As someone who has built a successful microgreens business from the ground up, I’ve learned one essential truth: the right soil can make all the difference. Microgreens are delicate, nutrient-rich plants that need a balanced, supportive environment to grow their best. When I first started, I spent hours researching the best soil for microgreens, and through trial and error, I’ve come up with a list of tried-and-true recommendations.
In this guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about selecting the best soil for microgreens, including what types of soil work best, the ideal soil depth, and my top organic soil recommendations. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge you need to make informed decisions and see your microgreens flourish.
Why Soil Matters for Microgreens
When I started growing microgreens, I assumed any soil would do. But I quickly realized that not all soils are created equal, especially when it comes to growing microgreens. The type of soil you use directly impacts the growth, flavor, and yield of your crops.
What is the Best Soil for Microgreens?
Microgreens grow fast, and they don’t need a lot of nutrients from the soil because they absorb most of what they need from the seed. However, the soil still plays an important role in holding moisture, providing a stable base for the roots, and offering essential nutrients. The best soil for microgreens will:
- Retain moisture without becoming waterlogged.
- Provide adequate drainage to prevent root rot.
- Be light and fluffy to allow for good air circulation.
- Contain some nutrients, though not too many, since microgreens grow quickly.
What Soil is Best for Microgreens?
From my experience, the best soil is usually a soilless mix, like coconut coir, or a lightweight potting soil. These mixes hold enough moisture to keep the seeds hydrated but allow for excellent drainage, preventing mold and other common issues.
Best Soil Options for Microgreens
There are several options when it comes to soil, but not all are equally effective. I’ll walk you through the most popular types of soil for microgreens and share my thoughts based on years of growing and running a successful microgreens business.
1. Organic Potting Soil
Organic potting soil is a popular choice because it’s easy to find and contains beneficial nutrients. When you’re growing microgreens, you want to avoid any chemicals or synthetic fertilizers, making organic soil a great option.
- Pros: Contains organic nutrients, readily available, supports healthy plant growth.
- Cons: Heavier than other options, might require mixing with lighter material like perlite or coconut coir to improve drainage.
2. Coconut Coir
Coconut coir has been one of my go-to soil choices for microgreens. It’s a soilless growing medium made from coconut husks, and it’s excellent for water retention while providing good aeration.
- Pros: Sustainable, lightweight, and offers excellent water retention without getting soggy.
- Cons: Lacks nutrients, so you may need to add a mild organic fertilizer if growing beyond the microgreen stage.
3. Peat Moss-Based Mix
Peat moss is another lightweight option often found in potting mixes. It helps with moisture retention but tends to be more acidic, which some plants might not tolerate well.
- Pros: Lightweight, excellent water retention.
- Cons: Not as sustainable as coconut coir, more acidic than other options.
4. Vermiculite or Perlite
These are typically added to soil mixes to improve aeration and drainage. While not used alone, they’re perfect for mixing with heavier soils to lighten them up.
- Pros: Increases drainage and aeration.
- Cons: Doesn’t provide nutrients, so you’ll need to combine it with other mediums.
Best Soil for Growing Microgreens (From the Community)
When I was first starting, I spent a lot of time browsing forums like Reddit to see what other growers were using. Many growers recommended soilless mixes like coconut coir or peat moss combined with organic compost. Based on what I’ve seen in my own business, I would agree that this combination strikes the perfect balance between moisture retention and air circulation.
What is the Best Soil Depth for Growing Microgreens?
One of the questions I often get is about soil depth. How deep should your soil be for growing microgreens? The truth is, microgreens don’t need much soil to thrive. In fact, one of the reasons they are so easy to grow is that they don’t require a deep rooting system.
Ideal Soil Depth for Microgreens
From my experience, a depth of about 1 to 2 inches is perfect for most microgreens. This gives the seeds enough room to anchor their roots without needing an excessive amount of soil. Anything deeper than this might lead to wasted soil, and your greens won’t be able to use it efficiently.
Why Depth Matters
Keeping the soil shallow helps prevent overwatering and reduces the risk of mold growth. With a thin layer of soil, you can ensure better drainage and avoid common issues like root rot.
Best Organic Soil for Microgreens
I always emphasize the importance of using organic soil when growing microgreens, especially if you’re selling to health-conscious consumers. Organic soil ensures that your microgreens remain free from harmful chemicals and synthetic fertilizers, giving your customers peace of mind and keeping your product as healthy as possible.
Why Organic?
Microgreens are often consumed raw, which means that any chemicals in the soil could potentially be ingested. Using organic soil eliminates this risk and supports a cleaner, more sustainable growing process.
My Top Organic Soil Recommendations:
- FoxFarm Happy Frog Potting Soil
- Why I Love It: This is an excellent organic potting soil with beneficial microbes and mycorrhizal fungi that support healthy root development. It’s great for microgreens and other potted plants.
- Espoma Organic Potting Mix
- Why I Love It: Espoma’s organic mix is another reliable choice. It contains a rich blend of sphagnum peat moss, humus, and perlite, creating an ideal growing environment for microgreens.
- Coco Bliss Organic Coconut Coir
- Why I Love It: If you prefer a soilless option, Coco Bliss is a high-quality organic coconut coir. It’s a sustainable option that retains moisture well without becoming waterlogged.
Best Soil Mix for Microgreens
If you want to create your own custom mix for growing microgreens, it’s important to strike a balance between moisture retention and drainage. Here’s a soil mix that I’ve found works really well:
My Recommended Soil Mix Recipe:
- 40% Coconut Coir or Peat Moss: This forms the base of your soil and retains moisture.
- 30% Organic Compost or Worm Castings: Adds light nutrients to support microgreens growth.
- 20% Perlite or Vermiculite: Improves aeration and drainage.
- 10% Sand or Grit (optional): Helps with drainage in heavier mixes, though it’s optional.
This mix provides the right balance of moisture, aeration, and nutrients, ensuring your microgreens grow healthy and strong.
Best Soil for Indoor Microgreens
Indoor microgreens can be tricky because indoor environments tend to be more controlled, which means your soil needs to hold up in a variety of conditions. I’ve found that lightweight soils that provide good aeration and drainage are best for indoor setups, especially if you’re growing on racks with limited space.
Best Brand of Soil for Indoor Microgreens
When growing indoors, I like to use lightweight organic soils that don’t compact easily. Here are some of the best brands I’ve used:
- Roots Organics Potting Soil
- Why I Love It: This soil is super light and perfect for indoor growing. It retains moisture well without becoming soggy, which is crucial when growing microgreens indoors.
- Mother Earth Coco + Perlite Mix
- Why I Love It: This is a fantastic mix of coconut coir and perlite, offering a great balance between water retention and drainage. It’s perfect for use in trays indoors.
- Pro-Mix HP Mycorrhizae
- Why I Love It: Pro-Mix is a high-quality potting mix that’s ideal for indoor growing. It’s light, fluffy, and contains beneficial mycorrhizae to support healthy root development.
Conclusion: Choose the Right Soil for Success
Choosing the right soil is one of the most important steps in growing healthy microgreens. As someone who’s gone from a small setup to running a successful business, I can tell you that experimenting with different soils made all the difference. Whether you’re growing indoors or out, organically or conventionally, the best soil for microgreens is one that retains moisture, provides good drainage, and supports fast, healthy growth.
