Microgreen PAPER TOWEL Germination Experiment - Can It Grow!?

[@1SpiritualTruth]

Thank you! I had good luck growing cilantro without the paper with the same type of trays. I spayed them twice a day. Perhaps you can do a video not using any media and just the tray for the larger seed microgreen? Thanks again.

[@duderinofitness]

Would love to see u post a vid about that. That's sounds cool. So u just dumped them on the mesh they didn't fall through?

[@skipwavedx5151]

What I used a few times is vermiculite about a 1/2" deep as a grow medium, worked for me!

[@virginiavoigt2418]

I love seeing both failure and success. In my life, I have learned more from failure than success. But in your videos, when I see success, what I learn is "do more of that." Bravo to the broccoli and amaranth. For the Swiss chard and cilantro: they are both fairly big seeds. What if you just ditch the paper towel and grow directly on the tray mesh? The roots would definitely have a desirable place to go, and you can eliminate the (somewhat problematical) paper towel step. I sprouted some mung beans once on one of those mesh trays and it taught me a hard lesson. The radicals grew down and I could not disengage them without breakage. Next time, I put a big coffee filter on the mesh before adding the mungs. Worked great.

[@OnTheGrow]

Thanks for sharing your experiences with us! We are actually trying out Swiss Chard without any medium at the moment and just started the video this morning! Excited to see how it turns out! We will have to try the cilantro next time aswell like you said! Thank you so much for your continued support and again for sharing with us!

[@OnTheGrow]

😀 Virginia Voigt Again...we really benefit from your support and nice compliments!!! Have you visited our newest website... www.onthegrow.net ...we are so proud of the help it provides!!!

[@bhavnajain3731]

wow she is the most straightforward person i have seen. 🤩😀 so much of honesty.😊 also great work guys . kee going😘😘 hope u achieve your dreams👩🏾‍🤝‍🧑🏾

[@OnTheGrow]

Thankyou so much for the compliments and support! Our dream is to help as many people as possible around the world learn to and enjoy growing their own food, microgreens included! Keep Be-Leafing!❤️

[@bhavnajain3731]

@@OnTheGrow 🤗🤗

[@OnTheGrow]

BHAVNA JAIN 😀We are so excited to announce that both our Microgreens Master Book and our first Microgreens Cookbook will be available very soon! 😃Please visit our new website at 0nthegrow.net for info and early sign up!!!

[@bhavnajain3731]

@@OnTheGrow suree😘😘😝🤗

[@wolfcloud8735]

Is there any worry of chemicals from the paper towel being sucked into the sprouts? Or is it ok? Ive seen this done with soil. Is there much difference?

[@gail7998]

Thank you for the demonstration & information. I just bought some of your sprouting trays. Have you thought of using "unbleached" paper towels? I'm going to try unbleached and see how it goes! You're a pleasure to learn from. Keep on growing!

[@sherrydillahunty9354]

BCC = Beets, Cabbage, Carrots have deep roots system. That may have been the scenario with the Swiss Chard (beet). Although amaranth is part of the Swiss Chard family and you were pleased with growth process. 🤔 New Generation unbleached I find works best with onion bags underneath the paper towel meduim is a success. 🌱👩🏾‍🌾

[@OnTheGrow]

💚Sherry Dillahunty Thanks for watching. We loved testing the "paper towel" theory...we don't advocate using it for growing consumed crops. We are actively working our microgreens into amazing recipes and that doesn't insure quality and taste....check on the recipe book link!!!

[@HO-ud4wx]

Hi. I am new subscriber. My father was farmer once. Besides I want to improve my English. That is why I am interested in your videos. Thank you.

[@OnTheGrow]

🙂Thank you so much for the support Halil Özkan!! We are going to be making new content soon! 😄 Have you signed up for our Master Class yet? We can turn you into a micro-farmer!!! Please take advantage of all the information we've assembled for you!!!

[@foamformbeats]

Curious why you attribute the roots not growing into paper towel to the lack of weight touching when the smaller amaranth seed was able to root into the paper towels. Wouldn't the amaranth have less contact with the weight, being a smaller seed?

