They might be small but they pack a mean nutritional punch. It’s all about producing and harvesting microgreens in this week’s Gather to Grow Twitter session.
The hosts of the show, Dawn Noemdoe and Gugu Mahlangu, speak to Michelle Carelse, the founder and CEO of Feelgood Health, a South African online health shop, as well as Mapopa Gwengo, manager of Integrated Aquaculture, who is popularly known as PJ.
According to Carelse, people in South Africa and around the world are becoming more and more aware of microgreens. Apart from microgreens carrying more nutrition than the fully grown vegetables, they are also very quick to grow, she says.
“They are also a delicate crop, and that’s where you know the farmers would be challenged in making sure that the microgreens reach the market quickly.”
Microgreens readily available
Carelse believes that the best part about microgreens is that one does not have to worry about planting and harvesting seasons.
“If vegetables are out of season, you won’t be able to get them at the store unless they have travelled a long distance, which increases your carbon footprint.”
However, with microgreens this is not a concern as they can be grown at any time.
According to Gwengo, one of the most important aspects of growing microgreens is using untreated or non-GMO seeds. Ventilation and enough airflow is also import as this will reduce the risk of mould and fungus.
He adds that plants that have the best market include, “Basil, broccoli, fennel, and sunflower. You can either grow it indoors, vertically or in commercial greenhouses. These are more for the farmers who want to tap into the export market.”
In this episode, the experts also discuss:
- How to grow microgreens;
- What climatic conditions are best for growing microgreens;
- Markets available for microgreens; and more.
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