Countertop Harvest
By the Countertop Harvest team · Last updated
We may earn a commission from links on this page. Full disclosure below.
Microgreens are the fastest win in indoor growing. You sow seeds thickly, keep them damp, and in about one to two weeks you're snipping tiny greens for salads, eggs and sandwiches. Sprouts are even quicker: rinsed in a jar, many are ready in a few days. No big setup, no garden, just a corner of the counter.
Sprouts vs microgreens
| Sprouts | Microgreens | |
|---|---|---|
| Grown in | A jar, rinsed with water | A shallow tray of mix or a grow mat |
| Ready in | About 2 to 7 days, depending on the seed | About 7 to 14 days |
| You eat | Seed, root and shoot | Stems and first leaves, cut above the soil |
| Light | Not much needed | A bright window or small grow light |
Seeds and kits we'd start with
| Option | Price (Oct 2026) | What you get | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sprouts/Microgreens Variety Pack | $34.99 | 5 sprouting varieties | Seeds only |
| Micro-Greens & Sprouts Seed Bank | $69.99 | 6 sprouting varieties | Large glass mason jar and sprouting lid |
| Broccoli sprouting seeds | from $4.99 | Sampler pack of 2,000+ seeds | Bigger bags up to 1 lb |
| Black oil sunflower | from $4.99 | Sampler pack | Bigger bags up to 1 lb |
| Rambo red radish | from $4.99 | Sampler pack, about 450 seeds | Bigger bags up to 1 lb |
Prices and contents from SeedsNow product pages, checked October 18, 2026.
Micro-Greens & Sprouts Seed Bank
6 sprouting varieties plus a jar · $69.99 as of Oct 2026
What we like
- Includes a large glass mason jar and sprouting lid
- SeedsNow says sprouts can be ready in as little as 3 days
- A simple gift for a cook
Watch-outs
- The priciest way in
- For tray microgreens you still need a tray and mix
Sprouts/Microgreens Variety Pack
5 popular sprouting varieties · $34.99 as of Oct 2026
What we like
- Large seed counts, such as about 30,400 alfalfa seeds
- Zip-lock packs for storage
Watch-outs
- No jar or tray included
Broccoli sprouting seeds
Certified organic, 2 to 3 days to sprout · from $4.99 as of Oct 2026
What we like
- Sampler pack has over 2,000 seeds
- Mild flavor that goes with almost anything
Watch-outs
- A single variety
- Buy a bigger bag if you sprout weekly
How to grow microgreens on your counter
- Pick a tray. A shallow tray with drainage, about 1 to 2 inches of seed starting mix or a grow mat.
- Sow thickly. Scatter seeds so they almost touch. Press them lightly onto the surface.
- Cover for a few days. Put another tray or lid on top to keep them dark and damp while they sprout.
- Uncover and give light. Once they're up, move them to a bright window or under a grow light for 12 to 16 hours a day.
- Water from below. Pour water into a tray underneath so the tops stay dry, which helps prevent mold.
- Harvest. When the first leaves open, usually around 7 to 14 days, cut just above the soil with clean scissors.
How to sprout broccoli in a jar
- Add about 1 to 2 tablespoons of seed to a clean jar and soak in cool water for 8 to 12 hours.
- Drain through a sprouting lid or mesh, then rinse and drain again.
- Rest the jar tilted, mouth down, out of direct sun.
- Rinse and drain 2 to 3 times a day.
- When most seeds have tails and small leaves, a few days in, give them a final rinse, drain well, and refrigerate.
Easy microgreens to start with
- Radish: fast and peppery, with pretty red stems from Rambo radish.
- Sunflower: crunchy and nutty; soak the seeds first. Try black oil sunflower.
- Pea shoots: sweet and tender, and great in stir-fries. See green pea.
- Broccoli: mild and easy, as sprouts or microgreens.
Gear that helps
Microgreens make a good partner to a herb windowsill. See our best herb seed kits and best herbs to grow indoors.
Sources
- SeedsNow: Micro-Greens & Sprouts Seed Bank
- SeedsNow: Sprouts/Microgreens Variety Pack
- SeedsNow: broccoli sprouting seeds
- FDA: Selecting and serving produce safely
Frequently asked questions
How long do microgreens take to grow indoors?
Most are ready to cut in about 7 to 14 days, once the first leaves open. Sprouts grown in a jar are faster, often 2 to 7 days depending on the seed.
Do microgreens need a grow light?
They need bright light once they sprout. A sunny window can work, but a small LED grow light for 12 to 16 hours a day gives straighter, greener plants, especially in winter.
What is the difference between sprouts and microgreens?
Sprouts are germinated seeds grown in water in a jar, eaten whole in a few days. Microgreens grow in a tray of mix or a mat under light and are cut above the soil after one to two weeks.
How do you grow broccoli sprouts in a jar?
Soak 1 to 2 tablespoons of seed for 8 to 12 hours, drain, then rinse and drain 2 to 3 times a day with the jar tilted mouth down. SeedsNow lists broccoli sprouts at 2 to 3 days to maturity.
Are raw sprouts safe to eat?
Raw sprouts can carry bacteria. The FDA advises children, older adults, pregnant people and people with weakened immune systems to avoid raw sprouts. Use seed sold for sprouting and keep everything clean.