As temperatures soar into the hundreds, it may seem impossible to keep an edible garden alive and thriving here in central Texas.
However don't let the summer climate discourage your green thumb. Thankfully we can grow vegetables without needing to brave the sweltering conditions. . . by gardening indoors.
Here’s a two-part strategy to grow microgreens and mushrooms, and to keep the harvests coming throughout the summer months.
____________________________________
Microgreens are the tender, young shoots of vegetables and herbs that pack a punch of flavor and nutrition. My go-to greens are peas, radish and broccoli, but there are so many more options.
They are easy to grow with minimal infrastructure, and on average take just ten to fourteen days from seed to harvest.
For success, the trick is to have adequate airflow. If your seed trays are too wet, mold will build up and it can ruin your crop.
To prevent this, use a small fan to blow air towards the surface of the trays while the little plants are growing.
In addition you can gently wash your seeds with water and a clean cloth to help prevent these issues.
I use a nursery seed tray outfitted with twine that hangs into a reservoir of water. On top of that is a layer of coconut coir, my preferred growing medium. (Coir, pronounced COY-er, comes from the fibrous husks of the inner shell of coconuts.)
Sow densely and make sure your seeds are damp, and in complete darkness for a few days to encourage straight, upright stems.
After three to four days you should see some 2-inch sprouts. You are now ready to move them to a light source and they’ll begin to take up water from the twine wicking system.
(To get a better idea of the whole process, visit my micro-green video on Central Texas Gardener:
CTG)
To add an extra layer of deliciousness to your indoor garden, why not explore the wonders of gourmet mushroom cultivation?
These blocks can remove most of the hassle. For the easiest experience, I recommend Blue Oyster mushrooms (pictured above). If you want more of a challenge, then look for Lion's Mane. There are many more mushrooms that you can find and grow at home through this program:
Mushroom Blocks
For success, mushrooms need three things:
1. Light. About as much as a small herb plant would require.
2. Fresh air circulation. They take in oxygen and give off carbon dioxide. . . like us.
3. Humidity. Aim for eighty to ninety percent. To do this, place the blocks in a clear plastic storage container known as a monotub. Cut holes for air to move in and out, spray the inside often with a spray bottle to generate humidity, and keep the tub where it will receive light.
This method is affordable to set up and will have you growing gorgeous gourmet goodies consistently.
____________________________________
It’s important to give both of these strategies adequate conditions for success. For microgreens, note this method involves a lot of moisture and densely packed seeds, inviting molds and fungal issues without air circulation.
Mushroom blocks will also quickly develop molds if you don’t give them enough fresh air exchange and humidity.
With this two-part strategy of microgreens and mushrooms, you can continue to nurture your green thumb, even in the comfort of your own home. ❦
Austin Davenport is a long-time gardener and avid seeker of knowledge in the central Texas gardening scene. Through volunteer farming and outreach, he actively pursues ways to improve the local food system.
