Fenugreek Microgreens (FAQ, How To Grow, Pests & Benefits)

Fenugreek Microgreens (FAQ, How To Grow, Pests & Benefits)

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This article will show you how to grow Fenugreek Microgreens to save up on money and have a steady supply. Fenugreek has multiple health benefits and is generally used in most Indian cuisines. However, finding fenugreek in your local grocery store can be challenging and expensive.

Microgreens can help supply nutrition to your body as well. Growing your Fenugreek Microgreens can be easily grown at the comforts of your own home. This guide will discuss the materials you need and in-depth instruction on how to grow Fenugreek Microgreens.

Equipment Needed to Grow Fenugreek Microgreens

You only need a few pieces of equipment when growing your Fenugreek Microgreens.

Below is the list of equipment you need to grow your Fenugreek Microgreens:

  • Fenugreek or “methi” seeds (You can find them in online stores or a local Indian grocer)
  • Shallow container or pot if you are planting on your balcony and don’t have a garden
  • Soil
  • Organic compost or manure if you want to fertilize your fenugreek seeds better,
  • Scissors for harvesting
  • Organic pesticides
  • Water
  • Growing Mat or Growing paper if you are going to use this hydroponic method.
  • Seed tray (optional)
  • Drip tray(optional)
  • Foil sheet pan, (you’ll need to poke holes at the bottom for watering later on.) (Also optional)
  • Artificial lighting if you are planning to grow indoors.

How to Grow Fenugreek Microgreens in Soil?

Follow the comprehensive steps below to grow your Fenugreek Microgreens in soil:

Prepare All Your Materials

The very first step in growing your fenugreek is to prepare all your materials. Make sure you have your fenugreek seeds ready, and you have prepared your pots and soil—Plan where you would like to plant your seeds as well.

Check Your Soil

Before planting anything, always check your soil conditions first. The ideal pH balance is 6.4, but anywhere between 6.0 and 7.0 is alright as well. The best time to plant your fenugreek seeds is around spring, especially if you plan to plant them outside or in a garden.

Prepare Your Soil

After you checked the pH balance of your soil, it is time to prepare them. Break up any large pieces of soil and make sure the soil can easily absorb the water. If you are using a container, do not fill the soil to the top and leave some space to add more soil later.

Soak Your Seeds

Soaking your seeds overnight can help increase their germination rate. Soak the seeds in a bowl of water overnight and drain the water before planting them. After removing the seeds from the water, you can now sow the seeds.

Plant Your Seeds

Sow your seeds. There is no need to space out your seeds properly as Fenugreek does not require a lot of space to grow. Cover the seeds with o.5 cm of soil. Always check the temperature of your soil to prevent any diseases or pests.

Water Your Seeds

After planting your seeds, make sure to water them frequently. The Fenugreek requires moist soil and are typically found in a rainy environment. Because of their original environment, a slow drip method is preferable to prevent overwatering the plants.

Check for Pests

Some pests like aphids are attracted to Fenugreek and can damage your crop. Providing proper irrigation and just enough moisture can prevent most fungi. Always check out for possible pests and use organic pesticides to control the pests and avoid further damage.

Grow Your Fenugreek

After consistently growing your Fenugreek Microgreens, you should be able to see the seeds sprout after a few days. Always water and provide enough sunlight to help them grow; if you are growing indoors, you can use artificial lighting.  After three to four weeks, you can harvest your Fenugreek.

Harvest Your Fenugreek

After consistent care, you can now harvest your Fenugreek after it has grown for about six inches. Typically, the Fenugreek microgreens are ready after three to four weeks. Pull the leaves slightly and cut just above the roots using kitchen shears.

Replant Your Seeds

Other seeds will not regrow if you replant them. If you would like to replant on the same area, always make sure that you pulled up all the plant roots or remains. We recommend planting every two to three weeks so you can have a steady supply of Fenugreek.

How to Grow Fenugreek Microgreens with A Grow Mat?

Hydroponic or Grow Mats are also a popular method of growing your Fenugreek Microgreens, especially if you are planning to grow them indoors.

Below are some steps you can follow in growing your Fenugreek Microgreens with a Grow Mat:

Choose Your Grow Mat

There are different types of Grow Mats made from different types of materials. You can choose from Terrafibre hemp mat, Biostrate felt mats, and Micro-Mats wood fiber mats. All these mats differ in price and sustainability.

Cut Your Mat

Depending on your container’s size or how many seeds you would like to plant, you may need to cut your mat. Some mats come pre-cut into squares, but most mats come in large sizes, and you may need to cut them to your preference.

