23
MICROGREEN PROBLEMS
WHITE MOLD
Identification Remedy
White mold looks like a spider web crawling
across the surface of the growing media. It
starts out in one area in a small, wispy ball
and then expands quickly over the growing
media.
Note: take a close look. The root systems of
some microgreens are fine filaments and re-
semble mold. Learn to recognize the differ-
ence.
Make sure your trays are CLEAN be-
fore you plant
Decrease the humidity by increasing
air circulation
Decrease the seed density of your
future plantings, especially for muci-
laginous seeds
Try using some grapefruit seed extract
mixed with water as an organic solu-
tion
Identification Remedy
Most microgreen seeds germinate in 2-4 days,
but some may take a bit longer. If you’re see-
ing germination times that are longer than
what is outlined in the table on page 15-16,
something is wrong.
Increase moisture in the tray by mist-
ing or running an unscheduled water-
ing cycle
Do a germination test on a paper towel
to see if the seed is bad. Place a
paper towel in a growing tray, moisten
it by misting with a mister and sprinkle
the seeds on top. Cover with a propa-
gation dome and see if they sprout.
SLOW GERMINATION
Identification Remedy
When you’re spreading your seed out in trays,
it can be difficult to get an even spread. If you
plant too densely, they will clump together,
especially if they’re mucilaginous. When they
sprout, a few of the seedlings will push the
rest of them up into the air, suspending the
roots and possibly bringing dirt along with
them. It makes harvesting difficult.
Decrease total seed volume planted in
each tray
Spread seeds more evenly throughout
the tray
CLUMPY MICROGREENS
FAILURE TO THRIVE
Identification Remedy
The greens look weak and pale. This is an all
encompassing condition that could result from
a number of factors. It is difficult to trouble-
shoot this condition if all of the other condi-
tions above have been addressed.
The weakness could be due to a lack of mois-
ture control—either too dry or too wet. In
some cases the seed is not properly planted,
or the propagation dome is removed at the
wrong time.
Make sure to read the seed growing
instructions on the seed packaging
Stick to a regular watering schedule
Make sure you leave the propagation
domes on for an adequate amount of
time
If growing hydroponically, check your
nutrient concentration and TDS levels;
make sure nutrients are mixed accord-
ing to the manufacturer’s directions
*Mucilaginous seeds: seeds whose hull forms a gel sack consisting of proteins and polysaccharides
when exposed to water. The purpose of this sack is to retain moisture around the seed during germina-
tion. It also assists the seed in holding onto the soil, so as not to be washed away while establishing a
root to anchor the plant. Examples: brown mustard, arugula, basil, cress.
