Can You Grow Microgreens Year-Round at Home?

Mar 25, 2026 • Joe Wagner

Can You Grow Microgreens Year-Round at Home?

Can You Grow Microgreens Year-Round at Home?

Yes—you can grow microgreens year-round at home, even if you’re starting in your kitchen with nothing more than a window and a simple setup.

The truth is, growing microgreens isn’t about the season—it’s about having a repeatable system.

I’ve grown microgreens in both a basic kitchen setup and a fully controlled grow room, and once you understand a few key principles, you can grow fresh food 365 days a year.

My Experience: From Kitchen Window to Grow Room

When I first started, I was growing microgreens right in my kitchen using natural sunlight.

No fancy setup. No grow lights. Just a window.

It worked—but I ran into issues.

Now I grow in a dedicated grow room in my garage where I control temperature, humidity, airflow, and lighting.

But here’s what most people don’t realize…

You don’t need a grow room to grow year-round.

You just need a simple system that works.

The Biggest Mistake I Made (And How I Fixed It)

The biggest issue I struggled with early on was mold.

It kept showing up, ruining trays, and slowing everything down.

After a lot of trial and error, I found a simple fix:

Using vermiculite as a top layer.

This:

  • Helps regulate surface moisture
  • Reduces mold growth
  • Adds trace minerals from volcanic rock that support plant health

That one adjustment made it possible to grow consistently—no matter the season.

What You Actually Need to Grow Year-Round

Most beginners think they need a bunch of expensive equipment.

You don’t.

In fact, I wasted money on things I didn’t need when I started.

If you want a full breakdown, check out this guide on what supplies you need to start growing microgreens:
👉 what supplies you need to start growing microgreens

At the core, you only need:

  • Seeds
  • A container or tray
  • Soil (or a sprouting setup)
  • Water
  • Light (window or grow light)

That’s it.

My Exact System for Growing Microgreens Year-Round

Here’s the same process I use today to grow consistently every week:

Step 1: Prepare Your Base

  • Use pots with drainage sitting in 10x20 trays
  • Fill with Sunshine Mix #4 + Gaia Green fertilizer
  • Lightly compress the soil
  • Fully moisten it before planting

Step 2: Seed Evenly

  • Spread seeds across the surface
  • Avoid overcrowding (this causes mold and poor growth)

Step 3: Add Vermiculite

  • Lightly cover seeds
  • Soak the vermiculite thoroughly

Step 4: Germination Phase (Dark)

  • Place in darkness
  • Mist 2 times per day
  • Wait for sprouts to push through

Step 5: Light Phase

  • Move under light (or window)
  • Switch to bottom watering

Step 6: Grow to Harvest

  • Continue watering from the bottom
  • Harvest once fully grown

If you’re wondering how fast this happens, here’s a full breakdown of how long microgreens take to grow:
👉 how long microgreens take to grow

The Secret to Growing Year-Round: Control These 4 Things

The real difference between success and failure is environmental control.

Here’s what I dial in:

  • Temperature: 75–80°F
  • Humidity: Above 50%
  • Lighting: 16 hours per day
  • Airflow: Two oscillating fans (one high, one low)

I’ve tested different lighting schedules—10, 18, even 20 hours—but 16 hours consistently produces the best results.

What Happens If You Don’t Control This?

  • Poor airflow → mold returns
  • Weak lighting → leggy growth
  • Temperature swings → slow or inconsistent growth

Once you control these, growing year-round becomes easy.

Can Beginners Really Grow Microgreens Year-Round?

Yes—as long as they follow a simple plan.

You can grow right in your kitchen with:

  • A tray or container
  • Soil
  • Seeds
  • A window or basic light

That’s it.

The biggest mistake beginners make is overcomplicating the process.

Keep it simple, follow a proven system, and you’ll succeed.

The Best Seed to Start With (Year-Round)

If you want something easy, fast, and reliable, start with broccoli.

It grows well in almost any setup and is perfect for beginners.

A great option is broccoli sprouting seeds for consistent year-round growing, because they:

  • Germinate quickly
  • Grow evenly
  • Work in both soil and jar setups

👉 broccoli sprouting seeds for consistent year-round

Final Thoughts: It’s Not About the Season

You don’t need perfect conditions.

You need a repeatable system.

I started in a kitchen with a window and now run a controlled grow room—but the fundamentals haven’t changed.

If you:

  • Manage moisture
  • Control airflow
  • Keep your setup simple

You can grow fresh, nutrient-dense food every single week of the year.

← Previous Back to blog Next →