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It looks like you have the same shelves I do.... Seville Classics UltraDurable, based on a recommendation from On The Grow.
I bought some at Amazon that fit perfectly: QECOR Heavy Duty Premium (Clear, 48" x 24" x 4) 0.76mm Wire Shelf Liners Set, Waterproof for Metal Rack Protector, Kitchen, Garage, Nonslip Mats for Tier Shelving Unit
Make sure you order the right size, since there are various options.
They were shipped flat, which was nice.
I have been watching the YouTube “on the grow” and they did some comparisons of lights T5 vs T8 - 23 watt lights vs 42 watt lights and I decided to go with these Barrina Plant Grow Light - they were a little expensive - I have 3 lights per shelve and that may be a little too much (I believe you want the greens to get a little leggy to harvest easier) so we will have to see.
Barrina Plant Grow Light, 252W(6 x 42W, 1400W Equivalent), Full Spectrum, LED Grow Light Strips, T8 Integrated Growing Lamp Fixture, Grow Shop Light, with ON/Off Switch, 6-Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082ZKJZP1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_6l99Fb5FAC0Z4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
The trays are what they are. A YouTube-er Justin out in s cal mentioned using 1 dollar trays until they broke . got me looking and found
They are malleable to open up when watering, which I was really hoping for. Had cheap other ones that were just to ridgid and cracked easily.
As for the t5 vs t8. I have a bunch of old t5 (not led) use to use for our canna grows and they were fine for the clones and teens. So t5 led should be fine for microgreens. For the price and the electrical bill savings I would get instead of using my old t5s, we went the t8 led and just skipped over the 5. I am now, or soon going to be dimming the lights down maybe 20-30% and compare the grows. With that said , I'm thinking I could have went the t5 led and achieve the same results.
Lights
Are these what your using? If so, these are incredibly cheaper than the T5s I’ve been buying...
Limited-time deal: Barrina LED Grow Light, 252W(6 x 42W) 4ft T8, Full Spectrum, V-Shape with Reflector, Linkable Design, Plant Lights for Indoor Plants, 6-Pack https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07QWV1THV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_dl_882X8H7JSAH6J1004TNN?psc=1
Depends on what your goals are. Are you growing for your family use only? Or are you wanting to go into business? My shelves are only 14" x 36" so I have the short 1010 short microgreen trays from bootstrap and I also have some of the germination trays from Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07ZCQWCQW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 The trays require more water as there is a gap between the bottom of the mesh and the tray itself. I prefer the bootstrap ones for that reason. For our family, a 10x10 tray provides plenty of microgreens and I can have multiple varieties at the same time. So I would suggest bootstrap microgreen trays for quality but not price. Get the best you can afford and the sizes that work best for your shelf and family.
Sounds like a nice family. And salad!! :) I'll try your sardines, those look great. The local restaurant supply has these by the case, so they've been my goto. You can see the plastic wrap cat dinner bell in the photos. https://www.amazon.com/King-Oscar-Caught-Brisling-Sardines/dp/B00EARZK22/
You've inspired me with salad ideas. Thank you!
https://www.amazon.ca/Barrina-Integrated-Fixture-Daylight-Electric/dp/B01MUKSZE3
I bought these and they're great. Two lights is enough for 2 1020 trays side by side. I bought a pack of 6 for my wire rack and it's been very effective. They're less expensive than my rack was!
(Pack of 6) Barrina LED T5 Integrated Single Fixture, 4FT, 2200lm, 6500K (Super Bright White), 20W, Utility Shop Light, Ceiling and Under Cabinet Light, Corded electric with built-in ON/OFF switch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HBT3BVM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_PBJRP97KN4F9FC5AW7V9?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
2 for each row. 10in above tray
(Pack of 12) Barrina LED T5 Integrated Single Fixture, 4FT, 2200lm, 6500K (Super Bright White), 20W, Utility Shop Light, Ceiling and Under Cabinet Light, Corded Electric with Built-in ON/Off Switch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F2WMCP2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_TJXBYTT8592FMV1RDATE
Thanks! I got the rack here: 48" L×18" W×78" H Wire Shelving Unit Metal Shelf with 6 Tier Casters Adjustable Layer Rack Strong Steel for Restaurant Garage Pantry Kitchen Garage，Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08XQD1CND/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_KH9R0R2FFFB2GXS0NBZY?psc=1
It didn’t come in perfect condition, but it wasn’t too bad to assemble and works fine!
