Cutting Wet Microgreens? Don’t! Dos and Don’ts for Watering Pre-Harvest
Introduction
Microgreens require consistent moisture throughout their rapid growth cycle. But properly timing that water right before harvest is crucial. Soaking your microgreens with water too soon before cutting can diminish the quality and shelf life. Follow these tips to hydrate your crops correctly before and after harvesting.
Why You Shouldn’t Water Right Before Harvesting
It’s tempting to give your microgreens a last big drink before their time gets cut short. However, this causes a few problems:
- Wet microgreens are more delicate and prone to damage when handling.
- Extra moisture accelerates spoilage, decay, and mold after cutting.
- Excess water can leach nutrients from the plants as microgreens sit.
- Overly hydrated stems and leaves lack rigidity for transportation.
For the highest quality crops, allow microgreens to use up their last bits of moisture before harvesting.
When to Stop Watering Before Cutting
Ideally, watering should cease around 24 before cutting your microgreens. This varies slightly by factors like greens variety, climate, and growing medium. But in general:
- Stop overhead watering at least 36 hours pre-harvest.
- Cease bottom watering trays 24 hours before cutting.
- Allow plant canopy to nearly dry out for easy cutting.
- Time your final drink so microgreens are hydrated but not soaked.
Alternative Ways to Hydrate Pre-Harvest
Instead of direct watering right before harvest, use these approaches:
- Bottom water very lightly 1-day pre-cut to supplement moisture.
- Use a humidifier to add ambient moisture to your growing area.
Each of these gentle options avoids over-hydration issues.
Best Post-Cut Watering Practices
After harvesting your microgreens, it is preferred that you do not wash them or expose to moisture until they are ready to be eaten.
- Dry them slightly by allowing a fan to blow cool air across them as you harvest the tray.
- Store them in an enclosed container in a cool area, such as the refrigerator.
- Temperatures around 38 to 45 are ideal for a 2-week shelf life, avoid freezing them though.
Proper post-harvest watering preserves freshness and extends shelf life without soaking your freshly cut greens.
Conclusion
Timing your final microgreens watering correctly before harvesting and providing gentle hydration after cutting is an art form. But master it, and you’ll be rewarded with optimal quality and yields batch after batch. Stick to these best practices when the time comes to cut down your bountiful microgreens.
