Growing with the MicroPod

Harvesting microgreens

Disclosure

I am not sponsored or endorsed by MicroPod or an affiliate. This review is based solely on my interest and experience in the product. At the time of purchase, their site listed it for around $39. I bought it for a higher price on Amazon for faster delivery with a date specified. Logistics!

Product description

The MicroPod hydroponic planter is designed for effortless microgreen growth. It consists of a basin and a pinwheel-like disc with shaped grooves that expose seeds from both below and above. Made from durable, recyclable ABS, the disc has a sturdy but crisp, lightweight feel due to its engineering. The planter measures 7.5 inches (19 cm) in diameter and 1.5 inches (4 cm) in height, with the base also crafted from ABS. Instructions are straightforward: seed, expose to water, wait for growth, and harvest.

Growing microgreens

I've been growing microgreens for about six and a half months. This product suits me perfectly due to its features and functionality. The engineered grates are impressive; their angled openness allows roots to immerse in water, feed, and sprout effectively and fully. Since the roots do not attach to the planter, cleaning is extremely easy.

After experimenting with the amount of seeds, I now use fewer since they plump when soaked. I prefer having the seeds with more access to water before they sprout.

Harvesting challenges

The only drawback has been finding an easy way to harvest and cut above the roots. I’m still trying to discover a more efficient method. I’ve tried lifting them up and cutting the roots off, as well as keeping them on the base and cutting. The prior is recommended because cutting without damaging the remaining microgreens is challenging when they get in the way of the sheers.

Growing and harvesting experience

It's definitely fun to seed, watch them grow, and harvest. I have been growing the Nature Jims Sprouts Organic Salad Mix, which was an easy decision.

Design and aesthetics

The design of the engineered grates function well. The slats hold the seeds securely without bound support. The MicroPod has a neat, slightly Japanese, highly industrial aesthetic. However, I am partial to modernist and industrial aesthetics. This is not a cuddly, organic object. The look and feel are minimal, accentuating the microgreens' natural beauty. When the microgreens start to sprout and grow tall, the planter and sprouts are beautiful together.

Additional UV lighting

I use a full-spectrum UV light to grow the sprouts since they are far from natural sunlight. An inexpensive UV light from Amazon works extremely well. The light is approximately 9.5 inches above the disc where the microgreens grow.

The light, from China, has an automatic timer set to 4, 8, or 12-hour intervals. Initially, I thought it was defective because it would turn off before 12 hours. However, the 8-hour setting functioned properly, and I realized the timer was "reversed." So, the 4-hour setting provides 12-hour illumination. Mystery solved without returning the light to Amazon and growing delays.

Harvesting and washing

Harvesting by cutting and separating the stalks from the roots is time-consuming. Washing the microgreens is problematic because you don’t want them going down the sink. Separating the seeds from the greens is tedious, and I haven’t found an efficient method. I usually dump the greens into a reservoir and strain them, picking out the soft seed skins by hand, which is quite time-consuming.

Mold and cleaning

I haven’t had any problems with mold, though occasionally, there is some minor clear slime in the reservoir when the disc is lifted. This isn't alarming since the water has stagnated for about 10 days. Some research suggested disinfecting the planter with a mild hydrogen peroxide solution, but I forgot to purchase it. However, I thoroughly clean both parts.

Conclusion

I like the setup so much that I am considering getting a second one to grow different crops like radish or broccoli. I truly love and am very happy with my MicroPod. Watching the microgreens grow is fun and beautiful. It makes me feel like an urban kitchen farmer (joke intended). I have the light on a 12-hour cycle, which is an encouraging "good morning world" greeting with cute greens sprouting.