Growing Greens Inside Using Takeout Containers
Using something you already have is not a new notion. In fact, starting seeds in reused containers or toilet paper rolls is also not new. But I bought micro greens at the grocery store the other day and got home and questioned myself why in the world would I spend money on something that I know is so easy to grow myself. I hold on to take out containers to use around the holidays for giving away left overs after Thanksgiving or for cookie swaps. But today I decided to reuse these containers to grow some micro greens or salad greens.
The process is easy. I did not even poke any holes or make any cuts in the containers so I can run them through the dishwasher and still use them for leftovers etc when I am done. I filled each container with some potting soil. Then I sprinkled the seeds I wanted to grow. I just went though the seeds I had left over from last year’s garden. I suggest a greens mix, arugula, spinach, kale and peas for shoots. These are all really easy to grow. If you don’t have something you can easily use up, then you can pick up a seed packet from the garden store or Botanical Interests has some great mixes. (Not affiliated link, just wanted to make it easier for you to take a look.) I covered the seeds with dirt and a light layer of soil and watered them all gently. I then place the lids on to create the greenhouse effect and label each one. You can leave these in a warm spot until you see the seeds have germinated (there will be little pale stems growing up out of the soil). Then remove the lids and move them to a sunny spot and keep the soil moist. You may have to rotate the containers every few days to make sure they grow upright. Previously I have grown micro greens and salad mixes inside during winter under a grow light. This year my grow light is still out in the garage, and I haven’t taken the time to set it up. I decided to just grow my take out container greens on top of piano because it sits in a south facing window. Don’t be concerned, this is a free off marketplace older piano with plenty of flaws so a little dirt or dribble of water from my window garden is not going to ruin anything. In about 2 weeks, you will have enough growth to harvest micro greens. But keep growing because baby greens will continue to grow and you can keep harvesting until the containers are empty. Then just refresh the soil and start over again. I will keep my greens going until I can grow outside. The only cost is the cost of getting a bag of potting soil and a seed packet if you didn’t have anything already. The micro greens were the perfect side salad to these ricotta scrambled eggs (recipe coming soon)!
