What Are Microgreens?
You’ve probably heard the buzz about microgreens, but what exactly are they? Think of microgreens as the tiny but mighty version of your favorite vegetables—packed with vibrant flavor and bursting with nutrients, all before they’ve had a chance to grow into full-sized plants.
Harvested when they’re just a few inches tall, microgreens are at their nutritional peak, offering up to 40x more vitamins and minerals than their mature counterparts. Yep, you read that right—40x more! It’s like having a whole salad’s worth of goodness concentrated into a handful of delicate, flavorful greens.
🌿 Why Microgreens? Because Freshness Matters.
We all know veggies are essential for a healthy diet. They support your immune system, help prevent disease, and give your body the fuel it needs to thrive. But here’s the catch:
- Nutrient Loss Happens Fast. From the moment vegetables are harvested, they start losing nutrients. Add in long transport times, storage, and cooking methods that can zap up to 50% of their vitamins, and suddenly that “fresh” produce isn’t so fresh anymore.
- Industrial Farming? No Thanks. Conventional produce often relies on early harvesting, growth hormones, and chemicals to make things look fresh—even when the nutritional value isn’t there.
That’s where microgreens come in. Because they’re harvested young and often grown locally, microgreens deliver maximum nutrition with minimal processing. They skip the long supply chains, arriving fresh from the farm—sometimes harvested within 24 hours of reaching your plate.
🌱 We Grow Differently—and Intentionally
At Shindig, we don’t just grow microgreens—we cultivate them with care, purpose, and intention to ensure you’re getting the freshest, safest, and most nutrient-dense greens possible. Here’s what sets us apart:
💧 Water-Grown, Not Soil-Based
Our microgreens are grown hydroponically, meaning they thrive in pure water instead of soil. This method reduces the risk of harmful bacteria, ensures cleaner, safer greens, and allows us to control every aspect of the growing environment for optimal plant health.
🌱 Sold Alive for Maximum Freshness
Unlike most microgreen companies, we don’t pre-cut our greens. Instead, we sell them still alive and growing, so you can harvest them fresh when you’re ready to eat. This means you get:
- Peak nutrient levels—because the greens are still living until the moment you snip them
- Unmatched flavor—vibrant, crisp, and bursting with freshness
- Longer shelf life—no more wilted greens after a few days in the fridge
🏡 Locally Grown in Oakland, CA
Everything we grow comes straight from our urban farm right here in Oakland. By keeping things local, we:
- Support sustainable farming practices
- Reduce food miles, making your greens more eco-friendly
- Strengthen community resilience and local food systems
Through my research, I’ve found that no other microgreens business in the Bay Area offers living microgreens quite like this. It’s not just about what’s on your plate—it’s about giving you food that’s as fresh, nourishing, and alive as possible.
🥗 Small Size, Big Benefits
So, what makes microgreens a game-changer for your wellness routine?
✨ Nutrient Powerhouses: Each bite is loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients—all the good stuff your body craves.
✨ Easy to Eat: Unlike bulky vegetables that require chopping, cooking, or disguising, microgreens are tender, mild, and ready to eat. Just rinse, sprinkle, and enjoy.
✨ Versatile Flavors: From peppery radish to sweet pea shoots, microgreens fit seamlessly into any dish—salads, sandwiches, smoothies, soups, you name it.
✨ Eat the Whole Thing: No peeling, chopping, or waste. Stems, leaves, and all—it’s all edible and delicious.
🌍 Good for You, Good for the Planet
When you choose Shindig microgreens, you’re not just nourishing your body—you’re supporting a sustainable, local food system that’s better for the environment and your community.
So whether you’re looking to boost your health, add a pop of color to your plate, or simply enjoy the freshest greens around, microgreens are the way to go.
Grow. Cook. Share. That’s the Shindig way. 💚

How to Grow Microgreens at Home with Shindig Kits
Welcome! You’ve just taken home a Shindig DIY Microgreens Kit. In about 7–14 days, you’ll be cutting your own fresh greens to add to every meal.
No garden required. No soil. No waste. Just clean, flavorful greens—grown right in your kitchen.

What’s in Your Kit
- Reusable grow tray sets (2 - base and lid)
- Compostable coconut coir pad (4)
- Seeds (Broccoli, Leek, Salad Mix & Radish)
- Spray bottle
You’ll also need: clean water (pH of 6-6.5 is ideal - Voss & Smart Water are two bottled water brands within this range), small plate for each tray, a sunny windowsill or grow light.

Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Tray
Soak coconut coir pads in hot water overnight. Place one coconut coir pad in the tray with holes in it.
- Sow the Seeds
Sprinkle seeds evenly across the pad in a single, even layer. The smoother side of the pad is the top. Each seed pack is the perfect amount for one pad.
- Cover to Germinate
Mist well, then cover the tray with the lid placed upside down to block light. Place the microgreens on a plate so any water is not lost. Leave covered for 3-4 days until seeds sprout. Mist 2 times daily to keep the seeds and pad moist, but not soggy.
- Uncover & Add Light
Once sprouted, and leaves can't be contained by the cover, remove the cover. Place tray in indirect sunlight or under a grow light. Pour water on the plate so the roots can soak it up; no more misting at this point.
- Grow
Over the next week, watch your greens take off! Water daily so the microgreens do not dry out.
- Harvest
When microgreens are 2–3 inches tall and their first true leaves are open, snip with clean scissors just above the roots. Harvest fresh as you need them.

Tips for Success
- When microgreens are Harvest just before eating for the best flavor.
- Living trays last longer than pre-cut greens—keep them on your counter in a bright spot.
- For mold prevention: avoid over-watering and keep in a well-ventilated space.
- Once microgreens are ready to harvest, they will keep for up to one more week. Continue watering daily to ensure they stay hydrated a vibrant.

FAQs
What is that fuzzy hair at the base of my microgreens?
Great news—it’s not mold! Those tiny, hair-like strands are micro root hairs, and they help your microgreens absorb water. If you’re growing hydroponically, these are especially common and completely natural.
Check out our detailed guide: Fresh & Flavorful Microgreen Guide.
Do microgreens regrow after cutting?
Some (like peas) may regrow once, but most are one-and-done.
How long do harvested microgreens last?
About 5–7 days in a sealed container in the fridge.
What do I do with the used coir pad?
Compost it! Then replace with a fresh pad for your next tray.
Refill & Reorder
Running low on seeds or pads? Order refills anytime:
[Coming Soon!]