How to Grow Broccoli Microgreens Without Soil!

That's right, NO SOIL. I grew these on paper towels, and they came out beautiful and delicious. I love broccoli microgreens, next to sunflowers they are my favorites. They are very easy to grow, and taste really good. Give them a try!

[@lillybanks6999]

i love how she addressed the paper towel preference. lol

[@bonniehoke-scedrov4906]

Your video was so informative. Thank you so much! I’ve had fun using bamboo paper towels, which you can wash and reuse. One roll of paper towel cost about $10 but it lasts forever. Nice texture, too and very sturdy.

[@drewd4801]

This is so great! I'm currently in college and trying to go vegan but don't have enough space or money to deal with soil so this just made my life wayyyy easier

[@TikkiOOO]

Hi Drew's life, thanks for the comment....a suggestion...trying growing sprouts, they are quicker and easier and take up less space than a tray of microgreens since you can grow them in mason jars. Good luck to you!

[@timidhamster2003]

I like your idea of using paper instead of soil.

[@brentmakes]

I really appreciated this very straightforward and quick intro to growing microgreens.

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks Brent, I appreciate the comment!

[@verotexas]

Thank you for your clear explanations. Great for beginners like me! If you cut the broccoli microgreens, do they keep growing? Or do you have to start over with new seeds? Thanks.

[@janadenisem]

Hi I recently found your channel - love that you share successes AND failures and love the scientific approaches I’ve seen you post. Question: did you use plain water? Or some type of hydroponic solution?

[@pandanuscreekfilms6841]

great to see this alternative method (paper towels) to grow the microgreens

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks pandanus creek, I also had great results with cheesecloth!

[@mikeandrade3839]

Just ordered my seeds! Super excited to start 🎉

[@1vtmom966]

Fabulous! I thought I had to fuss with microgreens. Yes!

[@thebestofbelltowneasthampt6679]

Might be better to use something other than bleached paper towels for this purpose. I use a product made in Maine from hemp fiber. Not bleached and specifically made for use in growing microgreens. It comes on a large roll, 9" wide and I cut into pads 9" long. Two will fit a standard 10 x 20 tray. Search for Biostrate if interested and know for sure you're staying safe.

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks for the tip! You can also by unbleached paper towels, or use coconut coir. Thanks for the comment!

[@sarahstudebaker]

So cool. I tried with chia seeds once and they came out okay but these are great! New subscriber :)

[@RineshAndrews]

Well done. Best wishes from Dubai

[@angeliaallen4267]

You have some great ideas love your channel. I’m a new subscriber. Looking forward to watch all your stuff.. I don’t think there is any wrong ways of doing micro greens just different ways . Like you I’m gonna try them all . Thank you time and video..

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks again for the nice comment, I appreciate it! I'm not sure everything can be eaten as a microgreen, for example, I don't think a tomato plants leaves can be eaten, so you wouldn't think you can grow it as a microgreen....but I could be wrong.....

[@GuacamoleKun]

Just the kind of technique I was looking for: SIMPLE and CHEAP! Thank you!

[@atthecrosshealing]

Do you eat the seed parts also? Or cut the plant down also how do you avoid ecoli listeria salmonella etc?

[@timsmith8277]

Great video, this how I'm growing mine, have my first batch growing 5 days and so far, so good.

[@TikkiOOO]

Good luck Tim, its nice having fresh things to eat growing in the house! enjoy!

[@jimjohnson6857]

You just made my life very simple lol thank you!

[@TikkiOOO]

Jim, thanks for the comment!

[@woodrowvines2515]

Thank You for the video

[@tarnel72]

What type of light source is it in? Window? South facing? Or? Thank you! Loved this video! I have radish seeds I’m going to try this with.

[@LifeOfKyleC]

Do you have to cover it take them grow

[@keezer4346]

This is amazing! I might return the coco husk I bought!

[@TikkiOOO]

Hi Known Boston, if you have hydroponic water, give them a drink of that every once in a while instead of plain water, they will do much better. Good luck!

