Crop calendar
Microgreens are the best proof-of-work crop for a new setup because they can go from seed to harvest in less than two weeks. This guide gives you the timing, system fit, growing ranges, and mistakes to avoid before you add the crop to your calendar.
Date tool
Use these examples as a quick planning shortcut, then save your exact planted date in the tracker.
Estimated windows use the crop cycle plus a five-day buffer on each side because light, variety, temperature, and root health can move the real harvest date.
Planner
A practical cycle for microgreens in an indoor setup, using the crop's normal germination and harvest range.
Start Microgreens, save the planted date, and keep the tray warm enough for germination.
Look for even sprouts, weak seedlings, and stretched growth before moving the light closer.
Move the strongest starts into Tray, or thin crowded plants so roots have room.
Cut above the media when the first true leaves begin to show.
| Metric | Recommended range | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | easy | Sets expectation before you choose the crop. |
| Germination | 2 days | Use this as the first check-in date. |
| Harvest window | 7-17 days | The real date moves with temperature, light, and variety. |
| Best system | Tray | Matches the crop to the equipment style. |
| pH | 5.8-6.5 | Keep nutrient uptake in a forgiving range. |
| EC | 0.4-0.8 mS/cm | Avoid underfeeding or overfeeding the crop. |
| Variety | Best use | Beginner note |
|---|---|---|
| Radish | Default first test | Use this to learn the normal microgreens cycle. |
| Broccoli | Second run comparison | Try after the first microgreens crop finishes cleanly. |
| Pea shoots | Flavor or color variation | Try after the first microgreens crop finishes cleanly. |
| Checkpoint | Timing | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Light check | First 3 days after sprout | Keep Microgreens compact by lowering weak light or raising intensity slowly. |
| Nutrient check | Weekly | Hold pH around 5.8-6.5 and EC around 0.4-0.8 mS/cm unless the plant shows stress. |
| Canopy check | Mid-cycle | Keep spacing near Dense tray seeding so leaves dry between light cycles. |
| Next sowing | Day 7 | Start the next Microgreens batch before the current one finishes. |
Microgreens is best for the fastest possible indoor harvest. Use Tray, keep the grow area around 65-75 F, and plan for 10-14 hours after blackout of light.
Do not wait until harvest day to start the next seed. For Microgreens, open the tracker around day 7 and start the next batch if the current crop looks healthy.
This creates a steady indoor rhythm instead of one full harvest followed by an empty system.
Skip Microgreens for this cycle if you cannot hold the room near 65-75 F, if the system cannot fit Dense tray seeding, or if your light schedule is far from 10-14 hours after blackout.
Plan around 7-17 days for a beginner indoor setup, with germination usually starting around day 2.
Tray is the best default here because it matches the crop size, harvest cycle, and beginner maintenance needs.
Overwatering after germination and inviting mold.