https://www.amazon.com/-/he/dp/B071SHN7KV
Anything like this should do nicely, just make sure it's food grade Silicone, and fits the size of the seeds you want to grow(the one above should be fine for most). There's quite a wide selection of them, and they are cheap and durable. Easy to clean and wash, as well.
Just wanna emphasize the power of H2O2, its a game changer in the germination stage! I usually buy this and mix in a cup to a gallon of water in my sprayer. Good luck on your next grow!
I use coco coir bricks.
Just saw you said ebay. Sorry I get all mine though amazon!
I'm not sure how much it varies with each type of pea, but I've been successfully growing Speckled Peas with no medium at all. I just spread a bunch around in these trays and keep em moist until the roots are deep enough to start bottom watering. Granted, I just recently started growing microgreens so I'm still learning myself, but figured I'd chime in with another option.
Oh, and if you do it hydroponically like this, itd be a good idea to mix a nutrient solution into your water since it won't have any nutrients found in soil. I use OceanSpray but I've seen others have success with the various General Hydroponics products (not sure on the specifics).
Bad germination is a sign that the seeds didnt have a long enough black out period. In the first pick it looks like you have some space between the white tray and green tray. which will allow light during the day. covering the tray stack with a towel next time or get some heavy duty trays. https://www.amazon.com/1020-Plant-Trays-without-holes/dp/B015RLLQ04/ref=mp_s_a_1_53?dchild=1&keywords=microgreens+growing+trays&qid=1600193287&sr=8-53
I cannot recommend these trays enough. Buy at least a 10 pack and you can get them for $2 or less each. If you buy a ton you can get the price down to less than $1/tray. The prices for trays are incredibly high on amazon or from other vendors and it's hard to tell what's cheap and fragile. These trays are strong and cheap, and they aerate/drain well.
Amazon is a good source of coir. I recommend this over soil, especially if it's growing indoors. The mesh trays I recommend make Coir a dream because it will drain until it's at perfect field capacity.
Trueleaf market, and kitwanza seeds are good sources of seed.
Hey brother, I was also in the Corps. Growing has been my sanity for sure. Check this guys book out, it’ll help a lot.
Link to Amazon.ca https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B09QWTKBRY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Ventillation is x2 5V USB Fans Blowing in from the Left and exhausting to the right.
As a commercial grower I’d say avoid the courses. Plenty of good books for 20$ or less that cover the same material. Spend your time with a good book and learning to grow. The rest will come.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09JNR2D4K?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
i have my set up wrapped in blackout reflective tarp. see link.(same material as gropw tents. i keep the top open. the sides and bottom is all wrapped. so the light only goes up like a lamp with a lamp shade.
I like the Govee product line. They have smart plugs that you can create your own scheduling for them to turn on and off. Govee smart plug on Amazon
Before you get started down this road check this book out. It’ll help you decide if you want to add them to your line
you wouldn't be able to grow microgreens to maturity to harvest seeds
you'd need to have a separate outdoor garden to allow plants to grow to full maturity (usually 2-4 months of summer weather), then harvest the seeds and grow them as microgreens. Some plants "bolt" like lettuce, brassicas, radish - they send up a tall stalk where the seeds are formed. Others like peas dry in the pod after the vine matures and dies back at the end of the season. Sunflower seeds dry in the head at the end of the season.
In short - you would need a large outdoor garden and a full summer season to grow seeds. This is a good reference for seed-saving: https://www.amazon.com/Seed-Growing-Techniques-Vegetable-Gardeners/dp/1882424581
Most microgreens growers don't know anything about seed saving.
I do.
