As city dwellers become more invested in healthy eating and sustainable living, the trend of growing microgreens indoors has seen a significant upswing. Microgreens are young vegetable greens that fall between sprouts and baby leaf vegetables in the growth cycle, typically harvested just after the first leaves have developed. They are highly nutritious, easy to grow, and can be cultivated in small spaces, making them perfect for indoor gardening. Here are 11 easy crops for those looking to get started on their microgreen journey.

1.Radish Microgreens – Radishes are one of the fastest-growing microgreens with a spicy flavor and a crunch that adds a kick to salads and sandwiches.

2.Sunflower Shoots – With their nutty taste, these substantial microgreens make a great base for any microgreen salad and are packed with protein.

3.Pea Shoots – Mildly sweet and crunchy, pea shoots can be harvested when they’re 4-6 inches long and are excellent in salads or as a garnish.

4.Broccoli Microgreens – Broccoli microgreens are rich in sulforaphane, an antioxidant with powerful health benefits, and they add a fresh, mild flavor to any dish.

5.Arugula Microgreens – Arugula microgreens have a peppery flavor similar to the mature leaves and spice up any blend of greens.

6.Red Cabbage – Known for their vibrant purple color, these microgreens add a pop of color along with a slightly sweet flavor to your dishes.

7.Mustard Greens – With their spicy mustard taste, these greens can add zing to sandwiches or salads much like Dijon mustard would.

8.Kale Microgreens – Kale is not just trendy as a mature leafy green; its younger version delivers a concentrated dose of nutrients along with a mild, cabbage-like flavor.

9.Beet Greens – Beet microgreens offer an earthy flavor and extraordinary red stems that stand out visually and taste-wise in mixed green salads.

10.Swiss Chard – Swiss chard microgreens provide bright yellow and red stems that bring a beet-like taste and crunchiness to dishes.

11.Basil Microgreens – The intense aroma of basil is not lost in its miniature form; basil microgreens bring robust Italian flavors to pestos, salads, and more.

Growing these crops indoors requires minimal setup: shallow containers, potting mix (or specially designed microgreen mats), suitable seeds, water, and adequate light— either natural or from grow lights. Most of these can be harvested within two to three weeks after planting and can be grown year-round for continuous yield. Starting an indoor garden with these easy-to-grow varieties yields not just fresh produce but also the joy of cultivating food right on your windowsill or kitchen counter.