Microgreens on Paper Towel Method: A Soil-Free Survival Gardening Hack
In the world of survival gardening, space and resources can often be limited, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice fresh, nutritious food. Enter the microgreens paper towel method—a simple, soil-free technique that requires very little space, supplies, and is perfect for survival situations or those looking for an easy way to grow food without soil.
Microgreens are young, edible plants harvested at an early stage of growth, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They can be grown quickly, providing a sustainable food source in times when you need it most. Best of all? You don’t need soil for this method!
What You’ll Need
1. Microgreen Seeds:
Choose seeds that are suitable for microgreens. Some popular varieties include:
Radish
Broccoli
Mustard
Pea shoots
Sunflower
Arugula
Cilantro
Beet greens
2. Paper Towels:
You’ll need absorbent paper towels, as they’ll provide the moisture and support for your seeds to germinate and grow.
3. A Tray or Shallow Container:
This will hold the paper towel and create a stable environment for your microgreens. You can use any shallow container, like a baking tray, a plastic container, or even a plate.
4. Water:
Fresh water is essential to keep the paper towels moist and provide your seeds with what they need to sprout.
5. Spray Bottle or Watering Can:
A spray bottle will make it easy to moisten the paper towels without soaking them, ensuring your seeds get just the right amount of water.
6. A Light Source:
While the microgreens don’t need full sunlight to germinate, they will need light to grow. You can place them on a windowsill or use LED grow lights if you're indoors.
7. Plastic Cover or a Clear Lid (Optional):
To keep moisture in and create a mini greenhouse effect, you can cover the tray with plastic wrap or use a clear lid. This is especially useful in the early germination stage.
How to Grow Microgreens on Paper Towels
1. Prepare Your Tray:
Start by laying down a paper towel at the bottom of your shallow tray or container. Make sure it fits the tray size so there’s enough surface area for the seeds to spread out.
2. Moisten the Paper Towel:
Gently spray the paper towel with water until it’s thoroughly damp. You want it moist, not soaking wet, as too much water can drown the seeds.
3. Spread Your Seeds:
Sprinkle the microgreen seeds evenly across the damp paper towel. Don't worry about being too precise—just make sure they are spaced out enough to grow without crowding.
4. Add a Second Layer of Paper Towel:
If you’re using smaller seeds or prefer a more controlled environment, you can add another layer of paper towel on top of the seeds. This will help keep them in place and retain moisture.
5. Cover and Wait:
Once the seeds are in place, cover the tray with plastic wrap or a clear lid to maintain humidity. The seeds will begin to sprout in about 2–3 days, depending on the variety.
6. Check for Moisture:
Check your microgreens every day to ensure the paper towel stays damp but not soaking wet. If the towel starts to dry out, mist it with your spray bottle.
7. Provide Light:
Once your seeds have sprouted, remove the cover and place the tray in a well-lit area. You can keep the tray on a sunny windowsill or use artificial light like LED grow lights. Aim for around 6–8 hours of light daily.
8. Harvesting Your Microgreens:
Microgreens are ready to harvest when they have grown to about 2–4 inches tall and have developed their first true leaves. This usually takes 7 to 14 days, depending on the variety and growing conditions. To harvest, simply snip the microgreens just above the paper towel with a clean pair of scissors.
Why Use the Paper Towel Method for Microgreens?
1. No Soil Needed:
This method is completely soil-free, making it an excellent choice for survival gardening or urban farming where soil might be scarce or too costly to purchase.
2. Minimal Space Required:
The paper towel method requires very little space. You can grow microgreens in small apartments, on windowsills, or even in tiny homes. It's ideal for anyone looking to grow fresh food in limited spaces.
3. Fast Growing:
Microgreens grow quickly, with some varieties ready to harvest in as little as 7 days. This provides quick food production, a crucial benefit in a survival situation or for those needing to replenish food sources quickly.
4. Nutrient-Dense Food:
Microgreens are packed with nutrients. They contain up to 40 times the concentration of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than their mature counterparts, making them a powerhouse of nutrition for survival diets.
5. Low Maintenance:
The paper towel method is relatively low maintenance. It doesn't require complex systems, expensive equipment, or daily care. Simply water them, wait for them to grow, and harvest when ready.
6. Easy Setup:
All you need is a tray, water, paper towels, and seeds—very simple materials that are inexpensive and easy to find. The setup process takes minutes, making it accessible for anyone, even beginners.
7. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly:
This method is environmentally friendly, using very little water and no soil. The paper towels can be composted after use, leaving no waste behind.
What Types of Microgreens Can You Grow on Paper Towels?
While most microgreens can be grown on paper towels, some varieties do better than others. Here are some popular options for your survival garden:
Radishes: Quick-growing with a spicy flavor, perfect for adding zing to any dish.
Broccoli: Packed with nutrients, these microgreens are great for boosting your immune system.
Mustard Greens: These spicy greens are great in salads, sandwiches, or as garnishes.
Pea Shoots: Sweet and tender, these microgreens are popular for adding crunch to dishes.
Cilantro: For those who love cilantro, this herb grows quickly and can be harvested early.
Sunflower Greens: Known for their mild, nutty flavor, sunflower microgreens are a favorite in salads.
Beet Greens: These greens have a vibrant color and slightly earthy flavor.
Arugula: These peppery greens can be harvested early for a bold, flavor-packed bite.
Tips for Success with the Paper Towel Method
Avoid Overcrowding: Make sure not to plant too many seeds on the paper towel. Microgreens need room to grow and access light.
Check Daily: Keep an eye on the moisture levels of the paper towel. Mist with a spray bottle if it starts to dry out.
Harvest Early: Microgreens are best when harvested young—this is when they are the most nutritious and tender.
Rotate Crops: To keep a steady supply of fresh greens, consider rotating your crops. Plant new seeds while harvesting the old batch.
Store Properly: After harvesting, you can store microgreens in a sealed container in the fridge for a few days.
Why This Method Works for Survival Gardening
The microgreens on paper towel method is an incredibly efficient, space-saving technique that provides nutritious, fresh food in no time. Whether you are preparing for an emergency, living in a small space, or just looking to grow food with minimal supplies, this method is perfect.
It's affordable, low-maintenance, and an ideal solution for anyone in need of a quick, healthy food source that doesn’t require soil.
Start small and grow your own microgreens with just paper towels and water—soon you’ll have a sustainable, nutrient-packed food source for your survival garden!
