Hey Hamama Friends!!
As we grow our microgreens in cooler temps and potentially drier air, we may need to be a bit more mindful in caring for them, Generally, while the germination period does not require light, it does require some warmth. The ideal temperature that most seeds need to germinate best is around 70 degrees F. Temperatures in the outer limits for microgreen seeds range from about 60-85 degrees. The warmer it is in that range, the faster and more consistently they will grow on time with predictable health. If the temperature falls in the lower end of that range, the growth may be slightly delayed and less consistent.
TIPS & THINGS TO BE MINDFUL OF
1. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!
During winter, if your house temperature is on the lower end, you can promote germination by moving your grow tray to a warmer location in the house. This could mean moving the grow tray away from a windowsill if there is a cold draft, or moving the tray near a heat source. You can also create a barrier from the cold surface (counter top, etc) by placing a flat towel/mat under the grow tray (make sure the tray is still level!).
Brittany Hamama
October 07, 2021
Hello Lynn!
Thank you so much for reaching out to us! I would be more than happy to explain. The blackout period is great for germination. During this time, your seeds do not need light. That is why we have the paper top for the first few days. Once the paper is peeled, the greens then need light to continue to grow. If desired, you may also supplement with a desk lamp, after peeling the top paper back, to give them the photons they desire. This addition would let them bush out a bit more and the cotyledons (first leaves) to really enlarge. You should never need to keep the water at the fill line.
The Hamama system is designed to just add water once and harvest in about a week. However, there may be exceptions according to your growing environment. Pre-peel you should never have to add more water. After peeling, the only time you may need to add more water is if you notice that the water has dropped below the tray’s ribs on the bottom. This is not common, however, if you live in a drier climate or have the heat on in your house, then you can add water to the top of the ribs at the bottom of the tray.
Hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions! 🌱