[@mzallthat]

Love your videos, I have learned so much about growing microgreens. Have you tried using mesh screen as a medium. That is the main medium I use, I sometimes use Coco Coir mats and se clay pebbles for my kratky growing. I find the mesh screen (Like an insect screen) to be the best. I use Phifer, BetterVue Insect Screen, 36" x 25', Black. It comes in a roll and I cut to fit the size of tray or container I am using. The seeds have no problem rooting to mesh. I think it could be a fun experiment to see if it works for you. Cutting the screens to fit the trays can be tedious but I cut many at a time and worth it for a good grow.

[@OnTheGrow]

Thank you for watching Mz V!!! 😄 Glad you enjoyed it! Please let us know if we can keep you growing yummy microgreens!!!🙂

[@marineuzabernaldodossantos1021]

adoro seu trabalho

[@Silvereagledude]

Good stuff…you have a great setup

[@OnTheGrow]

Thank you for the support!!

[@jkl89966]

I am using organic toilet paper, I tried one called wholeroll. it wasn't that good, but it wasn't horrible. i was growing spicy salad mix, it took forever to germinate but after like 1 week the seeds all germinated....

[@OnTheGrow]

🙂G L Thanks for watching. We loved testing the "paper towel" theory...we don't advocate using it for growing consumed crops. 🙂We are actively working our microgreens into amazing recipes and that doesn't insure quality and taste....check on the recipe book link!!!

[@silverkaitable]

Much appreciate this video for a home grower like me. 2 questions: have you ever tried using cheesecloth with this kind of tray? I've placed it around coir, both below the coir and above it, but will also test how it might work with some of these crops without using coir, just cheesecloth. Also, is that a portable watering system that doesn't need to be attached to a tap? That would be an awesome addition to my apartment windowsill "garden" setup!

[@OnTheGrow]

🙂silverkaitable Thanks for watching. We loved testing the "paper towel" theory...we don't advocate using it for growing consumed crops...Yes! That is a "mobile sprayer". 🙂We are actively working our microgreens into amazing recipes and that doesn't insure quality and taste....check on the recipe book link!!!

[@myroztoprozanski5824]

I was wondering were you got those tray containers?

[@ericbond5276]

Have you tried 2-ply toilet paper? I have yet to try sprouting sprouts. If when I do, it will be arugula, cilantro, broccoli, parsley and basil. Thank you for your videos.

[@markward3506]

Well done agin lovely video, very informative and obviously great camera work! Keep them coming and stay safe :-)

[@OnTheGrow]

🙂Thank you so much for the support Mark Ward!! We are going to be making new content soon! 😄 P.S... We're on TikTok...come see more cool microgreen content!!!

[@deddie2shoes]

How did they continue to grow? Do you have to add additional nutrients later on?

[@OnTheGrow]

We like to introduce nutrients once they have gone into the light. They will grow without nutrients using the energy stored in the seed, but they grow much, much better when you give them some nutrients.

[@OnTheGrow]

🙂deddie2shoes Thanks for watching. We loved testing the "paper towel" theory...we don't advocate using it for growing consumed crops. We are actively working our microgreens into amazing recipes and that doesn't insure quality and taste....check on the recipe book link!!!

[@logiclab1]

In between the 2 layers of paper towels, try dusting it with baking soda. Hopefully it will break down the towel into a porous soil like medium when watered and allow for roots to dig in. Also try using a disk sander (remove disk) or a vibrating source to distribute the seeds and avoid clumping. Maybe this increases germination. Again, I would be doing this myself but won’t be set up for a couple of months.

[@ajpmusic4290]

Baking soda would throw the pH levels off so that will not work :(

[@OnTheGrow]

🙂logiclab1 Thanks for watching. We loved testing the "paper towel" theory...we don't advocate using it for growing consumed crops. We are actively working our microgreens into amazing recipes and that doesn't insure quality and taste....check on the recipe book link!!!

[@OnTheGrow]

🙂ajp Music Thanks for watching. We loved testing the "paper towel" theory...we don't actually advocate using it for growing. We are actively working our microgreens into amazing recipes and that doesn't insure quality and taste....check on the recipe book link!!!

