Growing Salad Greens Indoors

[@madamesproete]

I'm starting from scratch at the beginning of the new year. I have earmarked everything that you said and I'm going to start my garden next month. Most of my money is spent buying prepackaged salads so this is going to be a game changer. Can't wait!!

[@Anne--Marie]

How is your garden going?

[@vagary0]

It took me a bit to find this video but it's exactly what I was looking for. You should put "bottom watering", "coir" and "baby greens" in the description. Thank you!

[@Carol-ch9wj]

Your salad greens look beautiful....I definitely want to try this. Thank you for explaining how you do this!

[@letsthrive4455]

Thank you, I'm in Subtropical Australia and the summer is way to hot to grow salad, Im trying this right now !

[@barbaramierau5146]

thank you so much for showing your great way to grow salad greens indoors for the winter that tray looks delicious I am trying your method today

[@michaelbrooks6095]

Very informative. I've been wanting to grow lettuce indoors but everyone else s using large pots or elaborate setups. Thanks for taking the time to share your method.

[@MyViewFromTheWoods]

Thank you, Michael! I'll be making more on growing microgreen and salad greens soon. Starting a new set up.

[@NatureZone101]

Thanks - love that this method uses minimal amount of soil. Gotta get my stuff together and get started.

[@stevec8789]

Brand new to indoor growing and you just seriously upped my greens game. I planted too scarce and didn’t get a good grow. Going to try your method. Thank you 👍

[@donnamsanford4655]

Thank you for sharing, I can't wait to eat what I grow!

[@papablueshirt]

Great in depth video on planting indoors, I love planting indoors. I have about 30 trays going now and plan on doubling it soon. My wife thinks I am trying to feed an army 😂, but I just love to grow. I put worms in my trays, this solves all the mold problems. I have a Kale tray that I planted almost 2 years ago and it is still going strong after weekly cuttings. I also have a microgreen tray that has almost 50 cuttings using the same soil, so the worms really help to save a lot of money on soil costs. I do grow in the garden, but get tired of all the pests, especially on the leafy greens. Indoors I can control everything and it has worked out great. : )

[@RT-wy4st]

papa blue shirt, what kind of soil are you using indoors? how do you keep the pests away? are you sterilizing your soil?

[@papablueshirt]

@@RT-wy4st No, not sterilizing my soil in any way. I use a professional potting mix. I combine it with a cup of castings and some organic fertilizer. It works great with the worms. I had an outbreak of bugs on a few trays about a year ago, I just cut all the lettuce and tipped it over in my worm bin. Haven't had a problem since. If you keep the plants healthy and robust, pest are not much of a problem. I have had a little problem with very little snails. I used to use the soil direct from my worm bin and somehow the snails got in there. They do not do much damage, but I do not like them. So I cut a carpet with a rubber back and when I seed the tray I lay that on the seeds until they sprout. When I pull it off, the snails are on the back of the carpet, so I just scrape them off. They are pretty much gone now. You can also use DE, it is organic. I sprinkled some on my trays when I had bugs, but I do not bother any more. The only bugs I see now are fruit flies and I just put out the yellow sticky cards and that takes care of them : ) I try not to go from the garden to the grow room as I do not want any hitchhikers LOL

[@Ternika100]

@@papablueshirt What size of containers do you use for Kale? I just started my indoor garden few weeks ago.

[@papablueshirt]

@@Ternika100 My 2 year old kale was originally planted in a standard 1020 garden tray. When I upgraded to my super strong trays, I transplanted it into 1010 trays to make it easier to water. But you can plant kale in any size container, it just depends if you want microgreens, baby greens or full size plants. I am now doing microgreens in 6 inch pots as it is the perfect size for our family and very convenient. In the winter time I grow full size kale in my shop in concrete mixing tubs. It works well in the winter, but too hot in the summer. I hope that helps : )

[@Ternika100]

@Papa Blue Shirt Thank you, I appreciate your answer! I am trying to find as much information about indoor gardening as possible. Yes, I am trying to grow full size of Lacinato Kale in 12 oz pots for single plant, and have doubts that it would be enough for them. The are small. I don’t do micro greens, cause I eat a lot of leafy greens, I need full size plants for my salads.)) Thanks again!

[@Zanthxs]

Thanks! You made it easy! I'll get the trays off Amazon.

[@jimlyon7311]

Great video Michael. I'm just about to start. I like that your video starts quickly without all of the chatter and gets right to the point...NW Arkansas

[@MyViewFromTheWoods]

You got this!

