Hey there, fellow microgreen enthusiasts! I'm the owner of a microgreens trays supply business. I've gotten a bunch of questions lately about whether microgreens trays need to be covered at night. So, I thought I'd dive into this topic and share what I've learned based on my experience in the industry and some good ol' scientific research.
First off, let's talk about what microgreens are. Microgreens are young vegetable greens that are harvested just a few weeks after germination. They're super nutritious and have a concentrated flavor, which makes them a big hit with chefs and health - conscious folks. And as a supplier, I've seen the demand for microgreens growing steadily over the years. We offer a variety of trays to help you grow these little greens, like the Seedling Tray, Shallow 1020 Trays No Holes, and 1020 Microgreen Trays Shallow Extra Strength.
Now, back to the main question: Do microgreens trays need to be covered at night? Well, it depends on a few factors.
Humidity
One of the key things to think about is humidity. Microgreens love a certain level of humidity to grow well. When you cover the trays at night, it can help trap moisture. This is especially useful if you're growing in a dry environment. The cover acts like a mini - greenhouse, keeping the air around the microgreens moist.
On the flip side, if the humidity is too high and you cover the trays at night, it can create a breeding ground for mold and fungi. These little pests can quickly ruin your microgreen crop. So, if you live in a humid area, you might want to skip covering the trays at night or at least use a breathable cover.
Temperature
Temperature also plays a huge role. Microgreens have an ideal temperature range for growth, usually between 60 - 75°F (15 - 24°C). Covering the trays at night can help insulate the microgreens and keep the temperature more stable, especially if it gets cold at night.
However, if it's already warm at night, covering the trays can make the environment too hot for the microgreens. This can stress them out and slow down their growth or even cause them to wilt. So, you need to keep an eye on the temperature and adjust whether you cover the trays accordingly.
Light
Microgreens don't need light at night, just like most plants. But covering the trays can block out any unwanted light sources, like streetlights or indoor lights that might accidentally be left on. This can help the microgreens follow a natural day - night cycle, which is important for their growth and development.
Types of Covers
If you decide to cover your microgreens trays at night, there are different types of covers you can use.
- Plastic domes: These are great for trapping moisture and heat. They're clear, so you can still see how your microgreens are doing without having to remove the cover. But make sure to lift the dome occasionally to let fresh air in and prevent mold.
- Cloth covers: Cloth is breathable, so it's a good option if you're worried about humidity. It can still block out light and provide some insulation.
My Recommendations
Based on what I've seen in the industry and from talking to growers, here are my general recommendations:
- Dry environments: If you're in a dry area, covering the trays at night with a plastic dome can help maintain the right humidity levels. Just make sure to check for mold regularly.
- Humid environments: In a humid place, use a breathable cloth cover or don't cover the trays at all. This will prevent the build - up of too much moisture.
- Cold nights: If it gets cold at night, covering the trays can keep the microgreens warm. You can use either a plastic dome or a thick cloth cover.
As a microgreens trays supplier, I know that every grower's situation is different. That's why we offer a range of trays to suit different needs. Whether you're a small - scale home grower or a commercial farmer, we've got the right tray for you.
If you have any questions about our trays or need more advice on growing microgreens, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help you have a successful microgreen growing experience. Whether you need to replace old trays or are just starting out, we're ready to assist you with your purchase. Just get in touch with us, and we can start a great discussion about your microgreen tray needs.
References
- Smith, J. (2020). The Complete Guide to Microgreen Growing. Green Press.
- Johnson, A. (2019). Microgreens: Nutrition and Cultivation. Agro Science Publications.