[@keezer4346]

Tikki O. I’ve been growing two small plants in plain tap water for years. Do you mean spray some of that water (after its sat for a few days in the hydroponic plant) into the micro greens seedlings?

[@bronycrutchfield9368]

amazing

[@BobogeeTV]

Done thankss

[@mykvass]

did you water in the process over 7 days ?

[@TikkiOOO]

Hi Vrinda, yes you have to water the seeds or they will shrivel up and die. Keep them moist, spray with water as needed. Hope that helps!

[@daveydoodle1916]

How do they get nutrition or minerals

[@TikkiOOO]

They didn't, Bubba, and they still did okay. But they will grow much better with nutrients. You can use an hydroponic solution for nutrients.

[@minakshisharma5307]

Did you put broccoli in sunlight?

[@TikkiOOO]

Hi Minakshi, I have my broccoli under grow lights, T5 6500K, these are the ones I bought from Amazon:amzn.to/2W1YH5N

[@khanhminhnguyen7274]

Thank you, Tikki Can you please tell me if it is necessary to use a tray with drain holes? Do I also need to water every day?

[@TikkiOOO]

Not totally necessary, but it prevents overwatering by having the drainage. Just watch you don't overwater. Water when dry, with paper towels it drys out faster than soil. If your growing area is less humid/dry, then it will dry out quicker, so keep an eye on it.

[@khanhminhnguyen7274]

Thank you very much, Tikki. I watched your videos about growing microgreens in coconut coir. I am excited to start this journey. I just bought some 1020 trays without drain holes. Hopefully I will be successful.

[@gary6476]

Appreciate the video.....................................but the moving and jerking the camera gives one a sickening headache.

[@TikkiOOO]

I'm getting better at video Gary, if you check out my later videos....I got a tripod....

[@kateiacy]

So happy to have found your videos! My husband and I are sheltering at home due to coronavirus, and I am trying to grow fresh microgreens for us to eat. I am very short on soil for containers, so I am thrilled to find out that I can grow microgreens and shoots on paper towels! I am going to try it with chard.

[@kellyb8237]

Were u successful in growing chard microgreens on towels? I just started this new hobby and reading on seed supplier website, chard and beets mg grow better on soil.

[@goldblonde1430]

A better method and also a way to never have to water after the seeds are sown, is to have the ends of the paper towels hanging down into a small bowl of water. The seeds and greens stay constantly moist through this wick watering type of method. Much much better....you’ll see. There are several KZbin videos describing how to do this easily, using those plastic containers your lettuce greens come in.

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks Gold Blonde, wicking is a great way to keep the paper towels moist. Thanks for leaving that tip!

[@FemmefitalefitclubTV]

Do you water the sprouts after they germinate even if you keep them in the dark?

Thanks Tiki I'm going to try that the beets looked so cute and pink! I like the way you show your successes as well as failures

[@Lorgayle1]

Thank you! That was so informative. I'm lacking in confidence, but after watching you grow them, I'm ready to try. :)

[@TikkiOOO]

LorinaGalen, thank you for the comment....Like Nike says...just do it! Good luck! Don't be afraid to experiment.

[@heeeeyjai]

Tikki O. Do you keep them covered the whole time or do they get some light? If so, what type of light and how long?

[@UrbanGardenbyRithy]

If I remember correctly, for bigger seeds you need to put some weight on it. You can see the roots are going up and exposing without the medium protection. Therefore, it will eventually dies.

[@TikkiOOO]

Hi Cambodia, You are right if you want to grow these to maturity then you need to protect the roots better, but at the sprouting and microgreen stage its still fine. We stack the trays because it helps the hulls shed off more quickly. The bigger seeds have more of a problem shedding the hulls, the broccoli hulls come off more easily, the beets are the most stubborn with the hulls. Thanks for the comment!

[@MariaCeciliaOfficial]

Hi,Have you tried growing potatoes from literally potato hydroponically? Please I'm looking forward to know how 🤝⚘

[@meman6964]

Did you add water each day? Spray or bottom water?

[@sieuledavis3625]

Where can I buy Broccoli seeds?