[@jodysappington7008]

never thought about putting seeds in a little container like that...thank you for sharing..

[@MyViewFromTheWoods]

That red pepper shaker works really well. I use it for microgreens too. I appreciate you watching Jody.

[@Sukerkin]

Just started attempting this myself today, over here in England :). Spring has taken a while to get going but it was at least sunny today so I decided to stop putting it off and planted my first six test batches ... ... ... now we wait to see what happens :grins:. I have planted tarragon, chives, parsley, spinach, salad greens and lettuce. A very high density of sowing with the intent of seeing if replanting thinnings works. If not then I know next to sow thinly and leave them be.

[@montedreams1]

Thanks a lot for taking the time to make this info video! I am plaining on growing greens in my 4x8 grow tent. Your video has been very helpful (: Have a nice day!

[@MyViewFromTheWoods]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lmargo3501]

Thanks for the video! About to get started with my 5 year old daughter. a good winter project!

[@kalenereeve6272]

Thanks for taking the time to make and share this video. I have all the supplies that you recommend using so I’m going to get to work starting some salad greens this afternoon! Thank you from your new friend in the north 🇨🇦🍁🇨🇦

[@MyViewFromTheWoods]

I posted another article on a lettuce called Outredgeous. You’ll find it on homemicrogreens.com.

[@mattescooking]

Love this! Easy as the microgreens I grow.

[@lauraschaefer6697]

Very thorough video. Great for newbies.

[@MyViewFromTheWoods]

Thank you! There will be more videos like this in the fall.

[@LC_Boston]

Thank you.; I found this to be pretty helpful. I do have a few questions related to the grow lights, though. About how many hours per day do you leave them on? Also, have you noticed any appreciable increase in your monthly electricity bill since you started doing this. I'm also wondering about how you harvest and rotate, but perhaps you cover that in another video, so I'll take a look. Happy growing!

[@teresafinch7981]

I bought a Green Stalk garden and have been growing in the garage all winter. I am anxious to try the trays and grow some lettuce. Have had to use some heat, so that may off set the advantages. Going to try microgreens in some small trays.

[@elliestell2696]

Thank you so much for this video I will be doing this this winter thanks again great video

[@Banstargue]

Pretty cool, never thought of growing salad greens indoors. I think I will try that with spinach...if it's possible.

[@MyViewFromTheWoods]

Spinach likes cooler temperatures. Can be done though.

[@annettem5998]

Do you have a video where you share the best way to harvest the lettuce? I’m extremely new to any type of gardening. I plan to try the indoor gardening. Thank you for making this video!

[@bettygentry9672]

Gonna try it this season.Great video!

[@abigailbessey5805]

Looks wonderful. I am going to give it a try.

[@pgnanofarm9776]

Great instructions. I really want to try this.

[@MyViewFromTheWoods]

It really is very easy. When they first start growing you wouldn't think the seeding density is enough. But they fill the tray in time. I really like Fruition Seeds Salad Bowl mix. www.fruitionseeds.com/Organic-Fruition-Salad-Bowl-Mix-p/l18.htm Currently I'm trying MIGardener's mix.

[@Sim0nGoog]

Thank you! This was inspiring. You have a wonderful relaxed and thorough way of explaining and showing things. What do you do with the soil after you harvest your last cutting? Can you re-use it or do you have to ditch it and purchase fresh soil to start again?

[@GeriatricWoodturner]

Very nice video. I’m going to try this simple method. Thanks for sharing.

[@MC-wx2fw]

THIS is the way to do it. Keep it simple. Coir is the best thing to use !

[@geniajacobs7519]

New to your channel. I really enjoyed. I'm going to start growing hopefully a lettuce mix. Great hobby. I'm also a vegan and would step up my choices of salad mix

[@MyViewFromTheWoods]

Genia Jacobs go to home microgreens dot com and sign up for a free microgreen guide. That website will have more on growing greens inside.

[@Tosalsaking]

I enjoyed your presentation. Thanks for the growing tips. One more activity to wait out the Pandemic.

[@ihiroe]

Thank you! Good info on the bottom watering.

[@iwanttobelieve5970]

Wonderful especially with the price of lettuce and cabbage being ridiculously high.