[@backspaceify]

Hello when we harvesting from this tray , have any video in this topic ?

[@OnTheGrow]

🙂 Check our youtube channel and see several videos that will include harvesting crops.

[@11kwright]

Can the sprouted seeds with the roots (if they stay on top) still be eaten or will the roots ruin the taste and therefore have to throw? I'm new to sprouting and always thought the roots must be nutritional also.😊

[@lindacrawford4324]

what brand paper towels were used? Organic? Maybe try 1 layer with more water. Since, once they start digging in they make their own sprout carpet weave.

[@OnTheGrow]

🙂Linda Crawford Thanks for watching. We loved testing the "paper towel" theory...we don't advocate using it for growing consumed crops. 🙂We are actively working our microgreens into amazing recipes and that doesn't insure quality and taste....check on the recipe book link!!!

[@adis.g6569]

Hi Mandy, on 15 minutes I saw the roots arent that penetrating to the bottom, how would you bottom water it? Fill the water all the way to the shallow tray level? Or just small amount of water & let the moisture comes up? (this one Im not so sure if it is going up). As these trays have 1 cm wide gap between top & bottom, the amount of water would be really high

[@OnTheGrow]

Great question! Even though the roots aren't penetrating the bottom, we add enough water that it is able to get pulled up through capillary action into the medium. It seems like every one of these sprouting trays have different size gaps because they are all manufactured by so many different companies... It does take more water than a normal tray since there is that gap, but you are able to get solid grows with these trays once you learn the watering schedule and quantity.

[@adis.g6569]

@@OnTheGrow Great, thanks

[@OnTheGrow]

😉Adi S.G Would you Be~Leaf we're actively working on tasty recipes that will highlight the various flavors of your favorite microgreens in surprising ways...Not just a garnish...yum!!

[@bieglesong6400]

Nice video. But why that pressure is necessery ?

[@rooteddinfaithjourney]

Where do you get the black out Lids

[@ArunRaoINDIA]

the weight not touching the seeds seems to be the issue. If they did get weight do you think they would have beter results with the radicles going thru?

[@wyogirl5648]

Make sure you are using chemically clean paper towels. Two main chemicals found in most paper towels are Chlorine and Formaldehyde. Chlorine is quite commonly used to make the paper towel white in colour. Also, just like thermal (receipt) paper, Paper Towel has been found to contain very high amounts of Bisphenol A (BPA), even paper towel made from recycled paper. You do not want this in your food and these sprouts will easily soak up any chemical in the towel.

[@OnTheGrow]

Yes, we are aware of this and discuss it in another one of our KZbin videos using paper towels! Appreciate you help and feedback!

[@wyogirl5648]

@@OnTheGrow I am a ANMA Board Certified Traditional Naturopath and am always looking for healthy alternatives and things to suggest to my clients. I have ordered my first rack and set up and so appreciate all of your advise I tend towards the technical in everything I do, your experiments have been super informative thank you.

[@Onyxaxe]

I own similar trays, but they are much shallower so when I stack them they really do push the lower lever seeds down and help guide them into the paper towels. I didn't even know they made them that deep. Maybe try another brand. Thanks for making these vids. Thanks to you guys I've been able to keep fresh veggies in house during Covid with less risk and much less waste. I don't even know where to try and find microgreens in my area. My mom is starting some too.

[@OnTheGrow]

🙂Onyxaxe Thanks for watching. We loved testing the "paper towel" theory...we don't advocate using it for growing consumed crops. We are actively working our microgreens into amazing recipes and that doesn't insure quality and taste....check on the recipe book link!!!

[@dragonshoarddesign3094]

use a microneedle roller on the paper towel

[@randyd390]

Very happy to see you created a new website although it is to bad the growing guide is no longer available. I hope you plan on creating the growing guide again on your website or make it available for as a downloadable pdf. It would be a great way for you to start a newsletter subscriber list. Thank you for sharing all your knowledge and experiments for growing microgreens. Also, great job on the website much better to navigate.

