Mr Fothergill’s Microgreens Growing Tray – Soil-Free

The Mr Fothergill’s Microgreens Growing Tray is designed for growing small batches of microgreens without loose soil or coco fibre. Seeds are supported above a lower water reservoir while their developing roots grow down towards the water.

What You Need

• Microgreens growing tray and lower reservoir
• Suitable microgreen seeds
• Thin tissue paper or another suitable paper liner
• Clean drinking-quality water
• Fine mist spray bottle
• Suitable temporary germination cover
• Optional plant nutrient suitable for the growing system and edible crops

Step 1 – Clean the Tray

1. Separate the upper growing tray from the lower reservoir.
2. Wash both components thoroughly.
3. Rinse well with clean water.
4. Make sure no cleaning residue remains before adding seed.

Start every crop with clean equipment.

Step 2 – Fill the Reservoir

1. Add clean drinking-quality water to the clear lower reservoir.
2. Place the black growing tray securely above it.
3. Make sure the seed-growing surface remains above the standing water.

The developing roots will grow downward towards the reservoir as the crop establishes.

Step 3 – Add the Paper Liner

1. Place a single thin sheet of tissue paper or another suitable paper liner over the growing surface.
2. Smooth it gently so it sits evenly across the tray.
3. Moisten the paper before adding very small seeds if required.

The paper provides support for seeds during early germination while allowing developing roots to grow through towards the reservoir.

Step 4 – Sow the Seeds

Spread the microgreen seed evenly across the paper.

Do not use one universal seed quantity for every crop.

This tray measures approximately 27 × 15cm, giving it considerably less growing area than a standard 25 × 50cm microgreen tray.

As a practical starting point, use roughly one-third of the crop-specific seeding rate for a 25 × 50cm tray, then adjust according to seed size and your results.

Large seeds such as sunflower may require pre-soaking, while many smaller microgreen seeds are sown dry.

Always follow the preparation method for the particular seed.

Step 5 – Mist & Germinate

1. Mist the seeds thoroughly with clean water.
2. Cover the growing surface with foil or another suitable temporary germination cover.
3. Keep the paper and seeds evenly moist.
4. Mist approximately 2–3 times daily during early establishment where required.
5. Avoid flooding the seeds or allowing them to sit submerged in water.

The objective is consistent moisture without excessive saturation.

Step 6 – Remove the Germination Cover

Once the seeds have germinated and seedlings are becoming established:

1. Remove the temporary cover.
2. Provide bright indirect natural light or a suitable grow light.
3. Keep the crop away from excessive heat and harsh direct sunlight.
4. Monitor root development beneath the growing tray.

Step 7 – Allow Roots to Reach the Reservoir

As the crop develops, roots will extend through the growing surface towards the water below.

Once the roots are reaching the reservoir:

• routine surface misting can usually be reduced;
• maintain clean water in the reservoir;
• refresh the reservoir water regularly;
• keep the root zone supplied with moisture; and
• avoid allowing the stems and leaves to remain flooded.

Check water levels regularly rather than simply keeping the reservoir filled to its maximum level.

Step 8 – Optional Plant Nutrition

Supplementary feeding is optional for many short-cycle microgreens.

If you choose to use a plant nutrient:

1. Wait until the root system is established.
2. Use a product suitable for edible crops and reservoir-based growing.
3. Follow the dilution directions for that particular product.
4. Do not add concentrated fertiliser directly to the reservoir.
5. Do not automatically use a soil-drench concentration in this system.

For many fast-growing microgreens, additional feeding may not be necessary before harvest.

Step 9 – Light

After germination, provide sufficient light to develop strong colour and compact growth.

Suitable options include:

• bright indirect natural light; or
• an appropriate grow light.

Rotate the tray where necessary if seedlings begin leaning strongly towards one light source.

Avoid excessive heat from windows or lighting equipment.

Step 10 – Harvest

Many fast-growing microgreens can be harvested in approximately 7–14 days, although timing varies by crop.

Harvest when the plants reach the appropriate stage for the variety being grown.

To harvest:

1. Use clean scissors or a sharp knife.
2. Cut the stems above the seed and root zone.
3. Leave the roots, paper and remaining seed material in the tray.
4. Wash the harvested microgreens under cool drinking-quality water where appropriate.
5. Drain well.
6. Use promptly or refrigerate.

Suitable Crops

The tray can be used for many microgreens, including:

• Broccoli
• Radish
• Kale
• Mustard
• Rocket
• Beetroot
• Amaranth
• Wheatgrass
• Other suitable microgreen varieties

Large-seeded crops may require different soaking and seeding methods from small-seeded varieties.

Food Safety

Microgreens are commonly eaten raw, so good hygiene is important throughout growing and harvesting.

• Wash hands before handling seeds or crops.
• Start with clean equipment.
• Use clean drinking-quality water.
• Use seed suitable for edible growing.
• Refresh reservoir water regularly.
• Do not allow stagnant water to remain for extended periods.
• Keep growing and preparation surfaces clean.
• Use clean equipment when harvesting.
• Refrigerate harvested microgreens promptly at 5°C or below.
• Discard crops showing mould, slime, unusual odour or other signs of deterioration.

Cleaning Between Crops

After harvesting:

1. Remove all roots and remaining plant material.
2. Remove and discard the used paper liner.
3. Empty the reservoir completely.
4. Wash both tray components thoroughly.
5. Rinse well with clean water.
6. Allow everything to dry completely before the next crop.

Use a fresh paper liner for every new growing cycle.