what's the best soil for microgreens?

[PlantGeek]

I'm not really interested in this, but my bro wants to start growing and selling microgreens using soil.

what's the best soil for microgreens and what's recommended for beginners?

He said that he's considering two options, which are an organic moisture mix and a cheaper, non organic all purpose mix with slow release fertilizer.

Can he use this regular soil with fertilizer or just fertilizer? and if nonorganic fertilizer, would it be safe to eat partially grown microgreens?

any advice on soil choice and fertilizer use for their microgreen venture is welcome.

 

[seedling]

I'm not really interested in this, but my bro wants to start growing and selling microgreens using soil.

what's the best soil for microgreens and what's recommended for beginners?

He said that he's considering two options, which are an organic moisture mix and a cheaper, non organic all purpose mix with slow release fertilizer.

Can he use this regular soil with fertilizer or just fertilizer? and if nonorganic fertilizer, would it be safe to eat partially grown microgreens?

any advice on soil choice and fertilizer use for their microgreen venture is welcome.

Bahaha, I'm pretty sure it's gonna grow on you even if you don't like it now. That's the thing about this whole microgreens thing. About the best soil, do use organic seed starting mix ro coconut coir with compost. Just stay away from slow-release fertilizer on soil... that's gonna burn tender microgreens. Non-organic is technically safe but you'd wanna go with organic, TRUST ME. Just keep it simple, that's the key Good luck to you BOTH.

 

[West Wind Farms]

Bahaha, I'm pretty sure it's gonna grow on you even if you don't like it now. That's the thing about this whole microgreens thing. About the best soil, do use organic seed starting mix ro coconut coir with compost. Just stay away from slow-release fertilizer on soil... that's gonna burn tender microgreens. Non-organic is technically safe but you'd wanna go with organic, TRUST ME. Just keep it simple, that's the key Good luck to you BOTH.

Just to build off of what seedling said, at the stage you would be harvesting microgreens, the greens are still getting their nutrients from the seed so fertilizer in the soil is not necessary. Some growers will add products like OceanSolution to add fertility to their grow medium, but I personally have never added any fertilizer to my cococoir and I have had good results growing. I could see needing some added nutrients if growing slow growing micros (more than 14 days), but for the most common microgreens, I do not think it is necessary.

 

[SproutScout]

Yeah, I'm with you. Most people really don't need it. Have you ever tried growing some of the slower varieties?

 

[West Wind Farms]

Yeah, I'm with you. Most people really don't need it. Have you ever tried growing some of the slower varieties?

I tried growing beet once. My germination rate was low, and I feel like they got very spindly. In addition, the cococoir surface became a little moldy in spots (maybe from seed that didn't germinate?). Overall it was a very sparse grow and was discouraging.

I generally only grow pea, sunflower, radish, broccoli, and a brassica mix. We sell at markets in the summer and these species give us a nice variety and quick grow time that suits us well for market. Unfortunately, I haven't grown much out side of this.

 

[Dru.C]

Use a clean, soilless or organic mix and it has to be something that holds moisture but drains well. Using regular soil with fertilizer can work, but the slow release stuff isn't ideal for tiny plants and non organic fertilizers can leave residues, so it's safer to stick with an organic, edible friendly mix @PlantGeek

 

[Sarataylor]

I'm not really interested in this, but my bro wants to start growing and selling microgreens using soil.

what's the best soil for microgreens and what's recommended for beginners?

He said that he's considering two options, which are an organic moisture mix and a cheaper, non organic all purpose mix with slow release fertilizer.

Can he use this regular soil with fertilizer or just fertilizer? and if nonorganic fertilizer, would it be safe to eat partially grown microgreens?

any advice on soil choice and fertilizer use for their microgreen venture is welcome.

Tell your brother to keep it simple: use an organic moisture mix or seed starting mix. Fertilizer isn't necessary, and non-organic slow-release mixes could leave residues. Since you eat them so young, a clean, organic medium is always recommended.

 

[TSKT]

I agree with keeping it simple and clean. Microgreens use the energy stored in the seed to grow, so you don't need any added fertilizer for a short 7–10 day crop. I've had great results with plain coco coir or a peat-based seed starting mix that has no slow‑release nutrients.

If he prefers soil, look for an organic potting mix marketed for seed starting. Avoid regular potting soil with slow‑release pellets or manure, since those are designed for long‑term container plants and can leave residues. Slow‑release fertilizers can also encourage mould because they stay wet in a dense microgreen tray.

He could also try soilless grow mats made of hemp or coconut fibre if he's doing trays for sale – they're mess‑free and easy to handle. Whatever medium he uses, keep it moist but not soggy, sanitise trays between crops, and compost the spent mix after harvest. Happy growing!