Soak Your Mat

Soak your Mat with water before putting them into the container. However, drain the excess water and moisture out to prevent any mold from forming. Make sure the mat is just moist enough. Do not overwater your mat, or else it can grow mold and affect your crop.

Place Your Seeds and Mat

Place your Mat into your preferred container. Bring out your fenugreek microgreen seeds and sow them to the mat. There is no specific spacing needed for Microgreens but having too many seeds on the container can cause your Fenugreek Microgreens to fall over, so be careful.

Watering and Germination

The Fenugreek Microgreens do not require that much water before germination, and the mat can maintain the water for a long time. Only check once a day and spray to keep the moisture in the mat.

Stack the Tray

Stack the tray to promote germination and keep them in the dark for the first few days. The tray can also provide extra warmth and ensure no light comes in. After three days or more, the seeds would germinate, and you can take them out of the dark.

Provide Light

After the seeds germinate, you can bring the tray to a place with enough sunlight. If you are growing them indoors, you may need artificial light. Water the Fenugreek Microgreens once a day to absorb moisture.

Harvest and Replant

Harvest the plant after they grew for about 6 inches. You can pull the Fenugreek Microgreens slightly by the root and cut the stem just above the root. You would need to harvest the seeds just before the pod pops, and you can replant the microgreens.

How to Grow Your Fenugreek Microgreens in Wood Shavings?

Another method of growing your Fenugreek Microgreens is to use Wood Shavings and Chippings. Coconut Husks and fine wood shavings can work well in growing Microgreens and can be sustainable in the long run.

Follow the steps below to grow your Fenugreek Microgreens using Wood shavings or coconut husks:

Prepare Your Materials

Prepare your wood shavings or coconut husks. Both should be kept moist with water. If you are using coconut husks, keep the husks wet to reduce the coconut husk’s stiffness. Wood shavings like you would normally use for small pets are applicable for this method as well.

Use A Pot or Container

Making sure the husks or wood shavings are wet, fill the pot with coconut husks and shavings. You can use a shallow container or a pot. Make sure that you place the pot in a place with enough sunlight.

Sow the Container’s Seeds

Fenugreek seeds can grow even if they are extremely close to one another. Wood Shavings and coconut husks absorb and retain more water compared to soil. However, always check on them to see if they are retaining enough moisture. Spray or mist them if you feel that they are too dry.

Water Your Fenugreek

Water your Fenugreek Microgreens and wait for them to grow. Spray the seeds with water every time they are drying up. If you mix the coconut husks or wood shavings with soil, the soil can hold water for longer periods, and you do not need to water it consistently.

Grow and Harvest Your Fenugreek Microgreens

The Fenugreek will grow within three weeks, and you can harvest them by cutting the Microgreens just above the root. Afterward, you can compost the shavings and coconut husks. Coconut husks can be reused and are more sustainable.

How to Grow Fenugreek Microgreens on Growing Paper?

Another method of growing Fenugreek Microgreens is using Growing, Germinating papers, or simply paper towels. This method is perfect for people who do not like the mess of using a garden or soil.

However, using Growing paper, in the long run, can be costly and expensive. This method can help speed up the growing process and produce more yields.

Below are some steps to follow to grow the Fenugreek Microgreens on growing paper or paper towels:

Prepare Your Materials

To grow Fenugreek Microgreens on Growing paper, you would need the paper, seed trays, drip tray, and of course, the Fenugreek seeds. Make sure the paper towel is the right size for your container, and the tray has some holes at the bottom.

Sow the Seeds

You can put another tray at the bottom to hold water. Make sure your paper towel is moist. You can sow the seeds afterward and provide cover for three days.

Bring Some Sunlight

After three days, you can bring the seed tray to the sunlight to improve germination. Proper warmth and light are necessary to get your seeds to grow. You can also use some artificial lighting if you are growing it indoors.

Grow and Harvest

After three weeks, your Fenugreek Microgreen is ready for harvest. Simply cut above the roots to harvest them. Growing Fenugreek Microgreens on a growing paper is much cleaner and perfect for people who would like to grow the seeds indoors.

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How Can You Speed Up Growth?

Fenugreek Microgreens typically grow and are ready to harvest after three weeks. Growing conditions like temperature can affect the growth rate and yield of your Microgreens. Another factor to consider is the method you chose for growing your Fenugreek.

Growing Fenugreek Microgreens is best during spring or early summer. The plant thrives in warmer climates and typically grow faster in temperatures 50 to 90 F or 10 to 32 C. Artificial lighting can also be used if you are planting the Microgreens indoors.