I wouldn't use it alone for my potatoes or a bigger plant, but for the MGs, it's perfect for me. I stocked up on it before the price of that goes up, too!
I use about 3 cups at a time for my trays. It's so cheap I don't feel bad tossing it.
I use these trays:
So they aren't huge. Then after they have germinated and rooted, I bottom water them. I haven't had any issues such as mold, or seeds not germinating, etc.
Check out this book. The author is a commercial grower and has been at it a while. You’re right sooo much “free info” and it is worth exactly what you pod for it. Best not yo use potting soil or miracle grow. How much to use depends on your container. 10x20 germination flats are the norm. But you can get them smaller. Seeding density is crucial for success abs it’s not the same for all seeds. The author doesn’t talk about those 3 kinds but discusses how to find the right density.
If you’re just starting out, this a great book to do it with. Seen a lot of posts that say “I watched X YouTuber do this..•”. YouTube is free and you get what ya pay for. This guy helped me get started before he wrote the book. Just giving a Recommendation.
Thanks! It turned out perfect for our small apartment. Lights are clipped to top tier, which is a metal mesh, and twist-tied underneath to shine on middle tier.
Absolutely suggest two tray system. One with holes. One with out. With the same enthusiasm I suggest you purchase this book. It’ll save you a ridiculous amount of time and money.
I actually have not been putting them in the dishwasher although that is probably a good idea. I have been using a scrub brush and dish detergent then spraying them down with hydrogen peroxide and letting them dry before reusing them. What I really like is that there is no dirt or dirt-like stuff at all so it seems clean. I have had few issues with mold which were solved with a little application of hydrogen peroxide.
I have not tried paper towels but I have no reason to think they would not work. As for watering, I use a spray bottle one or two times a day during weight and blackout. When the microgreens are ready for light, the roots seem to be through the tray at least enough to dip into the solid tray below. At that point, I pour water into the bottom tray and just check on it periodically to see if it needs to be topped up.
For my first few trays, I added a little bit of MaxiGro to the tray when bottom watering but I found that it did not seem to make any sort of difference, so I stopped doing that and my greens are still healthy and edible.
I grow with no medium on a sprouting tray and add cheesecloth on top for smaller seeds. So far, it has worked for everything I have tried except for sunflower seeds. Those worked when I used a mat, I guess they do not like to be media-less.
I use this style of tray.
You can see some of my microgreens on my blog.
Most of the starter kits are crap. If you can find one from a local MG grower those are the best. As for getting started, this book is probably the best resource I’ve come across for getting your setup built and going.
I use this when I notice mold in my active growing trays(usually only sunflowers):
Essential Oxygen Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide 3%, Natura... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AW1HYIC/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_api_i_DX1ECWXX8BDJRC42BJGP?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I use 2 Tablespoons/1000ml water in a spray bottle.
Best advice I can give you is spend the $21 and save a lot of time and money in the end.
I have seen these mentioned but unfortunately I'm based in the UK, is there a solid alternative available?
Would any tray with draining do or is this simply way way better?
For example I have this in my basket
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09KR5X5RZ/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_QWS373GQM0E90W86GX21?psc=1
I think they mean fans like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZJ47Z2J/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_RM0BGFCZXPSER79MW0EN?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Personally, I have a large wire rack with those same Barrina grow lights but they are 4ft long. Since the rack isn't enclosed there is some degree of constant air circulation but I still get occasional mold and disease issues with my microgreens and seedlings. When I turn the ceiling fan on it definitely seems to help alleviate these issues. So I also recommend getting a small fan or two for an enclosed setup like that.
Bootstrap Farmer Microgreen 1020 Trays, Green 10 Pack, Extra Strength with Holes Shallow Seed Plant Tray Grow Microgreens Wheatgrass Fodder Sprouting https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074LQQMTM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_EY76SNGSMBY0G1B3Y4JA?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Microgreen Trays No Holes, 5 Pack White, Extra Strength Shallow 1020 Tray Grow Microgreens Wheatgrass Fodder Sprouting Plants https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077SCKHGX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_5ZCB88GK0XXR2KHR8WBR?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B08XC2433Q
It is reusable! In fact, there were alfalfa microgreens in it until last week!