[@OnTheGrow]

Thank you! We do have a downloadable PDF now for the crops. It’s on the home page under “Crop Seeding Guide PDF”. Just click the “download now” button and you get access to it! Let me know if you have any problems

[@randyd390]

@@OnTheGrow Awesome! Might I suggest that you use a text and button color that contrast better with the background photos? Thank you for the Crop Seeding Guide PDF you guys rock!

[@OnTheGrow]

🙂Thank you so much for the Feedback Randy D! We appreciate your support! We are working with a publisher now on a book to best illustrate our info for everyone!!!

[@OnTheGrow]

Thank you so much for the support Randy D!! We are going to be making new content soon! 😄 Have you gone to our most recent website...it's much better!!!

[@sitarabeatriz388]

Thank you for your videos! I'm learning a lot 😄 How many time a day do you water the seeds that you sprout in paper towels?

[@congcongjiang9920]

Hello, how do you deal with beet seeds before germination?

[@OnTheGrow]

We actually do have a video on beets! Check it out on you tube! If you're curious how we grow different Microgreens varieties we have a KZbin playlist that breaks it down from seeding to harvest day for various crops using our methods! You should check it out and see if we’ve done the crop you're looking for! (odds are we have haha) Playlist link → kzbin.info/aero/PLkEXI0BumyG6IEk3hM4WyIuKa4RfMeUe2 /playlist?list=PLkEXI0BumyG5OBbqj_wXM6gnPB6gJ4alW

[@MichaelMN379]

Can you guys do a video on how to grow basil? It's the only micro green I have trouble with.

[@OnTheGrow]

I think we already have one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGmnm319h5iqjZo See if this video helps! If not, let me know any problems you are running into and we will do our best to help you out!

[@rickyoswald]

I keep getting distracted by your cool outfits. Chard totally looks like beetroot seeds too.

[@OnTheGrow]

🙂Thank you so much for the support Ricky Oswald!! We are going to be making new content soon! 😄 I will consult with fashion police and make sure we're ready to impress again!!!

[@betsyclarke929]

Can you do a video on sprouting Arugula? I am trying papertowel method in trays, without soil and the roots are not coming through. Any tips?

[@OnTheGrow]

We have a full walk-through that shows how we grow that crop! kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5zVo3SjrMmHrbM

[@ednikkel]

Just a quick question about the germination in those trays. Could you use the paper towel with soil or CCoir on top of that to prevent soil falling through the holes in the tray?

[@OnTheGrow]

🙂Edward Nikkel Thanks for watching. We loved testing the "paper towel" theory...we don't advocate using it for growing consumed crops. We are actively working our microgreens into amazing recipes and that doesn't insure quality and taste....check on the recipe book link!!!

[@caroleheaney7262]

Great video! Where can I find the trays?

[@drpk6514]

I have a problem of fungal growth when I use paper towel for growing microgreens. What should I do?

[@OnTheGrow]

🙂M. Karbaschi Thanks for watching. We loved testing the "paper towel" theory...we don't advocate using it for growing consumed crops. We are actively working our microgreens into amazing recipes and that doesn't insure quality and taste....check on the recipe book link!!!

[@joolz4296]

Do the seeds need to be soaked if so for how long? Thanks

[@OnTheGrow]

Thank you for the question Joolz 🥳 We really appreciate your support!! 🙂In this video we used seeds that normally do not need pre-soaking...if we are planting peas and some sunflowers we will do some pre-soaking due to the tougher seed hulls

[@doobieBoobiek]

Your outfit got me to watch this video. well played lol

[@OnTheGrow]

Thank you so much for the support Muscle Optimization!! We are going to be making new content soon! 😄 Guess what we're on TikTok...come see more cool microgreen content!!!

[@deborawarren3508]

Do u use a cheap paper towels. Seems like paper towels have plastic in them... or does it matter?

[@OnTheGrow]

🙂Thank you so much for the support Debora Warren!! We are going to be making new content soon! 🙂We loved testing the theory!!! We don't advocate growing for consumption with paper towels. 🙂Would you Be~Leaf we're actively working on tasty recipes that will highlight the various flavors of microgreens in surprising ways...Save those towels for clean the kitchen!!!