While planting in the soil is considered the easiest for beginners, other methods like growing mats can help speed up your Fenugreek Microgreens’ growth. Some Growing mats and paper can help produce a harvest after just two weeks.

What Are the Benefits of Eating Fenugreek Microgreens?

Fenugreek Microgreens provide multiple health benefits and are generally healthy for your body.

Below are some benefits you can get if you add Fenugreek Microgreens to your diet:

Fenugreek Is an Excellent Source of Nutrients

Adding Fenugreek Microgreens to your diet can help provide a wide variety of nutrients to your body. Nutrients like Iron, Magnesium, Protein, and dietary fibers are necessary to keep your body functioning.

The plant also contains phytonutrients like choline. These nutrients can help prevent a wide variety of diseases like obesity and diabetes. The nutrients are also not typically found in most diets, which makes Fenugreek a great source of these nutrients.

Fenugreek Can Help Improve Metabolism

Studies show that Fenugreek can help improve your metabolic function. Improving your metabolism can help you manage weight and has natural anti-obesity effects. The Fenugreek also prevents the formation of new fat cells.

Improve Blood Sugar Levels

Adding Fenugreek to your diet can also help improve your blood sugar levels.  This plant can help prevent high blood sugar levels and spikes that can make you overeat. The satiating effects of the plant also make it a great superfood.

Besides preventing you from overeating and feeling hungry, Fenugreek also helps process the sugars in your body better. The plant helps prevent insulin insensitivity and reduces the risk of diseases like diabetes.

It Can Help Manage Dysmenorrhea

If you are experiencing discomfort and pain from your period, Fenugreek can help aid with Dysmenorrhea. This plant contains anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help reduce the symptoms of period pain.

Research shows that pain severity is significantly reduced when Fenugreek is added to your diet. The anti-inflammatory effects of the plant can also help prevent other side effects like bloating.

It Can Help Produce More Milk for Nursing Mothers

Adding Fenugreek Microgreens to your diet when you are nursing can help improve the production of your milk. The plant can help improve your milk’s lactation and quality, providing more nutrients and strength to your body as you nurse your infant.

The plant can also help keep your body healthy during the nursing stage. Research shows that the plant is also typically given to mothers who just gave birth to regain their strength and get necessary nutrients.

It Can Help Reduce the Risk of Multiple Diseases

Fenugreek Microgreens contain numerous vitamins and minerals and have natural anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity features. Adding this plant to your diet can help reduce the risk of diseases like diabetes and multiple heart diseases.

The phytonutrients included in the plant can also help reduce the risk of cancer. The plant has natural antiaging and antioxidant effects that help keep your body healthy even with age. The antioxidant effect of the plant also helps flush harmful toxins out of your body.

Increase Testosterone Levels

Another benefit of Fenugreek is that it can help increase the testosterone levels in men. Studies show that adding Fenugreek to your diet can increase your testosterone levels naturally. The increase in testosterone levels helps build more muscles in men.

An increase in muscles also means a decrease in fat. Building muscles can help burn more fat to your body, even at rest. The plant can also help provide more energy and strength necessary for extreme exercises or daily activities.

Do take note that Fenugreek Microgreens does not promise to cure any medical illnesses. Always consult your doctor before adding the plant to your diet to prevent any health complications.

What Pests/Diseases Can Damage Microgreens and How to Stop Them?

While Fenugreeks Microgreens are considered resilient when it comes to pests and diseases, you should be careful about when it comes to growing Fenugreek Microgreens.

Below are some of the pests and diseases that can affect your Fenugreek Microgreens and how you can manage and prevent them:

Aphids

Aphids are a type of small insects that are pests to the Fenugreek plant. You can typically see the insects on the underside of the plant and are usually green or yellow in color. The insects can also produce honeydew, which promotes the growth of mold in your Fenugreek plant.

If only a few plants are affected by the Aphids, you can prune them out. You can also use a rapid burst of water to knock off the aphids from the plant. You can also use neem oil or organic pesticides for pest control.

Root Rot

Root Rot is caused by a fungus and affects a wide variety of plants. The disease’s typical symptoms include yellowing of the lower leaves, wilting of leaves, and stunted growth. If you do not manage the Root rot, the microgreen will wilt from the disease.

Reduce the levels of inoculum in the soil by adding manure or neem cake. You can also check if the plant is affected by pulling it by the root and checking if it is starting to rot. Make sure you plant in warm soil with enough water. Do not overwater as this can increase the chances of the fungus.