[@bobcocampo]

Which has more Sulforaphane microgreens or sprouts?

[@pilgrim5217]

Good information but hard to watch as the camera is moving too much and too fast :(

[@jessgates8484]

This would have been so much better had the close-ups been in focus. There was too much moving in and out , so the camera was never able to adjust.

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks Jess Gates...I will work on getting better at shooting video..

[@jrmint2]

beets need soil bc its a root vegetable, i tried hydroponic and they came out all mangled. maybe a soiless medium like coco coir would work

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks for the tip RiseUpBlue!

[@Estiallina]

Well done. Very helpful. I had been germinating them in jars, and wanted to see if I really needed to do that. I'll just soak them and add them to my sprouting tray. I also wasn't sure how long to keep them in the dark, so this was very helpful. Thanks!

[@TikkiOOO]

Glad it helped, thanks for the comment!

[@lifeisgood7719]

Thank you for sharing. That is very interesting, because we to got our first order from True Leaf Market AKA Mountain Valley seeds AKA wheatgrasskits. Our 1st/last order was over $1,000 and we had the exact same lot# of beet that you have. We had the same problems. Our germination rate was about 10%, and on the bag it said 95% . All the other varieties we got from them worked well. When I emailed the company and told them our problem, they were not helpful, and in fact BLAMED US!! After that, I found another customer of theirs on our fb microgreen group who had the same problem with beet, and also the same ID batch number. So, I'm sure the seeds were bad and it was NOT your fault. We switched our supplier, and do not recommend True Leaf Market to anyone due to their poor customer

[@TikkiOOO]

ronsmightygreens thank you for sharing that! Wow. I have not had problems with True Leaf's (aka Mountain Valley) other seeds, but the beets were definitely a problem when I tried to grow them on paper towels.....however I was able to grow them in soil. Interesting, where you growing the beets in soil or on some other medium?

[@guybrock837]

This information is very helpful. Wifey and I are just getting into growing micro greens and hydroponics. I was going to place an order to true leaf but we are going to look elsewhere. Thank you.

[@mariae6942]

Wow! How cool to be able to grow them on something so simple as paper towel. I wonder, could this method be used for BLACK OIL SUNFLOWERS?

[@TikkiOOO]

Hi Maria, the sunflowers are a bigger seed and really need soil or coconut coir, something for them to hold onto....but you can try and experiment...good luck!

[@design321]

Nice video! To the point, only included what was necessary and very clear instruction. Thank you!

[@TikkiOOO]

Thank you design321!

[@dh2950]

I love this paper towel method! It's so much easier than the mason jar with fenestrated cap that I have been using (which also smells and I have to rinse them twice daily). Thanks!

[@TikkiOOO]

thanks D, cheesecloth also works!

[@wombat5628]

Nice video, clear and succinct. I like your honesty to say that the beets didn't turn out well, which makes it more real 😊

[@mischka54]

Thank you, just what I was looking for!! Have started my broccoli seeds right now!

[@justfloating3944]

Watched this again, because I finally started my broccoli microgreens. What agreat healthy addition to my salads and smoothies. I really appreciate your guidance Tikki! 😉

[@TikkiOOO]

And delicious, my favorite microgreen, enjoy!

[@donnacason1607]

But wait but don't cover them...let them green up.

[@maryhumphrey1470]

Does it make any difference in which paper towel.

[@azizehmotamed649]

Thanks a lot perfect 🥰 💞 💕 ❤️ 💓 💗

[@margaretjohnston2858]

Do you freeze them,or just make small batches.

[@martar137]

Awesome way to grow microgreens!!

[@peterbrown2882]

what kind of " beet " seeds are you using ?

[@88Heckenlively]

Enjoyed. Thumbs up!

[@TikkiOOO]

Many thanks!

[@HRPFayetteville]

Because you should have germinated them longer and kept squirting them misting them two times a day that's why

[@SheSweetLikSugarNSavage]

There's no need to cover with this method.

[@margaretjohnston2858]

Love your videos thanks.

[@EmpressVicky0116]

I'm new and learning so much about microgreens. Thank you so much for sharing your very detailed information.

