Quick answer
You can grow microgreens without soil on hemp mats, coco coir, jute or other growing pads. Soak the medium, spread seeds evenly, keep them dark and moist for a few days, then grow under light while bottom-watering with plain water. Small seeds such as broccoli, radish and mustard do especially well.
Growing without soil keeps your kitchen clean, makes harvesting easier and is ideal for small apartments. Most microgreens are harvested before they need much from their growing medium, so a simple mat or fibre works well.
Soilless options compared
| Medium | Good for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hemp mats | Broccoli, radish, mustard, kale | Clean, easy and compostable |
| Coco coir | Most crops, including peas and sunflower | Holds moisture well, a bit messier |
| Jute or burlap pads | Small seeds | Inexpensive, can dry out faster |
Want a closer look at the two most popular options? Read hemp mats vs coco coir.
Step-by-step
- Soak the medium. Wet the mat or coir thoroughly and lay it flat in a tray with drainage holes.
- Seed evenly. Scatter seeds in a single, even layer.
- Mist and cover. Keep seeds dark and moist under a cover for 2–4 days, depending on the crop.
- Uncover under light. Give 12–16 hours of light a day.
- Bottom-water. Add plain water to the solid tray underneath whenever the mat feels light.
- Harvest. Cut above the mat with clean scissors once the first leaves open.
Grower’s tip
Mats dry out faster than soil. Check them once or twice a day, especially under warm lights.
Do soilless microgreens need fertilizer?
For most quick crops, plain water is enough because the seed supplies the energy the seedling needs. Some growers add a weak hydroponic nutrient for slower crops; if you do, follow the label and start at a low strength.
FAQ
Which microgreens grow best without soil?
Small-seeded crops such as broccoli, radish, mustard, kale and cabbage grow very well on hemp mats.
Can I grow microgreens on paper towels?
You can for a quick test, but paper towels dry out fast and can grow mold. Hemp mats or coco coir give more reliable results.