There is also cheesecloth on the half of the tray with broccoli seeds since they were just a bit smaller than the holes in the tray.
Well... mathematically, yes, but you can certainly start there. If it's not fun and doesn't work well, you might be discouraged, so that's a real issue. Just understand that a container like that won't drain enough water away from the roots, so you might kill your plants and not want to do it anymore.
If they die in there, don't give up. Find something flatter and that drains.
You can find these, or something like it, in most grocery stores
https://www.amazon.com/Aluminum-Cookie-Sheet-Baking-Disposable/dp/B07Q46BWBR and they only cost a dollar. You can stack 2, punch holes in the top one.
Cheap to try it out and if you like it, upgrade to more purpose designed trays.
I use these
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08L33CRZN/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_BPTX67R933H2NHJ4X5TJ
And a set of pink/ purple ones every other light. So two white and two pink per shelf. They are an inexpensive way to get a ton of light to those plants.
It's actually quite inexpensive and is usually the growing medium used by larger scale microgreen farmers. Coco coir expands like crazy when it's hydrated, so one brick (approx 1.4 lbs) will expand into enough to fill several 1020 trays. If you're growing at smaller scales for home consumption, one brick will last you months. Here's a link to a great option on amazon that comes with 5 bricks at a very affordable price.
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no gloves needed, I just put int in a spray bottle, and spray the soil
Open to an upgrade.
I got these lights, two per shelf.
SO actually had me raise this one since peas get taller than radishes, so we have a medium length and this taller one. Don't remember the heights but maybe this taller one is 13"? Soil to light would be 10-11" maybe since the lights hang underneath
I used these before, but without the reflector they were super annoying in the room
I think it would work fine, but the lights being so close together might mean you get inconsistent growth on your tray if using 1020s. I use these individual lights and I can put 2 or 3 on a wire rack and space them out a bit more so the tray gets more even light. They have smaller packs of these than the 6 pack, and you can get them in 2 or 4 foot. I got the 6 pack because I also want to start all my garden seeds with them, and have the option of doing 2 rack rows of microgreens as well. All that being said, I bet the ones you picked would still probably do fine.
That's good customer service. Here's that episode I was talking about with Parker Garlitz of True Leaf Market
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1065427/4169474-ep-9-a-microgreens-seeds-masterclass-with-parker-garlitz
That looks like it could work! Though it is a bit big - you’d be growing big batches if it’s just for personal consumption. I have a couple of these, and while they don’t look quite as classy as a sheet pan, I really like them. They have a bit of height to the sides that helps some of the weaker greens grow well, and they’re easy to clean. I find it’s a good size for my 2 person household.
Thanks you for reply! Would something like this work?
Instead of using a food safe plastic tray I want to use a glass pan to hold the mesh. Yes, the mesh will be the growing medium. I may try this 304 mesh for $7 rather than 316 mesh since I can't find it.
Those were the only 6500k bulbs I could find that screw into a desk lamp.
I'm going to get a glass pie pan for $5.29 and 1 lb of Speckled Pea seeds for $10 and I'm going to try to find 316 stainless steel mesh to grow the seeds on.
I used those lights : https://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B099D9KVDZ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
so since each 'top' is the bottom of an other space, the floor of each space is at 33°C in fact.
I enclosed them because otherwhise my cats would have tried to eat them, and most plants are toxic to cats.
The lights you are using are overkill - they are too bright, too many watts, and keeping them enclosed on top of that is making it too hot. Most microgreens only need a little light once they’re a couple inches tall and then you take the cover off and the light just greens them up over the next few days. (Some of them don’t even require anything but the daylight they receive once you take the top off., that’s how little light they need). I use these. There are 8 in the pack so they’re only about $6.50 each.