[@susanbritton-giza5054]

Love you videos ❤ I gotta try this ! Love your spice dispenser idea ! Thank you 🙏🏼

[@TheAbleFarmer]

Nice video, I just planted salad greens indoors here in central Ohio. I have not tried this before so I stumbled on your video. A couple things I didn't do, I don't have a cover for my top and I don't currently have them on a heat mat. I was under the impression that they were more cold tolerant plants. They are in a spare room that is probably 65 degrees. Once they germinate I was going to move them to my grow lights. How long does it typically take for germination? I hope to have some success because I am already starting to dream about the garden and we have a long winter to go! 👍👍👍

[@MarySmith-ry9cu]

How did your lettuce turn out under the conditions you had? I'm trying it under similar conditions. 65° room. I have a South facing window so they are sprouting. I also have a regular table light in there so that it doesn't get too cold. I have it sitting on a folded light blanket. No heat mat. We'll see!

[@peacebewithyou2809]

I love this channel ! You sir have and better day..

[@nancywillis5056]

I learned a lot. Thank you.

[@kuanonikc]

Thanks for this! I’m trying now. Hopefully the grow light I have will work

[@Eye2C33]

Wow, great job! Thanks for the info

[@meredith2070]

This was a really good video! Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you :)

[@MyViewFromTheWoods]

Thank you! Check out my lettuce articles on homemicrogreens.com.

[@deedee8295]

I want to start growing my own and this really helped new subscriber 🥬👍🏾

[@tonilerew497]

Excellant

[@karinanderson4344]

Thank You

[@kims.8718]

I'd love to try this! I'm trying to judge how much one person would need to keep growing if they had one small salad a day. How long would a 10" x 20" tray last? Would you need to keep several trays that size going in cycles if you wanted one small salad a day?

[@carolyvonnedyar-eaton263]

Aquarium water? I have a small tank w 1 fish but use a water additive ( Aqueon Water Conditioner) so would be reluctant to use it... your process is different I am guessing? And thanks for your time and energy. Well done and not hurried

[@phill1304]

Thanks for the video!

[@laurenmclaughlin3085]

Great video! Would you split the greens up so that they grow larger?

[@bttrflysprit6507]

Thanks for sharing!!!

[@lildumplin9905]

This seems to be awesome thank you for sharing

[@MyViewFromTheWoods]

It does work well, the greens taste great, I like that there are different kinds of greens in the mix so you're not eating one type of lettuce or having to buy multiple heads. I don't like the salad mixes from grocery stores as I don't trust them for cleanliness. Thanks for watching!

[@Cat32215]

I liked your video, thank you. The question I have is all the videos I have watched say something different. I know a few said no heat mat for cool weather plants like lettuce. Is it necessary if maybe your house is too cold?

[@tamis4353]

I really liked this video, more information than others. I do have a question for you: have you ever experienced indoor bugs/gnats from the soil?

[@MyViewFromTheWoods]

Tami Saige thank you! I’m making an updated video on growing lettuce currently. Yes, once in a while fungus gnats occur. Usually it’s a sign of over watering. When I get an outbreak I use sticky traps to catch them.

[@tamis4353]

Thank you sir!

[@jankof76]

I grow my greens with coco coir only using fish fertilizer......grows really fast and big..I put a layer of clay pebbles at the bottom about 1inch.

[@ximenafernandezduran3132]

Hi, I was just thinking about this idea earlier today!… how does this works? Putting clay pebbles on the bottom of the tray does it make the watering process more effective?

[@yumyum408]

I grow mine in a flower box it's a little deeper. I fill it with compost from my pile. As its growing I just pick out the young weeds. I'm just wondering that it might not have as much nutrition since u r using only bagged soil and no organic matter....but I don't know. I do my spinach in a flower box also...both i just keep on my deck railing.

[@jankof76]

I also use aeroponics indoors to grow, but you have to be careful with you nutrient mix, I've learned that you cant go full strength right away.

[@nicholasmorello6370]

What was the yield per tray?

[@sddancer]

Start to grow salad greens and they were doing good for about 10 days t0mTwo weeks . Then they started to die and the ones that are still alive have stopped growing. What are some possible things I did wRong?

[@rodneymacdonald4964]

Is there a follow up video?

[@Marcel-ks1je]

Can you trim the leaves and regrow them? Or do you grow just once then regrow new seeds?

[@MyViewFromTheWoods]

Yes, I get 2 to 3 cuttings from them.

