What Is The Difference Between Sprouts & Microgreens?

Microgreens and sprouts have become very popular in recent times and are known as nutrient dense edible plants that can be grown in everyone's kitchen without the need for a large garden space.  Many studies have proven that microgreens and sprouts have more nutritional value when compared to the mature plant. 

The main difference between sprouts and microgreens has to do with how you grow it and the stage of the plant's growth cycle.  Imagine the sprout as being the infant, and the microgreen as the child, that is while both are very young plants, one is more mature than the other. 

Between microgreens and sprouts (the infant plant), the latter are probably the easiest to grow because they simply need a change of water daily.  Sprouts are usually grown by submerging seeds in water and then rinsing the water out daily and are harvested within 4-6 days depending on humidity levels.  The rinsing of water ensures that the seeds are clean and free from bacteria which can form especially when humidity levels increase.  Although it is easy to grow sprouts, we've made it even easier for you by providing a sprouting kit that is designed to optimise the likelihood of achieving a harvest. Click here to get started with our basic sprouting kit.

Unlike sprouts which start in water, Microgreens (the child plant) are grown in soil or peat and can be harvested in 2 or 3 weeks depending on the variety.  It is a miniature version of the mature plant which has sprouted a stem and a few leaves, both of which are edible.  Tastewise, is it commonly agreed that microgreens are more flavoursome than sprouts and are delicious as part of a salad, sandwich filling or a pretty garnish that you often see at a fancy restaurant.

If you would like to grow both sprouts and microgreens please go here to secure an order of a planting tray stand on wheels which will allow you to grow and hold both types of plants, saving you both time, money and space!