Link below to the ones I got. Really like them, the led is angled so the light spreads well. I put two on each shelf. They’re bright enough and the cost is great. Plus, they daisy chain well and if you’re using typical 48” wire shelves they fit right in and the power wire can come in from the outside holding the light in place.
Hykolity 4FT LED Shop Light, V... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0876LZ31D?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I like these for my microgreens. I rinse them in a tote before adding ocean solution. A little more labor intensive than buying bagged loose Coco like your craigslist guy, but super cheap and works very well. And none of the useless perlite in it. All perlite will do for microgreens is cause the medium to dry out faster.
Decent quality 120mm fans are almost always $15+ dollars. So for an all in one unit with grills and speed controllers it isn't a bad price for $18 dollars assuming it is quite.
There is a two pack whick drops it too $13.50 a fan https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00JLV4BWC/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_W6RRF3QAYJK0HKTCR0N0
But if you go about building your own Artic and noctua are top grade stuff, if your after silent but you will need to gets some grills and fan controllers on top of it.
(Pack of 6) Barrina LED T5 Integrated Single Fixture, 6500K (Super Bright White), Utility Shop Light, Ceiling and Under Cabinet Light, Corded Electric with Built-in ON/Off Switch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FD5BZ4Q/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_20NGGDY90Y3KEDZ3T80S
I have a mieemclux full spectrum grow light, which looks like normal white led light. It's one of the cheaper Amazon options and has worked fine for me, no complaints yet going on a year https://smile.amazon.com/Mieemclux-Footprint-Upgraded-Dimmable-Spectrum/dp/B08L7YYM6T/
Rack system: repurposed greenhouse parts 50*15
Top rack lights: 4 - 2ft T8 LEDs
Bottom rack lights: 10 - 1ft T8 LEDs
Fan: small vornado swivel fan
Dehumidifier: generic, set to 50% (maintains ~53%)
Trays: 5 - shallow w/ holes, 5 shallow w/ out holes, and 10 w/ out holes (From amazon and local hydroponics store)
All seeds (Radish, Beet, Cilantro, Arugala, and Swiss Chard): Todd's Seeds
Medium: Coco Coir
I don't need feedback on the cost of my setup as I did not pay retail for almost everything but would like to know if there are any things I should add, take away, or modify to further enhance my hobbiest (for now) setup.
These lights work fantastic for me for microgreens and growing veggie starts indoors. 6 4ft LED full spectrum lights, and they're often on sale for 80 bucks. If you're trying to save on cost I think a lot of people like these and they seem to work super well, though I haven't grown microgreens under other lights to compare it to.
My source is Sprouts: The Miracle Food. And I was incorrect, it says:
>Soaking the Seeds. Add ½ teaspoon of full strength (35%) H2O2 to the water in which you soak your seeds. Use 16oz of soak water.
>
>Misting the Sprouts. Use the same dilution of ½ teaspoon of H2O2 in a pint (16oz) of water. Spray the sprouts with a mister bottle once or twice per day for extra oxygenation and disinfection. Spray the sides and bottoms of the basket, too!
I've checked my local health food store, and they only sell this same 3% solution.
I got these on Amazon (via prime). I've gotten some other seeds from this same company and have been very happy with the germination rates. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B082WSW2NL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
My self is only 3 feet by 18". I use T8 - 6000k lights, two per shelf. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07WGFF6YP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
To fit 6 shelves, my lighted shelves are 10" apart and the bottom "germination" shelf is only 8". This gives me enough room for a dog bed under the unit.
These are full spectrum, and super affordable. 6 4ft 45 watt LED lights for about 80$, full spectrum. The price changes a lot, I've seen them as low as 69$ and I think I saw them on EU amazon. I got them a month ago and so far working very well. I have two rack rows for up to 8 10x20 trays of microgreens, which I use 2 lights per row, and another row I use for starting veggie seedlings for the garden.
