These greens are tiny in size but big on nutrition. Some studies show that baby leaves are richer in vitamins than their mature counterparts. The significant difference between microgreens and baby leaves is that the latter is harvested when the leaves are about 4-5 inches tall.

Nowadays, baby leaves are no longer only seen in fancy restaurants. You can grow them easily on your windowsill. Easy and quick to grow, baby greens can be planted indoors for a continuous supply of nutritious greens in your kitchen gardens.

Here’s how to grow these marvelous baby leaves/greens at home in just two weeks.

How to Grow Baby Leaves

Soil Preparation

If you’re planning to plant baby leaves in your gardens, then rake the soil and remove rocks to make the surface smooth. Pluck out the weeds as you work on the soil. For containers, use a pre-mixed potting mixture. To make your own potting mixture at home, mix sand with organic compost and let it settle for some days.

Sowing

Sowing the baby leaves seeds can be a little tricky. Moisten the soil and sprinkle the soil evenly on the surface, leaving an inch distance between the seeds. Once you scatter the seeds in the soil, gently dab the soil to allow the seeds to get covered properly. Do not bury your seeds too deep in the soil, it may prevent them from germinating. You can even use a fine layer of compost to cover the seeds.

Watering

Use a watering can to gently water the planted seeds until they germinate. Avoid using pipes or hoses, as the heavy flow of the water can wash away the seeds. Keep the soil moist until you notice the sprouts. You can also place a tray filled with water under your containers. The drainage holes at the bottom of the container will allow the water to seep into the soil. Keep changing the water frequently to promote healthy produce.

Growing

Cover your seeds with a cloth or a plate to maintain a consistent temperature and moisture. Remove the cover once the seedlings start appearing. Keep your plants hydrated at all times. If you are growing your baby leaves in containers, place them on your windowsill to receive 5-6 hours of direct/indirect sunlight every day. 
You can even use grow lights, fluorescent bulbs or white lights should suffice.

Harvesting

Most baby greens get ready to be harvested within 3 to 4 weeks of sowing. When your greens have true leaves about 4-5 inches tall, that’s your cue to harvest them. Use a clean pair of scissors to harvest your greens just above the soil level. Leave the roots of your baby greens intact for regrowth. Rinse thoroughly and add them to your dishes to enjoy.

FAQ’S

What are baby leaves?

Baby leaves are the young version of greens like herbs & vegetables. Almost all leafy vegetables /herbs can be grown as baby leaves.

Do I need to cook baby leaves?

In the course of cooking, the leaves might lose their nutritional value. It’s best to consume these leaves raw in your salads, sandwiches, and smoothies.

What are the nutritional benefits of baby leaves?

Studies have shown that most baby leaves are an excellent source of vitamins A, C & K besides iron, folate, potassium and calcium. So these leaves might look small but they are big on nutrition.

How are baby leaves different from microgreens?

The typical difference between microgreens & baby leaves is that the former may be harvested for their cotyledon leaves, while baby greens are harvested when they're about 4–5 inches in length.

How To Eat Baby Leaves - Easy Diy Recipe

Baby leaves can be added to almost every dish you prepare. These nutritious packed leaves are best paired with sandwiches, salads, and smoothies. Here's a quick recipe you can prepare at home using your homegrown baby leaves.

Baby Leaves Salad

The baby leaves salad is prepared with baby mixed greens, mushrooms, and onions. Dress the salad with lime juice, vinegar, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and some fresh herbs. This combination of healthy ingredients will give you a light and interesting salad to accompany your supper.

Get high-quality seeds from AllThatGrows and start growing crunchy, flavourful, nutritious baby greens in your garden. Happy Gardening.