Stop Mold in its Tracks: Top Tips for Mold-Free Microgreens!
- Erik Est
- Apr 30, 2023
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 30, 2023
As a Farmer, I understand the importance of healthy, mold-free microgreens in sustainable farming. In this post, I will share my top tips for preventing mold from growing on your microgreens.
Understanding the Importance of Mold-Free Microgreens
The Benefits of Microgreens
Microgreens are nutrient-dense, flavorful, and easy to grow. They are an essential component of any sustainable farming practice, whether grown for personal consumption or commercial purposes. However, when mold develops on microgreens, it can ruin the entire crop, leading to wasted time, effort, and resources. That's why it's essential to prevent mold growth in your microgreens.
The Dangers of Mold
Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in warm and moist environments. It can quickly spread and cause respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and other health problems. In addition, moldy microgreens are unsightly and can lead to the loss of customers and profits for commercial growers. Therefore, it's vital to take steps to prevent mold growth on your microgreens.
What is Mold?
It's a form of fungus known as mold develops in multicellular filaments known as hyphae. Hyphae resemble structures that are hollow and threadlike. These hyphae intertwine to form a mass termed the mycelium, which gives mold its spiderweb-like appearance.
Over 1.5 million different species of fungi are thought to exist in the world. The majority of macrofungi, or saprophytic fungi, are the form of mold most frequently found on microgreens and other plants. This kind of mold has a white, fuzzy exterior and exudes enzymes to digest plant matter. According to Lucca (2007), saprophytic fungi are not harmful to people or animals.
Because the fungus and microgreens compete for nutrients, it may have a negative effect on the growth of your plants. Both above and below the soil or growing medium's surface, this occurs. According to Lucca (2007), some species of mold are phytopathogenic, contagious, or even release poisons that are dangerous to both people and animals.
Mold vs Root Hairs
First, Verify that you are not seeing root hairs before concluding that your microgreens are moldy. Mold will resemble a spiderweb. On the other hand, root hairs resemble tiny, fluffly hairs that are emerging from the stems of your microgreens.
It could take a thorough inspection to determine whether your microgreens have a mold infestation or are developing root hairs. There are a few things you may try to determine whether your microgreens have a mold issue if you are still unsure whether you are seeing mold or root hairs. Try Water from the top with a spray bottle. If the hairs disappear then it's a possibility they were root hairs, If the fuzzy white web remains then it's mold. Are you still unsure? then wait a few days to see if your plants are healthy. when they start to look weak then discard them and start over.
Other Signs that Mold May Be Present in Your Microgreens
A musty smell is a clear sign that your plants have a mold infection. Mold is slimy as well.
The likelihood that the white, fuzzy substance in issue is mold increases if it covers multiple stems. To prevent future contamination, consider pulling out the stems if the mold is just covering a few of them. Then fix any more problems.
Mold on microgreens can be caused by several factors, including:
Excessive moisture:
Overwatering or high humidity can create a moist environment that promotes mold growth. To grow, mold needs moisture. Even though microgreens require water to grow, it's crucial to avoid overwatering. Microgreens need daily watering because their roots are shallow. The ground should be damp but not soggy. The dirt should not feel muddy but rather spongy when you put your fingers into it.
If you're hydroponically cultivating microgreens, make sure the growing pads are soaked when the seeds are germinating. However, the growing pad should only be damp once the microgreens are exposed. Refill the water in the tray's bottom if the growing pad becomes dry. In addition to improper drainage, too much humidity can encourage the formation of algae. Consider buying a dehumidifier if you reside in a humid environment. Dehumidifier settings should be 50–60%.
Consider lowering the planting density (number of seeds per tray) if you live in a humid environment and are growing your microgreens outside to prevent mold growth.
Poor air circulation:
Stagnant air can lead to increased moisture levels and create a favorable environment for mold growth. Start out by putting fans close to the growth tray for microgreens. This will increase the air circulation over the canopy, increasing airflow will lower humidity. Be careful, fans can blow mold spores to other growing trays, so it's crucial to be vigilant spotting mold growth. Remove that tray immediately or you will have a larger problem and lose the entire grow.
Contaminated seeds:
Seeds that are contaminated with mold spores can cause mold growth on your microgreens. We suggest you Sanitize your seeds before sowing. Combine 4 tablespoons of white vinegar and 4 tablespoons of food-grade hydrogen peroxide in a quart of water to sanitize your seeds. After that, let your seeds soak in the mixture for 10 minutes.
You can also use grapefruit extract as a substitute. A strong disinfectant is grapefruit extract. Add two drops to a quart of water and use the solution to sterilize seeds. After that, let your seeds soak in the mixture for 10 minutes.
Improper sanitation:
Failing to sanitize your equipment or growing area can introduce mold spores into your microgreens. It is important to use a sterile growing medium if you are growing your microgreens hydroponically. If you are planting your microgreens in soil, use potting soil from a bag rather than from your yard.
To prevent mold growth, make sure you clean the containers you will use to grow microgreens. This will prevent any bacteria or microbes from infecting your next batch of microgreens.
To sterilize your growing trays, clean them with warm, soapy water. Then spray them with food-grade hydrogen peroxide, and let it sit for 20 minutes. Then rinse the growing tray and dry it off with a clean cloth.
Temperature:
Microgreens are typically grown in warm and humid conditions, which can also encourage mold growth if not properly controlled. Microgreens prefer to grow in temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees F. be sure to keep the Humidity levels between 50 and 60%. This should ensure a healthy grow environment and prevent mold from growing due to improper temps.
Tips for Preventing Mold on Microgreens
Cleanliness is Key
The first step to preventing mold growth on microgreens is to maintain a clean growing environment. Ensure that your trays, tools, and growing media are free from dirt, debris, and other contaminants. Also, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before handling microgreens to prevent the spread of mold spores.
Proper Ventilation:
Microgreens need proper ventilation to prevent the buildup of moisture that can lead to mold growth. Ensure that your growing space has proper airflow and ventilation to keep your microgreens dry and healthy.
Humidity Control:
High humidity levels can promote mold growth, so it's essential to keep your
microgreens in a dry environment. If you live in a humid area, consider investing in a dehumidifier to keep the air dry and prevent mold growth.
Choosing the Right Growing Medium:
The growing medium you choose can also impact mold growth on microgreens. Some media are more susceptible to mold than others, such as peat moss or coir. Consider using sterile potting mix or another mold-resistant medium to keep your microgreens healthy and mold-free.
Stop Over Seeeding:
Overseeding can also make mold growth worse because as the plants grow, the higher density of stems can cause poor air circulation. Overseeding makes microgreens particularly susceptible to mold in hot and humid conditions. During the summer, it may be a good idea to reduce the planting density of your microgreens by up to 50%.
Conclusion:
Growing microgreens can be a rewarding and sustainable activity, but mold growth can quickly ruin your crop. By following these tips, you can prevent mold growth on your microgreens and enjoy healthy and delicious greens year-round. Remember, cleanliness, proper ventilation, humidity control, and the right growing medium are all essential factors in preventing mold growth on microgreens.
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