[@lars5174]

Newbie here: How do you make sure the seeds aren't sticking to the tray above when stacking them? I have similar trays as these and if I stack them they touch the seeds underneath.

[@OnTheGrow]

Some seeds will stick. it happens. Just knock them off onto the growing medium if the others are not too far along yet. Otherwise, just trash them. If you're curious how we grow different Microgreens varieties we have a KZbin playlist that breaks it down from seeding to harvest day for various crops using our methods! You should check it out and see if we’ve done the crop you're looking for! (odds are we have haha) Playlist link → kzbin.info/aero/PLkEXI0BumyG6IEk3hM4WyIuKa4RfMeUe2 /playlist?list=PLkEXI0BumyG5OBbqj_wXM6gnPB6gJ4alW

[@keanonabil2494]

Hi CJ & Mandy, may I ask, how do you manage food borne diseases?

[@OnTheGrow]

🙂KEANO NABIL Thanks for watching. We loved testing the "paper towel" theory...we don't advocate using it for growing consumed crops. We are actively working our microgreens into amazing recipes and that doesn't insure quality and taste....check on the recipe book link!!!

[@waltroderick101]

What is temperature of your grow room in this video?

[@OnTheGrow]

Generally around 74F is our average. It can get up to around 80F though...

[@donnamareno1995]

What is the dimension of trays

[@OnTheGrow]

The small green trays are about 9inches by 11inches.

[@vishalchauhan1196]

Even I faced issue like seeds germinating while sleeping over and their roots did not penentrate the medium. I guess weight was one of the reason. Could their have been more.

[@OnTheGrow]

🙂Vishal Chauhan Thanks for watching. We loved testing the "paper towel" theory...we don't advocate using it for growing consumed crops. We are actively working our microgreens into amazing recipes and that doesn't insure quality and taste....check on the recipe book link!!!

[@ma.lourdesbgarcia5436]

hi I am really new with sprouting and microgreens it's been 3 weeks of frustration inspite following in detail al your unselfish tutorials I live in the philippines seeds very hard to get out here what should I do Love your videos though easier than done

[@OnTheGrow]

😀 Ma. Lourdes B Garcia Again...we really benefit from your support and nice compliments!!! Have you visited our newest website... www.onthegrow.net ...we are so proud of the help it provides!!!

[@nagasujana7708]

Can you show some spinach and other greens too

[@OnTheGrow]

Thank you so much for the support Naga Sujana!! We are going to be making new content soon! 😄 Naga Sujana 😀We are so excited to announce that both our Microgreens Master Book and our first Microgreens Cookbook will be available very soon! 😃Please visit our new website at 0nthegrow.net for info and early sign up!!!

[@juanitanoble3190]

I'm confused. In your reply to another comment, you indicate you don't advocate growing microgreens in paper toweling if they're for consumption. I guess I don't understand why we would care if it works, if it's not going to be useful for growing our food. Can you please explain?

[@cryptoassets7239]

Maybe more weight should fix the problem? In the early stage

[@OnTheGrow]

I think that would likely help! Great suggestion, thanks!

[@OnTheGrow]

Dota 2 Noob 😉Hello again from "On The Grow"...We apologize for not being timely on your last request or comment!!! We've been blessed to have so many welcoming responses as well as questions from the "MicroGreen Community". 😄Fear not for the future...we have two new grow team members here to assist with all aspects of your grow needs and questions. Please feel free to jump back in to sharing and looking to us for assistance!!

[@tracyyoung.]

Would work great for germination seeds for the garden.

[@OnTheGrow]

🙂Tracy Young Thanks for watching. We loved testing the "paper towel" theory...we don't advocate using it for growing consumed crops. We are actively working our microgreens into amazing recipes and that doesn't insure quality and taste....check on the recipe book link!!!

[@AriWaldman613]

I use synthetic paper towels since they are more durable when wet yet readily allow the the roots through to the water below. And I would definitely weigh down the cilantro and Swiss chard even more until the roots break through. You can also bottom water but sparsely and the roots can "smell" the water under the paper towels. Good luck.

