Learn to grow Microgreens with Tim Smith and Lisa Evans, co-founders of We Grow Microgreens, LLC. Microgreens are tender, edible seedlings of vegetables and herbs grown to the cotyledons (seed leaves) or first true leaf stages. In comparison to their mature plant counterparts, microgreens provide approximately five times more vitamins and carotenoids. Unlike sprouts, microgreens are grown in soil and only the stem and the leaves are eaten not the root as is done with sprouts. Similar to sprouts, they are valued for their high nutritional value. Microgreens can provide strong flavors, bright colors and interesting textures as garnishes for salads or entrees. Students will grow samples of Radish, Broccoli, Pea, Sunflower and Amaranth microgreens and wheat grass. The growth cycle of each microgreen will be observed and discussed. You learn about the nutrient properties and health benefits of microgreens and each microgreen will be tasted. Students will take home one tray with eight small live containers of microgreen growing samples. The Tower Hill Botanic Garden class will take place November 3 from 12:30 – 3:30 and is $55 for Tower Hill members, $69 for nonmembers. Register at www.towerhillbg.org.
We Grow Microgreens, LLC, founded by urban growers Lisa Evans and Tim Smith, specializes in growing highly nutritious microgreens using sustainable growing practices. Their greenhouse is in the Roslindale neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts. After four years of working with the City of Boston, they are expanding their farm to Hyde Park. Evans experienced the benefits of eating primarily a microgreen diet at the Hippocrates Health Institute and became fascinated with the curative properties of the tender greens. Smith is an urban gardener who has won local awards for various produce. They use potting soil as a growing medium, natural sunlight and try to find organically sourced seeds. After harvest, the soil is composted thereby creating minimal waste. We Grow Microgreens has been featured on WBZ TV, The Boston Globe, Edible Boston, and Ask This Old House.
