🌱 Introduction
Microgreens are easy to grow, but like any crop, they sometimes run into problems. If your trays look weak, mouldy, or uneven, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Almost every beginner faces these issues at some point.
The good news? Most microgreen problems are simple to fix once you know what’s causing them. In this guide, we’ll cover the most common microgreen growing problems and show you how to troubleshoot them step by step.
⚠️ Problem 1: Mould or Fuzzy Growth
Symptoms:
White, fuzzy patches on soil or stems.
Musty smell.
Greens collapse or rot.
Causes:
Overwatering or poor drainage.
Lack of airflow.
Seeds sown too densely.
Fix:
Improve ventilation with a fan.
Water less frequently and avoid soggy soil.
Space seeds evenly to allow airflow.
Use a hydrogen peroxide spray (diluted 3%) as a natural antifungal.
⚠️ Problem 2: Leggy or Weak Microgreens
Symptoms:
Tall, thin stems that flop over.
Pale or yellowish leaves.
Causes:
Insufficient light.
Lights placed too far away.
Overcrowded trays.
Fix:
Provide 12–16 hours of strong light daily (sunlight or grow lights).
Keep lights 6–12 inches above trays.
Thin out overcrowded seedlings.
⚠️ Problem 3: Uneven Germination
Symptoms:
Some seeds sprout quickly, others don’t sprout at all.
Patchy tray growth.
Causes:
Uneven seed distribution.
Inconsistent moisture during germination.
Different seed types mixed in one tray.
Fix:
Scatter seeds evenly across the tray.
Keep soil consistently moist (use a mist spray).
Cover tray with a lid or another tray during germination phase.
Avoid mixing seeds with very different germination times.
⚠️ Problem 4: Yellow or Pale Microgreens
Symptoms:
Leaves stay yellow after germination.
Plants look weak and dull.
Causes:
Lack of light after sprouting.
Extended blackout period.
Fix:
Move trays under light immediately after sprouts emerge.
Use grow lights if natural light isn’t sufficient.
Provide at least 12 hours of daily light for deep green color.
⚠️ Problem 5: Slow Growth or Stunted Microgreens
Symptoms:
Greens grow very slowly.
Tiny leaves, short stems, low yield.
Causes:
Old or poor-quality seeds.
Growing medium lacks nutrients.
Cold temperatures.
Fix:
Always use fresh, high-quality microgreen seeds.
Ensure proper room temperature (18–24°C / 65–75°F).
Try a richer growing medium or organic compost.
⚠️ Problem 6: Microgreens Falling Over
Symptoms:
Plants collapse before harvest.
Weak stems, tangled mess.
Causes:
Overcrowding.
Poor light exposure.
Overwatering.
Fix:
Space seeds evenly when sowing.
Use strong light close to trays.
Water from below (bottom watering) to avoid soggy stems.
⚠️ Problem 7: Bitter or Off Taste
Symptoms:
Microgreens taste too bitter or bland.
Causes:
Harvested too late.
Stress from poor light or irregular watering.
Fix:
Harvest when first true leaves appear (usually 7–14 days).
Ensure consistent care (light, water, airflow).
🌿 Quick Troubleshooting Checklist
✅ Use fresh, high-quality seeds.
✅ Provide good airflow with a small fan.
✅ Water gently and avoid soggy soil.
✅ Keep grow lights 6–12 inches away for strong growth.
✅ Maintain room temperature 18–24°C (65–75°F).
✅ Harvest on time for best taste and nutrition.
🌟 Conclusion
Growing microgreens is simple once you master the basics, but even experienced growers face mould, legginess, or uneven trays sometimes. The key is to observe your plants closely and make small adjustments in light, water, or airflow.
At Sproutful Snacks, we believe anyone can grow fresh, nutrient-packed microgreens at home. With this troubleshooting guide, you’ll be able to fix common issues quickly and enjoy a steady supply of vibrant greens all year round. 🌱💚