[@OnTheGrow]

🙂Ari Waldman Thanks for watching. We loved testing the "paper towel" theory...we don't advocate using it for growing consumed crops. 🙂We are actively working our microgreens into amazing recipes and that doesn't insure quality and taste....check on the recipe book link!!!

[@doobieBoobiek]

and the tats lol

[@OnTheGrow]

🙂Thank you so much for the Feedback Muscle Optimization! We appreciate your support! Stay pretty everyone...HaHa!!

[@jwstanley2645]

I miss the key toss in the intro. Still, a very interesting, informative and motivating video. Thanks.

[@OnTheGrow]

🙂Jw Stanley Thanks for watching. We loved testing the "paper towel" theory...we don't advocate using it for growing consumed crops. We are actively working our microgreens into amazing recipes and that doesn't insure quality and taste....check on the recipe book link!!!

[@karenmiller6088]

Why wouldn't you go ahead and soak the seeds first like you normally would?

[@natalia.tasha.ondruskova]

You should try on cotton. It is far more better!

[@Emeraldwitch30]

I buy cotton muslin for sewing size/pattern making and was just using it as a top and bottom layer in growing my mung beans. It's super cheap and unbleached I'd bet it would work well for microgreens. And I composted some and in less than a year it really does decompose well in the compost bin. I buy by the bolt and i think it's either 8 or 10 yards for less than $8 so might be worth looking into. It does come in organic if you prefer but it does up the cost a lot

[@OnTheGrow]

🙂Natalia Ondruskova Thanks for watching. We loved testing the "paper towel" theory...we don't advocate using it for growing consumed crops. 🙂We are actively working our microgreens into amazing recipes and that doesn't insure quality and taste....check on the recipe book link!!!

[@OnTheGrow]

🙂Thank you so much for the Feedback Emeraldwitch30! We appreciate your support! We loved testing the "paper towel" theory...we don't advocate using it. We are actively working our microgreens into amazing recipes and that doesn't insure quality and taste....check on the recipe book link!!!

[@applefritter9590]

👍👍👍

[@BusterABrown]

I bought two brands of organic paper towels from Fresh Thymes in Fairview Heights, IL and they were so thin they fell apart. Not impressed with the paper towel method.

[@nourbsp7745]

I am currently using the same trays without a paper towel... do you think it'll work?

[@OnTheGrow]

🙂Nour BSP Thanks for watching. We loved testing the "paper towel" theory...we don't advocate using it for growing consumed crops. 🙂We are actively working our microgreens into amazing recipes and that doesn't insure quality and taste....check on the recipe book link!!!

[@OnTheGrow]

🙂Thank you so much for the Feedback Buster Brown! We appreciate your support!

[@jennekleinlein]

I can’t find weights for trays. Any suggestions?

[@OnTheGrow]

You can use really anything! We've made our own weight by adding sand to plastic bags. We got our weights from Hardware stores in the outdoor area.

[@jennekleinlein]

On The Grow, LLC great idea about the sand! May check out the hardware store too. Thanks so much for your videos; I’ve only been growing for about two months and you’ve helped my efforts be so successful! Currently using candles for weights🙃

[@OnTheGrow]

🙂Jenekins Have you signed up for our Master Class yet? Please get ready to take advantage of all the information we've assembled for you!!!

[@maxkielbasa6079]

my mung beans are turning brown

[@odettepross2435]

cilantro..only good place for that is the rubbish bin

[@OnTheGrow]

Lol, Cilantro is not for everyone :)

[@OnTheGrow]

It is a strong flavor! and the microgreens are even more potent!😊 😉Oddette Pross Would you Be~Leaf we're actively working on tasty recipes that will highlight the various flavors of your favorite microgreens in surprising ways...Not just a garnish...yum!!

[@Heidi914]

Love me some cilantro!

[@007killnoobs]

could you try blending up the paper towel as it would make it easier for the roots to grow into it

[@OnTheGrow]

🙂ethan kenworthy Thanks for watching. We loved testing the "paper towel" theory...we don't advocate using it for growing consumed crops. We are actively working our microgreens into amazing recipes and that doesn't insure quality and taste....check on the recipe book link!!!