How to grow organic nettle microgreens

Nettle microgreens have a mild, earthy flavour and can be used in a variety of dishes and enhance the nutritional content. Nettles have high nutrient value and contain many vitamins such as C, D, A, K, magnesium and is higher in Iron than spinach.

Stinging Nettles are well-known for the fine hairs that can sting or cause irritation when touched, but microgreens are typically harvested in the very early stages of growth and in most cases the hairs have not developed yet. However, we do advise you handle with care, and cooking or blanching will eliminate the stinging effect.

• Sprinkle the seeds over a tray of compost and press down gently.
• Cover with a fine layer of compost. It is advisable to use a micro biologically tested compost such as Klassmanns Peat Free Seed Compost to ensure there are no pathogens present.
• Keep the compost moist (but not soaking).
• Best kept at a steady temperature of about 20C°,
• You should see signs of germination after a couple of days. Cut after about ten days or once baby leaves have developed the desired size.

Harvesting and using your nettle microgreens

When you are happy with your crop then cut your nettle greens close to the compost and gently rinse off any compost. If you feel they are getting too big they can all be harvested all together and stored in a container in the fridge to keep fresh.