Pantry Microgreens: Jar vs Soil - Home Growing Guide
- pjpn19
- Jul 16, 2025
- 3 min read
Microgreens are a fantastic option for anyone who wants to grow fresh, healthy food without needing an outdoor garden or a large indoor setup. At PJ’s Plants and Nutrition, we’re all about making gardening simple, fun, and accessible — whether you're just starting out or already have a green thumb.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through two easy methods for growing microgreens at home: the jar sprouting and the soil tray methods. With just a few pantry staples, you can turn everyday seeds into nutrient-packed superfoods in less than a week. Scroll to the end for links to shop our favorite microgreen seeds and get started today!
Jar Sprouting Method
Best Seeds for Jars
Crunchy Lentils / Lentil Sprouts - Ready to Harvest when tails appear or after 2–4 days
Garbanzo (Chickpeas) - Ready to Harvest in 3–5 days
Soybeans - Ready to Harvest in
4–6 days
Crunchy Chia - Ready to Harvest in
8–12 days
Step-by-Step:
Add the recommended amount of seeds to a mason jar
Soak overnight (6–12 hrs).
Drain and position the jar at a 45-degree angle.
Rinse & drain twice daily.
Harvest (Make sure to consult the recommended harvesting time.
Lighting
Jar Method (Sprouts)
Goal: Germinate seeds and grow short tails or baby shoots.
Indirect light is all you need — think ambient daylight on a kitchen counter
No direct sun, which can cause overheating or drying
Optional: Keep in the dark (cabinet or shaded spot) for the first 1–3 days to encourage sprouting, then move to indirect light once tails emerge
Sprouts don’t need to green up — you're mostly eating the root/tail stage
Seed | Soak Time | Harvest Time | Notes |
Lentils (All) | 8–12 hrs | 2–4 days | Rinse 2x/day after soaking |
Garbanzo Beans | 8–12 hrs | 3–5 days | Plump and hearty sprouts |
Soybeans | 8–12 hrs | 4–6 days | Needs good airflow |
Crunchy Lentils | 8–12 hrs | 2–4 days | Super quick, crunchy snack |
Chia (Black) | Do not soak | 8–12 days | Mucilaginous – use a terracotta tray, misting only |
Soil Tray Method (10×20 Flats)
(Excellent for broccoli, radish, pea sprouts, salad mix, clover)
Best Seeds for Soil
Broccoli - Ready to Harvest in 6–10 days
Radish - Ready to Harvest in 5–7 days
Pea (Sprouting) - Ready to Harvest in
8–12 days
3-Part Salad Mix - Ready to Harvest in
6–10 days
Clover - Ready to Harvest in 5–7 days
Step-by-Step:
Fill a 10×20 tray with 1–1.5″ organic
potting mix.
Pre-soak seeds like peas (6–8 hrs); others don’t require soaking.
Scatter seeds evenly; do not cover with soil.
Mist thoroughly and blackout cover for 2–3 days.
Once sprouts show, remove the cover and place under light.
Mist daily; bottom-watering optional.
Harvest with scissors when greens are 2–3″ tall.
Lighting
Soil Tray Method (Microgreens)
Goal: Grow upright baby greens with full cotyledons (first leaves) and color
Put under lighting after seeds have been in complete darkness for 2-3 days
Needs bright, direct, or artificial light once germination is complete (usually Day 3)
A south-facing window, an LED grow light, or a fluorescent shop light 4–6 inches above the canopy works well
12–16 hours per day is ideal for lush, vibrant growth
Weak light = pale, leggy microgreens
For strong stems and color, light is crucial starting Day 3 or 4
Seed | Pre-Soak | Harvest Time | Notes |
Broccoli | Optional | 6–10 days | Mild, nutrient-dense |
Radish | No | 5–7 days | Spicy kick, easy grower |
Pea (Sprouting) | Yes (6–8 hrs) | 8–12 days | Sweet shoots, trellis not needed |
3-Part Salad Mix | No | 6–10 days | Balanced texture and flavor |
Clover | No | 5–7 days | Light & tender, great filler |
Tips for Both Methods
Clean jars & trays before use.
Prefer filtered water at room temperature.
Avoid mold, drain well, and allow airflow.
Harvest with clean scissors; store in sealed containers in the fridge for 4–7 days.
Jar Sprouts | Indirect/ambient | After soaking (Day 1–2) | Avoid full sun |
Soil Microgreens | Bright direct / LED | After the blackout (~Day 3) | Use 12–16 hrs/day |
Whether you’re sprouting seeds in a jar on your windowsill or growing vibrant greens in a soil tray, microgreens are a fast, rewarding way to connect with your food and your health. With just a bit of light, water, and the right seeds, you can harvest fresh, nutrient-rich greens in as little as 3–7 days!
And now’s the perfect time to get started — our entire microgreen seed line is on sale with free shipping! You’ll find the link to shop our favorite pantry-ready seeds below.
🌱 Happy sprouting from all of us at PJ’s Plants and Nutrition!
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