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Are you growing for your family or are you starting a microgreen business? I grow for my family and opted for the inexpensive 6000k T8 lights recommended by Onthegrow. My shelves are 18x36 so I have two 3 foot per shelf. These work perfectly for my usage! I'm sure they have other lengths. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07WGFF6YP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
These. They’ve been super great
I've also heard the seeding mixes some people use. But IDK I kinda like the idea of having compost in there for the nutrients. I think for sprouts prob wouldn't matter, but I feel micro greens have to pick up some of the micro nutrients and add some health benefit. I also add a little epsom salt to my water which is supposed to help germination and nutrient uptake. I must say this somewhat chunky potting mix seems to be doing really well tho for my first time.
https://www.amazon.com/Black-Gold-1311002-16-Quart-Seedling/dp/B004NS7X9Q
Not the OP, but probably these. There are lots of brands and the differences between them are negligible. I've used a couple different kinds and anything along these lines will be fine. https://www.amazon.com/Barrina-Integrated-Fixture-Utility-Electric/dp/B01HBT3BVM
If the lights are on the same schedule I use this in my grow tent. One side always hot and the other on the timer. That way if I need the small fans circulating air after the timer I can.
I use these.
I have 8 of them and I grow 4 racks, 2 per rack. So far, I’ve had great results.
Thanks for replying so fast! I mist them from time to time because our AC and hot weather dries out everything but I’ve been bottom watering them for the past 2 days. Here’s the greens I’m using; Superfood Microgreen Seeds Mix | for Microgreens Growing Trays | 1 LB | Heirloom Non GMO Purple Kohlrabi, Collard, Radish, Turnip & Broccoli Sprouts Seeds | Rainbow Heirloom Seed Co. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QZP5ZN4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_B8F090S68RSK507YV86E
Between 10" to 12" will work for you.
You can also use these as a cheaper alternative.
Yup, Cumbria. Here is the shelving unit and lights I bought, hope it helps 😊
I am so sorry for the amazon link, i try so hard to avoid them, but these lights are difficult to find at this price any where else;
I would say 3-4 of these lights would decently cover 3-4 1020 trays.
Any kind of dust/screen/mesh filter thing will help with the dust. If you're concerned about it grab something like this https://www.amazon.ca/LifeSupplyUSA-Bissell-Circular-Upright-compares/dp/B07B8B5DG8/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=circular+dust+filter&qid=1619623347&sr=8-1 and make sure it sits snug on the only intake in the tent. Don't use a carbon filter for this, that is such a waste and will not actually work as well. Carbon filters are intended to be use to capture smell, not dust.
This is the top light: Grow Light for Indoor Plants, Relassy LED Grow Lights for Seed Starting, 338 LEDs, 22" Large Grow Panel Light, Full Spectrum Indoor Plants Grow Light for Veg and Flower Greenhouse Hydroponic https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MWYKSCP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_XSVRVKQ9EC5KVP4K27GP?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
And then these are the other lights: Barrina Grow Light, 144W(6 x 24W, 800W Equivalent), 2ft T8, Super Bright, Full Spectrum Sunlight Plant Light, LED Grow Light Strips, Grow Light Bulbs for Indoor Plants, Greenhouse, 6-Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082ZL1Q63/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_Q48R1PG1J37FNF7VQQGR?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
These are just food pans from the restaurant industry, they are easily to expensive when the only addition they've made is including a steel mesh... 2 for 35dollars?
Screen is cheap as well and can be cut with a scissor when not thicker than what they send along.
Thanks! On the top rack I am running a Feit Electric 4' LED Shop Light in the center of the rack and have a Barrina T8 LED Shop Light on either side. The Feit was the first light I ever purchased when I started hydroponic gardening about two years ago. They are cheap from Costco, but I only use it now for seedlings/supplemental light and I would not recommend using it as a primary grow light. The rack below is three Barrina T8s. The couple from the OnTheGrow YouTube channel put me on to the Barrina’s and they have some great video comparisons.
Thanks! The fans in the pic are made by AC Infinity. Super quiet and I am happy with the airflow they produce (and the micro greens seem too as well).
I have never used colored lights before, so that would be a good experiment to try.
