!

[@Fmkayla]

Good experiment thank you👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@chiekomiami5022]

Well done, Prof. Thank you!

[@Maryskitchen1]

Good idea

[@christinebeames2311]

Thanks for that

[@justfloating3944]

I'm a new subscriber to your channel. I'm getting more excited about using hydroponics because of what I'm learning from you.
Great info! Thanks Tikki!

[@TikkiOOO]

Thank you Just Floating, I appreciate the comment!

[@ramoo6714]

Thank you great video!

[@ElenaHaskins]

Very interesting. Thank you.

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks Elena, glad you enjoyed it!

[@mrsrandazzo13]

Thank you.

[@geodegroot8310]

Nicely done for the control and the experimental methods. Your results speak for themselves, and thank you! Please continue with more substrate experiments! How about foam, rockwool, coco coir, newsprint layers, hydro-only, sphagnum moss....

[@aaronsarinana1654]

Thanks for the video! It was nice.

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks Aaron!

[@susanfrazer4341]

Very enjoyable.. Thankyou

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks Susan, I appreciate the comment!

[@jamescc2010]

Very helpful. Thanks

[@TikkiOOO]

Thank you Simple Living!

[@greenetolstoy]

Nice work Tikki O. Great to you sharing your experience. It would be good to try the same experiment, but with liquid fertilizer for the paper towel sample.

[@karlvanboxel561]

Thank u for this video ❤

[@MC-yb5pr]

Great work! Thanks

[@TikkiOOO]

Glad you liked it!

[@nitanice]

Great experiment, and I'm so going to use a shaker!

[@TikkiOOO]

Good luck Anita!

[@jaithevegan]

This was awesome, exactly what I needed and was looking for! I’ve been sprouting in jars and needed an alternative because I’ve moved and my jars aren’t with me yet. Thanks so much!

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks jahneen, good luck. BTW cheesecloth worked really well too.

[@terredee]

What a terrific video! I’m new to sprouting and there are so many methods to choose from that I was t sure which way to go. Thank you! New subscriber 🙂

[@TikkiOOO]

Glad it was helpful and welcome aboard!

[@terig6356]

Yes I agree!!!

[@cstranieri1]

THANKYOU THANKYOU SOO MUCH, I WAS WONDERING ABOUT THIS. Now we know.

[@smadjaone]

thx for share this experience ....

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks David...it was a fun experiment!

[@RyanDeSalvo]

thumbs up for citing some research!

[@TikkiOOO]

Glad it was helpful, thanks for the comment!

[@clarecao1343]

How clever using the shaker bottle!

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks Clare Cao!

[@tiffanycaez4301]

I love the spice shaker idea. I will use it. Thank you. I'm always looking for your videos.

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks Tiffany, I appreciate the comment!

[@billwilson3665]

I like the soil idea because I can use it in my compost and keep making soil for my raised beds like I already do with wheat grass.

[@TikkiOOO]

I agree Bill, I just like experimenting :)

[@evelynacosta1617]

No doubt. It is one of the best video I have seen. The way you talk and all the details. Thanks you so much. Anyone can do it after watching this it is clear and the camera movements and close-up are good. I learn a lot. Continue to do this type of videos. God bless you

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks Evelyn for such a nice comment, I appreciate it!

[@scottrennie7382]

Thank you for sharing the experiment! Soil-less vs Miracle grow soil. Obviously paper towels are cheaper but less production. Very cool!

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks Scott, it was pretty cool to see the roots growing into the paper towels! But the soil is better for production. Have fun growing and thank you for the comment!

[@annij5389]

Awesome video

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks AnniJ

[@yuliyakh3892]

thank you for this!!!

[@TikkiOOO]

You're so welcome!

[@pandorafox3944]

Great idea using the spice shaker! I will try that once one of mine is empty

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks Pandora Fox!

[@juliawitt3813]

@@TikkiOOO This was one of my greatest oh my god why didnt I think of that moments..... thanks so much for that tip. And great video...... 🌹🌹

[@DanteVelasquez]

thank you for doing this that was very helpful :-)

[@TikkiOOO]

Thank you for the feedback Dante!

[@joejanczak3014]

Thank you for your research! I'm doing the same experiments with soil and then paper towels.
For gifts to friends, they'd prefer the micro Greens on paper towels method as it's cleaner. If I give as gifts then I too prefer to give the paper towels method as I can keep the soil and recycle for more later.

[@chrisreid5406]

Hi Tikki O: thank you very much for this very interesting experiment. You have assisted me with my learning (very much an apprentice in this field right now) . may the force be with you. :)

[@TikkiOOO]

Apprentices are we in the game of life, is that what Yoda would say?

[@sayokokami7111]

obrigada pela explicação!👏👏👏

[@bluebutterflywellness2273]

OMG, Great Idea using the Spice Shaker for seeds! Using that!

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks Blue Butterfly!

[@bluebutterflywellness2273]

@@TikkiOOO Thank YOU! Already started growing lettuce! ❤

[@TikkiOOO]

@@bluebutterflywellness2273 Great!

[@joseperez2515]

Neat. Logic tells me a seed will develop better in soil than in the air or on top of a paper towel but it's nice to see it.

[@HouseofWeh]

Awesome experiment. You got straight to it and explained everything thoroughly! I loved the closeups and I was REALLY hoping that that camera would back up just a bit, at least once, to get a good look at them side-by-side for just a moment. That would have been perfect! Thanks!

[@TikkiOOO]

I'm getting better and better every day with the camera.....thanks for the comment!

[@chunkylover7005]

love this vid! 😁

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks chunkylover!

[@lynnmckenna9934]

What a wonderful experiment- beautifully presented! You are inspiring me to try to grow microgreens!

[@kristieford9092]

I loved this video. I'm glad I watched. The paper towel was cool. Slower is ok thank you

[@TikkiOOO]

Hi Kristie, I now use cheese cloth instead of paper towels and am getting excellent results. Thanks for your comment, I appreciate it!

[@MyrtleBeachWebAngel]

Dr. Rhonda Patrick has great info on nutrition of broc micro-greens (lotso anti-cancer info) Thanks so much for this video and how to grow them. 🎉

[@candiwallace6605]

Nice ❤

[@gatopedrorio]

very good

[@TikkiOOO]

martinha thank you!!!

[@sammimitsu]

Nicely produced video. I was going to try paper towels to grow broccoli sprouts, but after seeing this, I'll stick with soil or coconut coir.

[@TikkiOOO]

Hi sammimitsu, thanks for the comment! The paper towel method does work, its just faster with soil. It could be if you add hydroponic solution to the water with the paper towel method it would work better, I didn't try that yet. Have fun and good luck!

[@sudhirmehta2639]

Great.

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks Sudhir!

[@damianlima9574]

I really love the scientific approach!

[@cshadowbrown2222]

Love your Video's. I wonder if there would be the difference, if you water the paper towel seeds with a liquid fertilizer? Maybe that would be another good video.

[@amangwenya388]

you are a great teacher, thanks a million!,will start my garden soon

[@bonniehoke-scedrov4906]

This is my first time enjoying your RUclips channel. Great work! I’m looking forward to more great content from you. Thanks!

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks Bonnie, I appreciate it!