[@monicaoppel7240]

To water again, do you lift the top tray out, put more water in the bottom tray, and then put the top tray back in? How much water do you put in the bottom tray, how deep? Thanks

[@karenmcallister7411]

I have never grown indoor greens. I want to learn. I have 2 metal racks with grown lights and heat mats ....already set up. Been using for growing garden transplants. I want to grow lettuce for myself and collards for my chickens. Maybe even grow some sprouts. My question is the soil. What kind do you use. I know general seed start soil ...has no nutrition in it. What do you use. Looks like your growing in one tray ...all the way to harvest. If I can eliminate transplanting. It would be a time saver. Can you help me out...ty karen

[@MyViewFromTheWoods]

Checkout Homemicrogreens.com it has all the answers you need in the couple hundred articles I have. Go to the article directory in the header and there is a linked table of contents that will show you all the articles on the topic.

[@emmanuelomassi19]

How many lbs do you manage to grow, per tray, harvest time from seed to harvest ?. thank you

[@MyViewFromTheWoods]

I have never weighed them. Also, I've never harvested a whole tray at once. I take the tray out to the kitchen and fresh cut the greens I need for my salad. Each tray gives me between 5 and 7 salads for each cutting. I usually get 4 cuttings off one tray. But I'll admit, the last cutting is usually a little bitter. However, the first two cuttings are so flavorful!

[@vickiiluvboxers4191]

beautiful greens! Thank you for sharing. :)

[@MyViewFromTheWoods]

Thanks for watching Vicki! I appreciate you watching the video and commenting!

[@cbass2755]

Wow! I’d love to do that…you just popped up on my feed. I live in Michigan and it’s cold and windy. It’s only going to get worse. Anyways, I bought window box liners and I’m going to start lettuce. I have a really sunny window and going to place it their. I don’t have grow lights, and don’t really think I can do that. I’m 68, live alone, do have a great family so maybe I’ll ask them but dally hate to do that. I’ll try first with natural sun….I don’t know how to even hang a grow light? Oh dear, I’m not good at things like that. But I am a doer! If I set my mind to it, I’ll do it regardless of failing. I’m not afraid of failure, it’s how I learn

[@MyViewFromTheWoods]

Even a cheap LED light from depot or Lowe’s is better than nothing. Set up something on either side of the planter to rest the light on if you don’t want to hang it from anything.

[@cbass2755]

@@MyViewFromTheWoods Now that I can do. I’m a female, but not helpless. However when stuff like this needs to be done I get a bit nervous. I don’t mind hanging things, but I don’t have those tools. My brother in law will have the tools I bet, but I’ll try first. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll ask. Thank you so much!!

[@superslyfoxx1]

What a great tray of greens. Do you use any natural fertilizers inside?

[@MyViewFromTheWoods]

I use Ocean Solution now.

[@darcyhumphrey539]

How often do you add more bottom water, or do you just top water when it's all absorbed?

[@fuadcuplov]

Thanks for the helpful tips, however what I would ask you is do you know by chance what amount of salad you get from one tray, or have you ever weighed the amount of salad? Thanks in advance for the reply.

[@MyViewFromTheWoods]

I never harvested a full tray. I cut enough for a large bowl of salad. I get 4 to 6 large salads bowls full from a tray then it regrows and I get more. Funny you mentioned weighing the harvested lettuce. I’m harvesting 4 trays of micro lettuce today and weighing it. Even had a different seeding rate. Not sure I will put the video on KZbin but will have it on Homemicrogreens.com in a couple of weeks.

[@laualee1]

Thank you for taking time to share this. I got a salad mix seed pack and my seeds don't look like lettuce. Look like radish seed and taste it. Do yours taste spicy when 1 inch long?

[@MyViewFromTheWoods]

No, like lettuce. A lot of companies sell what they call a salad mix is really a mix of microgreens and maybe a few lettuces mixed in. If you want pure lettuce seed go to HomeMicrogreens.com and search for lettuce.

[@laualee1]

@@MyViewFromTheWoods thank you!

[@megrockstar]

These are very clear. My only question is about harvest. Do you cut the whole thing to the bottom and it’s over or take one leaf from each one?

[@MyViewFromTheWoods]

I cut the lettuce about 3/4 of an inch from the bottom and it will regrow again. The 3rd cut starts to get pretty bitter.

[@BrightBeamsMission]

@@MyViewFromTheWoods How long does it take to regrow to eating stage?

[@debbiedwyer7644]

Tried your way to grow a tray of lettuce. Looks good color is not as dark green as i would like. if you use fertilizer what do you use? I use 1 tea. of MaxiGro per 1 gallon water.

[@MyViewFromTheWoods]

What lettuce variety did you grow? I’ve heard Maxigro is good. I haven’t used it. Currently I use Ocean Solution or Floragro. I also wonder if the color doesn’t have something to do with the power of light? Not sure, just a thought. Also, what soil did you use?