For microgreens growing, I use two 2200 lumen LED lights per shelf. They are about 12” or so from the greens for 14 on and 10 off with the natural sunset going on with the shed windows. If it is spring or fall (or the high temperatures are 65-80°F, I like to put a shelf outside and grow with natural sun for certain greens.)
I just bought this T5 sunblaster of Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/SunBlaster-904297-NanoTech-Fixture-Reflector/dp/B00AKKUD3Y/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?adgrpid=70446557717&dchild=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA65iBBhB-EiwAW253W0oAis5xggrYRa89GSAvhbpEUQSFPXKGYzNeF6yJWL3s3ndYvPqixhoC-lMQAvD_BwE&hvadid=34...
I’m relatively new to this and just wanted to get started so I’ve probably overpaid somewhat. But they’re incredibly cheap to power so I’m happy 😃
This example is massively overpriced. They are ubiquitous. Hardware stores and homeware stores all stock them.
I definitely recommend starting with coco coir! I have tried several substrates and this has been the best by far. It's especially great if you have had a mold problem in the past. I get mine on Amazon (here is the link) and just keep the extra in a bucket.
Light is fine but $70 for one is very expensive. Check Amazon, you can get 8 (20W) for that price: (Pack of 8) LED T5 Integrated Single Fixture 4FT,20W,2200lm,6500K (Super Bright White),Utility led Shop Light, LED Ceiling light and Under Cabinet Light, Corded electric with built-in ON/OFF switch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076FQ15R6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_xoKQDbBF6P1HG
Ok so I've heard both things:
A) microgreens don't need nutrients because they grow from their innate stored energy
And
B) anything past 10 days or so does best to receive some nutrients, and that it should be liquid soluble because of a lack of microorganisms to break down non-soluble nutrients.
A lot of people I know in another group recommend something called OceanSolution 2-0-3. It's organic and really mild so seems suited for this sort of grow.
https://www.amazon.com/OceanSolution-2-0-3-Fertilizer-Hydroponics-Concentrate/dp/B00NMU48FI
In case anyone is interested: soaked mat material and seeds for about 6 hours, spread seeds on Monday (Oct 12), black out with some weights on them until Wednesday. Materials are hemp grow mats and these nice flat little LED panels I got from Amazon. Thanks to all the great info I found in this sub- great community 🙏🏻
Thanks! I'm using these 16oz clamshells from Dart, however I will be switching to Genpak when they're available as I want a flat top with all the contents under the lid, not one where it splits the contents in half.
My labels are 3.5" x 3.5" rounded corners and compliant with Ontario & Canada Food Labeling Requirements (weight, province of origin, name of produce, address of business ,etc).
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B004NG8BNU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
We used these lights for our MG rack (we do three per shelf):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07F2WMCP2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
We use the 48x18 rack and it's totally fine for microgreens. I even have flood trays from Botanicare in the same rack. We have 2 shelves of micros and 2 shelves of hydro in our current arrangement.
Thats funny, I recently found out that my niece and nephew both love Peas as well. Those and sunflower shoots are really the only two that they'll actually pick off the tray and eat willingly haha.
If you're using the 1020 trays with small slits (rather than the mesh bottom like the trays i linked previously), I would use coco coir as it'll give the roots more to dig into. Another redditor on here recently recommended 2lb of coco per 1020 and that has been working pretty well for me the past week or so. Good luck with your grow!
Edit: just realized I used the wrong nutrient name in my first post. Its actually called Ocean Solution.
This (below) is what I’m using in the pic. You can get about three or four trays out of each brick, so it comes out a bit cheaper than the hemp mats. I like the results I got out of these sunflowers so I’m tempted to try my hemp-mat-friendly varieties in the coco coir to see how they do.