[@TikkiOOO]

Miss Vicky j, thank you for the nice comment! Good luck on your new adventure learning about growing microgreens!

[@NorthOlbo]

not a bad video but stop moving so much, hold the camera steady

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks NorthOlbo....I got myself a tripod finally!

[@zulumalo413]

I Didn't hear you say if you sprayed them with water every day. Would be good to know

[@TikkiOOO]

zulu malo, I water only when dry. The paper towels dry out faster than soil, so they need more water. Spraying is not a good idea once they grow a bit more, bottom watering is much better to prevent mold although I don't have that problem. If you grow in a humid environment, then water from below, or into the bottom, don't spray from the top. Good luck!

[@dragoncarver287]

and if you raise worms, they will love the paper filled with roots.

[@TikkiOOO]

interesting idea, thank you dragoncarver!

[@dragoncarver287]

@La'Danknarius O'Ja'Kweezle Simmons waxing rather efficient, aren't we? lol

[@ejtheinsane]

Great idea thank you for that

[@RovingPunster]

A hidden cost savings with coco coir is that if you're able to compost all your root mats, plus your veg trim and shredded cardboard, you can more than recoup the entire cost of the coir by recycling it into top quality potting soil that you'd otherwise have to buy ... thus making coir functionally free as well.

[@juanitaweaver75]

Is it ok to eat the seed.

[@TikkiOOO]

sorry Juanita, I don't know the answer to eating the seed. The hulls are fine, although I try to wash most of it off.

[@RawRx4U]

Where did you buy seeds?

[@lucymoorestevens2561]

Very good! Love using paper towels and eating the whole green. Thank you.

[@TikkiOOO]

Me too, thank you for watching!

[@jakobw135]

I love your straight forward and honest attitude. Kudos. BTW, how do you prevent MOLD from developing on your PAPAER TOWELS? :-)

[@zafranhaneef3376]

Doesnt paper towels contain alot of toxins? Wouldn't the microgreens absorb them if they grow on it?

[@TikkiOOO]

I have heard people use unbleached paper towels, you can try those if you are concerned, they should work the same way. Good luck, and have fun trying it!

[@nuclearthreat545]

2:42

[@TikkiOOO]

nuclearthreat545 Thank you!!!!

[@jc6226]

Just be careful of coco coir, especially mats, as sellers that pop up first on amazon for me supposedly are fumigated or with non organic chems added. There are many stages in coco prduction when chems can be added on purpose or by accident.

[@TikkiOOO]

JC thanks for the warning. I buy coconut coir in compressed bricks from Amazon, they are sold specifically as a growing medium. Do you think/know of a problem with these? In the past I bought Sponge Ease, but now I buy the generic.

[@letsfeelexcellent6145]

Thank you. Kind of made me a little seasick to watch though with the camera whizzing all around like that.

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks Let's Feel.....I'm working on my video and editing skills.....I will strive to do better....

[@DLP11111]

Hey are micro green same vegi that we buy in mature form from supermarket? Or these are new discovered vegetables?

[@monjargon]

Same exact experience with Beets! They don't do well as a micro... probably just need to plant them after sprouting

[@skyl4rk]

How often do you water them?

[@TikkiOOO]

Hi Taz, I water them every day, sometimes twice a day if i see the paper towels are drying out. You can "bottom water" them by filling the bottom tray with water and letting the roots soak it up. Growing on soil is much more forgiving since the soil retains water for longer than paper towels. I just published a new video comparing broccoli microgreens grown on paper towels vs. soil, you might enjoy watching it kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5DSpZV4bbNgq6s

[@user-qi8su4mo3l]

This looks fantastic but your comment about bleached paper is a serious point because those little shoots will absorb everything the paper is made from. Great video though

[@jimbojones19_78]

👍🏽👍🏽

[@jimbojones19_78]

👍🏽👍🏽

[@myobmyob2215]

Fantastic

[@absbi0000]

Nice

[@jvrerae8512]

Hello ma'am. How often do you water the seeds??