[@debbiedwyer7644]

The seeds gourmet mixture from true leaf. The soil is fox farm ocean forest and the light is 4' 4 light agrobrite high output T5. Under same light micro greens look great. The lettuce is kinda limp. I will try different light. Thanks for the reply!

[@maxwelllaws9521]

Maxwell how Do you grow other vegetables or fruits double watering containers. I was growing in soil all my fruit plants fruit trees herbs died from gnat infestation. I I have a small greenhouse and two standing plant lights. Please help me I have T cell lymphoma and my diet is vegetables fruits fish and chicken and I would really love to be back on the farm in my apartment. If you can if you can help me with growing more plants inside I would appreciate it thank you.

[@debbiedwyer7644]

how many grams or oz of lettuce seeds do you use in a 10x20 tray?

[@markbaker1827]

Do you do cut and allow the lettuce to regrow out of your trays? Any thinning as you go along? Looks great!

[@MyViewFromTheWoods]

I get 3 cuttings from a tray before it starts to get bitter. No thinning, I harvest from one end and move toward the far end.

[@BrightBeamsMission]

@@MyViewFromTheWoods How long does it take between cuttings to regrow?-1 week, 2 weeks?

[@birdsongvalley]

Great video thanks! One question, at what temp is your apartment? I’ve read that some lettuce varieties need to be under 75 (my apartment is 77-78) to be able to germinate.

[@MyViewFromTheWoods]

I’m the fall and winter usually between 65 and 70. They should still germinate at those temperatures. Maybe a little less. But cooler does help.

[@birdsongvalley]

It’s too hot here. I’m in 10B, 4th floor apartment, no direct sun so I can only plant indoors. I’m going to give a try and see what happens!

[@iuditayoung953]

I wished I could see day 2-3

[@MyViewFromTheWoods]

I’ll check and see if I have any images. I’m sure I do. Also will be coming out with a course that will show all the days advancement.

[@MyViewFromTheWoods]

I have some photos of Outredgeous at 2 and 4 days Iudita, email me at [e-mail] if you want to see them.

[@jessierana2059]

I tried this, but they turned into micro greens instead, I used coco coir, can you let me know what I did wrong? thank you

[@MyViewFromTheWoods]

Only thing I can think of is that the seeds were sown too densely. It takes very little seed. On home microgreens.com I have an article on lettuce microgreens and seed density’s. For baby leaf you need only .6 to .8 grams. Very little.

[@jessierana2059]

Thankyou, did you use only coco coir, or a mix?

[@XXStoic]

What are your favorite lettuce varieties to use for cut and come again? I look forward to giving this a try. I only have Little Gem seeds now though.

[@MyViewFromTheWoods]

Alexa Narma I like Ruby Red lettuce. It takes a while to turn red but when it does it is dark. I use 0.75 grams for a 1020 tray. I might list some for sale on HomeMicrogreens.com this weekend.

[@toyinogunseye4891]

I want to know the name of the plotting soil you used. Thank you dor your insight

[@MyViewFromTheWoods]

The best potting mix I’ve come across sold in stores is Fox Farms Coco Loco.

[@carolehamilton9653]

will they regrow, I want to make my salad grow continuously by doing cut and come again

[@MyViewFromTheWoods]

Yes, you’ll get another 2 harvests from the lettuce. Each will get a little more bitter, the 4th cut is usually too bitter for me.

[@lindatheodore508]

How many hours of lights do you use on average per day?

[@MyViewFromTheWoods]

About 15 hours

[@mdibens]

when do you switch to bottom watering only?

[@MyViewFromTheWoods]

I switch as soon as I take the dome off. Depending on how the soil surface looks, I may spray the lettuce with a hand sprayer as I remove the dome if it looks dry.

[@teecee4459]

How many harvests do you get from a single tray?

[@MyViewFromTheWoods]

2 to 3

[@teecee4459]

@@MyViewFromTheWoods Nice! Do you know if using a 5"-6" depth would allow for more harvests before replanting, or is it a waste of grow mix?

[@zodiatube]

Wouldn't under watering like this rot your roots?

[@MyViewFromTheWoods]

I've never had root issue problems. I don't add so much water that it isn't absorbed by the soil.

[@zodiatube]

The reason I ask is that it's happened to me. I had the water coming up to the soil so that the soil would absorb the water. I also thought "Hey, isn't this drowning the roots?" Well, the seedlings started to fall over with what appeared to be a rotted base, so I removed the water from the bottom tray.

[@lesbetts5694]

man i hope you got a refund n them seeds that count was way off.