Samantha Ruth Prabhu shares easy microgreens gardening hack: How beginners can grow nutrient-rich greens at home following the actress's easy steps

Growing fresh greens at home does not always require a large garden, balcony or years of gardening experience. Actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu once showed how easily microgreens can be grown indoors using just a few basic supplies. Sharing her first harvest of cabbage microgreens on social media, Samantha explained how she used a tray, cocopeat, seeds, water and a bedroom window to grow them. Her simple method makes microgreens an appealing option for beginners looking for fresh, home-grown greens.

What are microgreens?

Microgreens are young, edible greens harvested shortly after their first leaves develop. They are different from sprouts, which are generally eaten with the seed, root and shoot. Microgreens are harvested by cutting the young shoots above the growing medium. Depending on the variety and growing conditions, they can generally be harvested within about seven to 21 days.

Cabbage, radish, mustard, kale, basil, coriander, arugula and several other vegetables and herbs can be grown as microgreens. They are small but can add colour, flavour and texture to salads, sandwiches, pizzas and other meals.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu's microgreens gardening hack

Samantha Ruth Prabhu once shared her experience of growing cabbage microgreens at home on social media. Celebrating her "first harvest of cabbage microgreens", she explained that people interested in growing their own greens need only a tray, cocopeat, seeds and a cool room with a window that allows some sunlight in.

Samantha said she used her bedroom for the process. If the tray was not receiving enough sunlight, she suggested placing a bedside lamp near it, adding that she had used this method herself. Her approach shows that growing microgreens does not necessarily require a dedicated garden. Microgreens can be grown in small spaces such as windowsills, balconies, porches and kitchen shelves.

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Samantha's step-by-step microgreens method

Samantha's home gardening routine can be summed up simply:
- Fill a tray with cocopeat, leaving some space at the top.
- Sprinkle microgreen seeds evenly over the cocopeat.
- Spray enough water to make the cocopeat completely moist.
- Cover the tray and keep it in a cool area near a window.
- Use a bedside lamp if the tray is not getting enough light.
- Leave it covered for about four days while the seeds sprout.
- Remove the cover on the fifth day.
- Spray water once every day.
- Check the growth from day to day.

Samantha said the microgreens can be ready to harvest around day eight and can be harvested up to day 14.

What should beginners remember?

The biggest advantage of microgreens is that beginners do not need to turn their home into a full-fledged garden. A small tray, suitable seeds, a growing medium, water and an appropriate spot with light can be enough to get started.

Good hygiene is important because microgreens are generally eaten raw. Use clean trays, clean water and clean equipment, and wash harvested microgreens with fresh drinking water before eating them. For a first attempt, choosing a familiar variety such as cabbage, radish or mustard can make the process easier. With their compact size and quick harvest, microgreens offer beginners a simple way to bring home gardening into even a small indoor space.

Why should you grow microgreens at home?

One of the biggest advantages is the short growing cycle. Unlike many conventional vegetables that can take weeks or months to mature, microgreens can be ready to harvest within days or a couple of weeks, depending on the variety and growing conditions. They also require very little space. A windowsill or small shelf can be enough, making them particularly convenient for people living in apartments or homes without a traditional garden.

Microgreens are also valued for their nutritional content. These are nutrient-dense greens and a source of fibre, vitamins, essential minerals and antioxidant compounds. Research has also found that some microgreens can contain higher concentrations of certain vitamins than their mature counterparts.

Growing them at home can also make fresh greens readily available. Instead of buying a large quantity and worrying about them losing freshness, you can harvest small amounts when needed. There is also the gardening experience itself.