Short answer: organic microgreens come from certified organic seed, grown with no synthetic sprays or fertilizers. They're not proven to be more nutritious than other microgreens grown the same way. What matters most at home is good seed, clean trays and fresh harvests. Organic seed is a good choice if it matters to you.
What makes microgreens organic?
- Certified organic seed, grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers
- An organic-approved growing medium, like certain potting mixes or coco coir
- No synthetic sprays or fertilizers during growing
Farms need to be certified to sell microgreens as organic. At home, you just pick organic seed and mix.
Organic vs conventional microgreens compared
| Organic | Conventional | |
|---|---|---|
| Seed | Certified organic | Conventional, untreated for sprouting |
| Medium | Organic-approved mix or mat | Any clean mix or mat |
| Pesticides | None synthetic | Rarely needed indoors |
| Nutrition | Similar, varies by crop and growing | Similar, varies by crop and growing |
| Cost | Usually a bit higher | Usually a bit lower |
Does organic change nutrition?
Microgreen nutrition depends mostly on the crop, light, harvest time and freshness.1 There's little proof that organic microgreens have more nutrients when grown the same way. See health benefits of microgreens.
Does organic change safety?
Food safety comes from clean seed, clean gear and good habits. That's true for any seed. The key is to use seed sold for sprouting or microgreens, not treated garden seed.
Why grow organic microgreens at home
- You control every input. No sprays, no mystery.
- Freshness. Cut minutes before eating.
- Less packaging than store-bought clamshells.
- It's easy. Most microgreens need no fertilizer at all.
How to grow organic microgreens
- Buy certified organic seed.
- Use an organic-approved potting mix or coco coir.
- Use clean water and clean trays.
- Skip synthetic fertilizers. The seed has what it needs.
- Prevent pests with airflow and bottom watering, not sprays. See microgreen pests and mold.
Organic sprouts too
The same thinking applies to sprouting. Read organic sprouts: why seed quality matters.
Sprouting.com has an organic seed range for both sprouts and microgreens. Browse our microgreen seeds guide to choose your crops.
Frequently asked questions
Are organic microgreens healthier?
There's little evidence that organic microgreens are more nutritious than conventional ones grown the same way. Freshness, crop and growing conditions likely matter more. Organic is a choice about farming methods.
Do microgreens need pesticides?
Rarely. Microgreens are harvested in about two weeks, indoors, so most home growers never use pesticides. That's one reason home-grown microgreens are a clean choice either way.
How do I grow organic microgreens at home?
Use certified organic seed, an organic-approved potting mix or coco coir, clean water, and no synthetic sprays or fertilizers. Most microgreens don't need any fertilizer at all.
Is organic seed better for sprouting?
Organic seed is grown without synthetic pesticides. What matters most for sprouting, though, is that the seed is sold for sprouting, tested and fresh, whether organic or not.
Written by Michael
A passionate sprouting professional sharing practical tips for growing sprouts and microgreens at home. More about Michael
Sources
- Xiao Z, Lester GE, Luo Y, Wang Q. Assessment of vitamin and carotenoid concentrations of emerging food products: edible microgreens. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2012. Link
