Microgreens for Kids: A Fun and Nutritious Way to Get Them Involved

Getting kids excited about eating vegetables can be a challenge, but growing microgreens is a fun and interactive way to teach them about healthy eating, gardening, and responsibility. These tiny greens grow fast, are easy to care for, and can be used in meals that kids love. Plus, with a DIY growing kit, they will feel like little farmers right in their own homes!

In this blog, we will cover why microgreens are great for kids, how to get them involved, and how to make a simple DIY microgreen growing kit to spark their interest in gardening.

WHY MICROGREENS ARE PERFECT FOR KIDS

Microgreens are one of the best ways to introduce children to gardening because they are:

1. FAST-GROWING AND EXCITING

   Kids will not have to wait months to see results--microgreens sprout in 2-3 days and are ready to harvest in 7-14 days! This quick growth keeps them engaged and excited.

2. NUTRIENT-PACKED AND EXCITING

   Microgreens contain 4-40 times more nutrients than mature vegetables, making them a superfood for growing kids. Plus, they have a mild and tasty flvor--perfect for picky eaters. In my personal experience, kids have loved microgreens and ate them like candy.

3. EASY TO GROW INDOORS

   No big garden? No problem! Microgreens can be grown in small trays, cups, or even recycled containers right on the kitchen counter.

4. HANDS-ON LEARNING

   Growing microgreens teaches kids about plant cycles, responsibility, and patience while fostering a love for fresh, homegrown food.

   
   

   

   
   
   
   

   FUN WAYS TO GET KIDS INVOLVED

   1. Let them choose their own seeds.

   Give kids options and let them pick which microgreens to grow. Some fun, kid-friendly varieties include the following:

   * Pea shoots (sweet and crunchy)

   *Sunflower (nutty and mild)

   *Broccoli (mild flavor, packed with nutrients)

   *Radish (spicy kick--great for adventurous eaters)

   
   

   2. Turn it into a science experiment.

   Make it a fun learning experience! Haave them track growth daily, draw pictures or take pictures, or guess which seeds will sprout first.

   
   

   3. Create a "Microgreen Chef" Challenge

   Encourage kids to use their microgreens in simple, fun recipes like:

   *Microgreen Grilled Cheese--Add a handful of microgreens inside a grilled cheese sandwich.

   *Mini Microgreen Pizzas--Sprinkle microgreens on top of a personal pan pizza.

   *Top your normal salad with a handful of microgreens.

   *Green Smoothies--Blend microgreens into a banana and berry smoothie.

   
   

   HOW TO MAKE A DIY MICROGREEN GROWING KIT.

   You can create a simple, kid-friendly microgreen growing kit using items you already have a home!

   What you will need:

   *A small shallow container (plastic tray, yogurt cup, or recycled box). Add drainage holes.

   *Organic potting soil or a growing mat

   *Microgreen seeds (Pea, sunflower, radish, etc.)

   *A Spray bottle for watering

   *A small label or markers for labeling

   
   

   STEP-BY-STEP DIRECTIONS

   1. Prepare the container

   If using a plastic container, poke a few holes in the bottom for drainage.

   
   

   2. Add Soil

   Fill the container with 1-2 inches of soil or use a growing mat.

   
   

   3. Sprinkle the Seeds

   Evenly spread a thin layer of seeds across the surface. Press gently, but do not bury them.

   
   

   4. Water lightly

   Use a spray bottle to mist the seeds so the soil is damp but not soaked.

   
   

   5. Cover and Germinate

   Place a lid or another tray on top for 2 -3 days to keep moisture in and help the seeds sprout.

   
   

   6. Give Them Light

   After the first few days, remove the cover and place the tray in a sunny window or under a grow light.

   
   

   7. Water Daily and Watch them Grow

   Mist the microgreens with water once or twice a day and watch them grow tall!

   
   

   8. Harvest and Enjoy

   In 7-14 days, when the greens are 2-3 inches tall (have the kids get out the ruler and measure), use scissors to snip above the soil line and enjoy!

   
   

   FINAL THOUGHTS

   
   

   Growing microgreens is a fantastic way to teach kids about healthy eating, responsibility, and gardening--all while having fun! With a simple DIY microgreen growing kit, they can take charge of their own little farm and feel proud of growing their own food.

   
   

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