Powdery Mildew

Powdery Mildew is another fungus disease that is typically caused by poor air conditions and a growing environment. You can typically diagnose the disease if you see white, powdery spots that grow larger with time.

You can also see some yellow spots on the underside of the leaf. Provide proper ventilation, irrigation, and fertilizer to prevent this disease. Do not overcrowd your seed tray and provide ample space.

Charcoal Rot

This fungus can affect not just Fenugreeks but also beans, tobacco, and other plants. The disease causes discoloration of the vine, and cankers on the stem spread upwards. Small fungal fruiting bodies can also be seen.

Using organic oil and adding manure can help reduce the levels of inoculum in the soil. Make sure to thin and weed your plants consistently and adequately. Maintain moisture and water your plants, especially during drier seasons.

FAQ

Below are some of the commonly asked questions when it comes to growing your Fenugreek Microgreens:

Fenugreek Microgreens Vs. Fenugreek Sprouts (Which Is Better?)

Fenugreek sprouts are a lot quicker to grow. Fenugreek Microgreens take three to four weeks reach the cotyledon stage. While sprouts take shorter to grow, Fenugreek Microgreens taste better, and you can eat the stems and leaves compared to Fenugreek sprouts where you can’t.

How Much Light Do Fenugreek Microgreens Need?

Fenugreek Microgreens do not necessarily require much sunlight. However, all microgreens need moisture and warmth in order to grow. Once the seed sprouts put the container in a spot with a healthy amount of sunlight, and they’ll grow fine.

What Temperature Do Fenugreek Microgreens Need?

While Fenugreek can be easily grown, the plant does not do well in colder climates. The best season to plant Fenugreek Microgreens is around spring or early summer. The ideal temperature for Fenugreek Microgreens is around 50 to 90F or 10 C to 32 C.

How Long Do Fenugreek Microgreens Take to Grow?

Fenugreek Microgreens can take anywhere from two to four weeks to grow. The climate can easily affect the growth of your Fenugreek Microgreens. A colder climate can slow down the growth of your Fenugreek Microgreens.

Do Fenugreek Microgreens Regrow After Harvest?

 It depends on the variety of Fenugreek. You can leave the twigs, and it will grow again after fifteen days. It can regrow up to four times if you cut and trim just the leaves. However, not all Fenugreek Microgreens regrow.

How Should You Harvest Fenugreek Microgreens?

After two to four weeks of growing your Fenugreek Microgreens, you can harvest them. If you would like to harvest the leaves, cut the fenugreek by the stem just a few centimeters above the root. For the seeds, harvest the seed before the pods turn yellow and open.

How Should You Store Fenugreek Microgreens?

If you would like to store the leaves, remove the leaves from the stalks and wrap them in a paper towel. The leaves will last for about ten days. You can also dry the leaves and toast the seeds to use them as spices.

Why Are My Microgreens Falling Over?

There are multiple key factors on why your Microgreens are falling over. One of the key things is water. Make sure not to overwater nor dry up your plant. Provide enough light and warmth, and make sure there are not too many or too few seeds in the container. 

Fenugreek Microgreen Flavor + How to Use Them

The Fenugreek Microgreen has a milder flavor. The seeds can be quite bitter and are typically used as a spice for salads. The leaves have a hot aroma with a sour note and are typically used as an herb.

How Do You Prevent Damping Off/Why Is Air Movement Important?

Rhizoctonia spp. and Fusarium spp are common fungi that cause damping off. Providing good air movement or ventilation can help prevent the mold or fungi’s growth on your Microgreens. Always check the temperature of your soil as well.

Recap

Fenugreek can be a great addition to your curry or salads. However, finding Fenugreek in your local grocer can be challenging. You can easily grow Fenugreek Microgreens at the comfort of your own home.

There are multiple methods of growing Fenugreek Microgreens. Using soil is the most common method and is typically used by people new to the growing Microgreens. Always check your soil temperature and moisture levels when growing using this method.

Other methods like Growing mat, Growing Papers, and using Wood shavings are great indoor planting methods. These methods can help speed up your Fenugreek’s growth, but you may need to add artificial lighting if you cannot provide enough sunlight for your plant.

There are multiple health benefits of adding Fenugreek to your diet. Some health benefits include managing dysmenorrhea and managing blood sugar levels. There are some pests and diseases that can affect your Microgreens, like Aphids.

To prevent pests and diseases, make sure you do not overwater your plants, keep them moist, and provide proper airflow. It is best to plant your Fenugreek Microgreens in the spring or early summer.

Sources

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