[@TikkiOOO]

Hi Jvre, when they feel (or look) dry. It will depend on your environment, whether it is dry or humid, hot or cold, that will affect how often you need to water. Thanks for the question!

[@DIY-Sally]

EXCELLENT!!! Can't wait to try it! :) Thanks for sharing!!

[@observer698]

I grow lentil sprouts on a glass container without a paper towel or something else. I wonder if broccoli will work the same... if anyone has tried already please let me know

[@callydanielson3896]

just got into microgreens myself a few weeks ago im loving it great hobby might even make some money off it in the near future they super nutritious too a good selling point might i add

[@TikkiOOO]

cally good luck with the microgreens! I grow for my family and friends, I have not made it into a business, although it shouldn't be hard to do since there is demand for it. You are right, they are super nutritious, and add so much flavor!

[@oumomar]

احلى لايك روووووووعة 👍👍👍🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷💕👀

[@TikkiOOO]

Thank you!

[@phillipsmom6252]

Do you think I could use my green sprouting tray with lid to do this? Just lay the paper towel inside of it? Thanks

[@OrchidandKitties]

good idea for growing on paper towel..easy to harvest.I'm doing some thing similar you can check on my channel.I subc.... to your channel.thanks.

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks for your comment! I took a look at your channel, and I see some interesting stuff, I look forward to watching your videos. You got me as a new subscriber as well, thank you!

[@justfloating3944]

Wow! Easy peasy! Got try this!

[@N8Burn]

oh wow i didn’t know it was that easy. i’ll be trying this

[@TikkiOOO]

N8Burn, easy AND delicious, enjoy!

[@suinanaktubang8705]

😩😀poor beets

[@caroleheaney7262]

Great video! Where can I find those trays?

[@timdillian4924]

hi! question from a beginner: In the video you said between day 7 and day 8 you exposed it to light, did you keep them outside in the sun, or you just made sure they were uncovered in the house under regular house lights, like the lights in your kitchen, etc. Thanks in advance for any advice, I'm just starting out in the microgreen, sprouting world, very much a newbie.

[@Dedeiaes]

Tim,indirect light is better for microgreens,or growing lights

[@l0uann3]

How to prevent molds

[@TikkiOOO]

Luantv md thank you for an excellent question! Mold can occur if your seeds are not clean and if you grow the microgreens in a humid environment. The best solution to this is to have good air circulation, try using a fan to move the air around if you have high humidity. You can also spray your seeds with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution when you first spread them out on the paper towels to kill any pathogens. Hope that helps!

[@patpick5587]

@@TikkiOOO OTC peroxide is 3.5%. Is that what is recommended, or are you diluting?

[@hendrikaufderheide3051]

very nice video

[@TikkiOOO]

Thank you!

[@peterlarsson7064]

Very nice!!!

[@southernladywithmanyhats7428]

I saw where someone was using screen wire where you use the paper towel. They just keep re-using the screen for another time. I wanted to try that and I think they just put just a little bit of water in the bottom of the container and then lay the screen on that. Not much water though I don't think. I wanted to try it.

[@TikkiOOO]

I saw that too, SouthernLady. It looks like a great idea, but check first to see what material the screen is made from and if it is coated with anything that is not food safe. I have grown in colanders which are like screens if you think about it....great for sprouting mung beans. Thanks for the comment, Good luck!

[@dexxxxxxxx]

Why beets are tough? What soil mix you recommend? My beets are not germinating?

[@davidw9736]

did you soak them? that might be worth a try

[@godsonpaulnzeh9315]

The you water them daily

[@tristessa771]

Are you just spraying the them twice a day from above?

[@TikkiOOO]

In this video yes. Sometimes I bottom water, it depends on the container tray I am using and the medium. With paper towels it dries out much faster than soil, so keep it moist!

[@teachersayscorner1304]

Do you need to continue spraying water to broccoli sprouts every day

[@TikkiOOO]

If they dry out, yes, if they are moist still, then no. You need to watch them.

[@vineshapandita6552]

When we have to keep them in light

[@MrMauricio1947]

Thanks for sharing.