Plantonix Coco Coir Brick, OMRI Listed for Organic Use (5 Bricks) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N1YP8O6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_VYRBFbN8HAMVA
(Pack of 12) Barrina LED T5 Integrated Single Fixture, 4FT, 2200lm, 6500K (Super Bright White), 20W, Utility Shop Light, Ceiling and Under Cabinet Light, Corded Electric with Built-in ON/Off Switch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F2WMCP2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fab_5x5AFbWZ4YRW4
> I grow nothing BUT peas. My way is: > > > > Soak overnight in mason jar with sprouting lid on > > > > Dump, rinse, flip upside down next morning. Let sprout for 24 hours. > > > > Dump them on wet medium. (half and half of coco coir and castings from my worm bin) I use four-inch pots so I can stagger, and because it's easier to cut the whole pot for a meal without the cut ends hanging around and getting mold > > > > Use sprayer on kitchen sink on light setting--enough that the medium floats up and settles on them without burying them. > > > > Throw in 10x20 tray with the others. No blackout. No reason to, they grow in like eight days no matter what I do. Bottom water after 3 or 4 days. > > > > Cut the whole pot and stir fry em. take the cut root ball, tear it apart, throw back into the warm farm for the worms to eat the rest. > > > > I grow 3 or 4 pots a day this way, since I eat 3 or 4 pots a day. If I stop eating em for a few days, my ducks get some.
Hi. Are you saying you put peas in empty mesh trays like those ? https://www.amazon.com/Mesh-Bottom-Trays-Wheatgrass-Hydroponic/dp/B06ZY2NPWK
I thought to go without fittings at all using thin tubes like these: https://www.amazon.com/PULNDA-Irrigation-Automatic-Watering-Greenhouse/
Then I just drill one or two hole a the upper end and 2+ at the lower end and put the trays in at slight angle. And then I make ii water tight with stuff you use for bathrooms.
Btw, these danish hydro trays look very promising. I'll have to check out if there are some that fit into my rack.
This is what you want. They’re T5 led. Remove the plastic diffusers to expose the leds. They’re perfectly suited for microgreens, cost effective to buy & run and extremely reliable. Get these, the diffusers on the newer models are a bitch to remove. 2 light bars per rack is more than enough.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FF3R16Z/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_geHqFb4ZPTYCY
They're 12V DC fans, i wired them in 3s, then wired each "unit" into some thicker gauge wire (which was probably not necessary). The thicker wire has a female barrel connector, which mates with the male barrel connector of the off the shelf 12V DC power supply, one of these. In the future I would like to add a female barrel connector to each "unit" for easier adding or removing.
For when you do start buying equipment, I recommend checking lights out on Amazon before going to a hardware store or somewhere like that. I started with these lights and haven't had any issues with them so far. You could get a cheap $30-50 rack from Home Depot (i wouldn't use Amazon for racks unless you're confident on the brand/seller - they were all too expensive or sketchy for me lol) and either run three lights on two shelves or two lights on three shelves. Its crazy how fast you can scale upward!
Good luck with your future grows!
I also live in the Midwest, just got started with micro greens this year, and am on a tight budget. I live in an apartment, and I bought a little compost roll-y bin from Aldi’s that is in the back yard. I usually put all of my used soil in there, but am planning on reusing soil this winter. I have done this before, and it works fine. After harvesting, I pull the soil and roots apart into small pieces and let it dry out. In order to kill off any bad guys, I baked the used soil in the oven to 160 degrees for 30 minutes. I sifted the soil to get rid of any big chunks and added coco coir. It’s worked great for me.
I use the green 9x13-ish green trays with white inserts that have holes like this that I purchased on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07X9RP4L4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_kvQEFb9GZZADX
I use 2 cups of soil/ coco coir mix, which ends up being about .5" deep. I loved the cart so much I purchased a second set and assembled the second one without the castors, as (2) 2-layer racks so they could sit on a table by a window.
Side notes: I don’t use soil for lentils or mung beans with these trays. When I use soil, I put a regular sheet of paper in the bottom of the tray that has holes to keep soil from sifting to the bottom green tray. I also don’t amend the soil since many people only use coco coir or only water, neither of which have any nutrients. The roots grow through very nicely, an works better than paper towels. I use 9x13 aluminum pans as blackout domes, and they fit perfectly on the cart shelves.
I hope to hear if/how recycled soil works out for you!