Grow Your Own Pea Shoot Microgreens 

Pea shoots, the delicate young leaves and stems of the pea plant, are not only a culinary delight but also a fantastic choice for indoor gardening. Their sweet flavor and crisp texture make them a popular addition to salads, sandwiches, and stir-fries. This guide will walk you through the essential steps and expert tips for cultivating these nutritious greens in your home, ensuring a successful and rewarding gardening experience.

 Equipment needed

The only absently necessary supplys to grow is a tray and seeds. With the right tray, you can even grow pea shoots without soil.

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Microgreens Grow Trays

The Microgreens Growing Kit Trays from EBaokuup are designed for easy indoor cultivation of pea shoots adn can be used both with or without soil. Its made from BPA-free, non-toxic PP material, and these trays allow you to sprout the seeds in a healthy growing environment.

The double-deck design features an inner tray that can be easily removed, providing excellent breathability for faster seed growth. The trays are dishwasher safe, simplifying the cleanup process.

You can order a 5 pack for a good price at Amazon here

What is needed	How to
Germination Time	5 to 10 days
Harvest Time	7 to 14 days after planting
Light Requirement	Bright, indirect sunlight or full spectrum growlighs
Watering Frequency	Daily misting or when the soil feels dry

Step-by-Step Guide to grow Pea Shoots

1. Getting Seeds Select high-quality dried peas that are suitable for sprouting.  You can use regular paes form the store to get started on growing. If you buy pea seeds its important to find seed thats not treated with any pectcide. The back to the roots organic seeds clean seeds that can be used for indoor microgreens:

You can order the back to the roots organic seeds at Amazon here

Step-by-Step Guide for growing

Soak the peas in cool water for 8 to 12 hours. This crucial step helps to soften the seed coat and encourages sprouting.

Rinse the seeds thoroughly and drain them well. Repeat this rinsing process twice daily to keep the seeds moist and promote healthy growth.

Sprouting

Fill a shallow container with nutrient-rich potting soil or a suitable growing medium like coconut coir. Ensure that the medium has good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can harm the roots. Personally I prefer coco as growing medium, you can read more on coco coir growing medium in this post.

Distribute the soaked seeds across the surface of the growing medium or grow them in water.

Light

A light misting of water every few days helps create a humid environment conducive to growth.

Position your container on a sunny windowsill or under grow lights.

Pea shoots thrive in bright, indirect sunlight, which is essential for robust growth and flavor development.  

Led grow lights are cost effective to use for lightning if your not able to use a windshell or grow outside in the summer.

LED Lighting from Bloom Lume

Transform your indoor garden with Bloom Lume’s full-spectrum LED lighs.They are designed to replicate natural sunlight and boost photosynthesis. The  lights come with a robust clamp and flexible gooseneck, allowing effortless adjustments.   You can effortlessly manage the setup with the Power button, toggling between tubes or using them solo. You can adjust brightness across 10 levels with the Dimmer button, and schedule light durations of 5, 10, or 15 hours using the Timer feature.

Order the Bloom Lume grow light at Amazon here

Harvesting

Harvest your Shoots After approximately 7 to 14 days, when the shoots reach a height of 2-3 inches, they are ready for harvest. Use clean scissors to cut the shoots just above the soil line, ensuring a clean cut for continued growth.

Expert tips

• Maintain consistent moisture in the soil, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
• Rotate your growing containers periodically to ensure even light exposure and prevent leaning.
• Consider using organic fertilizers to boost growth if desired, but be cautious not to over-fertilize.
• After harvesting, compost the soil and roots to enrich your garden soil for future planting.

Pro and cons of growing the greens at home

Pros	Cons
Quick growth cycle, you can harvest in as little as 7 days.	Short shelf life: Best consumed fresh, as they wilt quickly.
Minimal space required, making it ideal for small apartments or kitchens.	Requires consistent care: Needs regular watering and light.
Rich in nutrients	Limited yield: May not provide enough for larger households.
Easy to grow, perfect for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.

Nutritional Benefits of Pea Shoots

Pea shoots are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of their nutritional profile:

Nutrient	Amount per 100g
Calories	73 kcal
Protein	5.5 g
Fat	0.4 g
Carbohydrates	13.5 g
Fiber	2.5 g
Vitamin C	60 mg
Vitamin A	1,200 IU
Iron	1.5 mg

Anti-inflammatory benifits
Pea microgreens contain numerous antioxidants and phytonutrients that can support your body’s immune system and reduce inflammation. They are rich in vitamins C, D, K, and even A, ensuring that your immune system and other bodily functions operate at peak efficiency.

Blood sugar
Pea microgreens contain a variety of nutrients that have been shown to help reduce blood sugar levels. This makes them a valuable addition to any diet plan, especially if you’re trying to prevent diabetes or manage the effects of this disease.

Cardiovascular improvement
The same antioxidants that boost your immune system and help minimize inflammation in your body can improve your cardiovascular health. While the science isn’t clear on how the two are linked, a specific compound may help protect you against heart disease.

While growing pea shoots is generally straightforward, you may encounter some challenges. Here are common issues and their solutions:

Issue	Solution
Seeds not germinating	Ensure seeds are fresh and soaked properly before planting.
Wilting shoots	Check for overwatering; adjust watering frequency accordingly.
Yellowing leaves	Provide adequate light and consider using a balanced fertilizer.
Mold growth	Improve air circulation and avoid overwatering.

Final Tips

• Experiment with different varieties of peas to find your favorite flavor.
• Consider using a hydroponic system for even faster growth.
• Incorporate pea shoots into various dishes for added nutrition and flavor.
• Keep a gardening journal to track your progress and learn from each growing cycle.

Q&A

How can I incorporate pea shoots into my meals beyond salads?

Pea shoots are a culinary powerhouse, infusing dishes with vibrant flavor and visual appeal. Toss them into stir-fries for a sweet twist, blend them into smoothies for a fresh kick, or sprinkle them over soups as an eye-catching garnish. Their subtle sweetness elevates any savory creation, transforming meals into delightful experiences..

What are some common pests to watch out for when growing pea shoots indoors?

 Stay vigilant for pesky intruders like aphids and spider mites. Regularly check your plants, and at the first sign of trouble, swiftly tackle it with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Can I grow pea shoots without soil?

Absolutely, you can grow pea shoots hydroponically! This soil-free method offers a pristine and efficient way to cultivate your greens. Just make sure you have the perfect nutrient solution for thriving growth.

What should I do if my pea shoots start to wilt?

 They might crave more hydration or suffer from too much. Strike the perfect balance by keeping their soil consistently moist but never soggy, and watch them thrive!

What is the best temperature for growing pea shoots?

Keep the temperature between 60°F and 75°F (15°C to 24°C). This sweet spot ensures robust growth while warding off wilting and mold.

How can I store pea shoots after harvesting?

To keep pea shoots fresh and vibrant, wrap them in a damp paper towel, tuck them into a plastic bag, and store them in the refrigerator. Enjoy their crisp flavor and nutrients at their peak by consuming them soon!

Are there any specific tools I need for growing pea shoots indoors?

You need a shallow planting container, a delicate rose watering can for gentle showers, and sharp scissors for easy harvesting at the minimum. If sunlight is scarce, consider adding grow lights to ensure lush growth.

How can I tell when my pea shoots are ready to harvest?

 Pea shoots are typically ready to harvest when they reach a height of 2-3 inches and have developed several leaves. This usually occurs about 7 to 14 days after planting.