Microgreens Operations Imrpovements Update Video

In this video, I share 7 steps we've taken to ensure our microgreens are growing optimally and in a sanitary way. Sanitation practices do not recommend microgreens be washed when we harvest them for our clients so we have to ensure that no bacteria touches the leaves as we grow them. Beth Sastre, our local VA extension agent recommended a few improvements for how we care for our microgreens and we've found other tips from our own experience and other microgreens growers to help us improve our microgreens operations:
1. Experiment with growing microgreens in a tent so that they are protected from any bugs or dust
2. Ensure all trays are bottom-watered only once germination occurs - this tip I got from other microgreens growers. I used to do bottom water for most trays but not for all. As our operations grew, we were able to purchase both mesh trays and trays with no holes! This allows us to bottom-water all our microgreens.
3. Use shelf liners to ensure the soil doesn't drop from the tray to the leaves. Because we use a soil-based medium (more nutrient-dense produce growing this way) we have to ensure that no soil touches the leaves as we take off and transfer trays around. Liners help keep soil away from our greens.
4. Regular cleaning maintenance. We start our microgreens every two days and harvest twice a week. Each time we interact with our space (every day!), we have a protocol in place to ensure that the area is well-cleaned after use.
5. Keep like things together. All our microgreens-related materials: Tools, seeds, soil and trays, boxes, and equipment, are located in one area: Our basement. This streamlines our operations!
6. Sanitation - Although not shown in the video, our hydrogen peroxide spray is on hand to disinfect the trays, the floor, the shelves as well as kill any mold and bacteria each time we clean. All moldy trays are discarded and not used for microgreens consumption.
7. Water less - a lot of our mold issues were coming from over-watering our greens. So now, we are experimenting with how much or little we need to water. Many times, we do this by feel. Does it look too damp? Don't water. Does it look too dry and burnt by the lights, and water and move to a shadier spot.
#microgreens #permaculture
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