Speedy Seeds
Grow food…fast!
If your growing hasn’t gone to plan, or you haven’t had the chance to get started this year, here is a super speedy project to grow your own.
Microgreens* are delicious in salads but can also be used in a variety of recipes and dressings. In this example we show you how to grow pea shoots and mixed salad leaves in just two weeks!
1. Soak the peas (dried cooking peas or seed packet peas, both will work) in water for 24 hours.
2. Select a container- you can recycle a plastic strawberry or tomato tray, as long as they have holes in the bottom to allow the water to drain out. Alternatively buy seed trays from your local garden centre.
3. Fill your containers with compost and water thoroughly.
4. Sprinkle the pea and mixed salad leaf seeds (a separate tray for each) on top of the compost, closely together and cover with a light sprinkling of compost and water lightly. Cover the tray of salad seeds with cling film. Place both on a warm and sunny windowsill in the classroom
5. After about day 3 your pea shoots will begin to emerge and after day 4/5 your mixed salad seeds will emerge. Remove the cling film to allow them to continue to grow. 5. Check on the mixed salad leaves and peas daily, ensuring they have enough water and are receiving enough light. You can highlight to your class the importance of temperature, light control and watering, particularly in indoor gardening.
6. After 2-3 weeks your pea shoots and mixed salad leaves should be ready to harvest.
7. Show children how to harvest the pea shoots and mixed salad leaves by using a pair of scissors to cut the stem/leaf at the base of the plant.
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*Microgreens are edible plants that are harvested at their seedling stage, before the true leaves emerge. These tiny greens are known for their concentrated nutrients and flavourful tastes, making them a popular addition to salads, sandwiches, and other dishes.
For more fun facts about soil and food visit our Country Trust partnership hub here
