Method For Optimizing Growth Of Microgreens

Abstract

A method for optimizing growth of microgreens is provided. The method includes planting individual microgreens within growing racks supported on vertically spaced shelves or on a common height on a single horizontal shelf. An ideal distance is calculated for the spacing of the vertical shelves when using fixed wattage grow lights, and an ideal wattage is calculated for one or more grow lights, which may be LEDs. Adjustable wattage grow lights may be utilized for a common height setup. An ideal wavelength range is also applied, for enhancing desired colors in the final product. The microgreen seeds are planted in an organic nutrient solution derived from ocean water. A natural fungicide including ingredients such as molasses and lactic acid is applied, which allows room temperature to be raised to a calculated level, allowing for increased growth rates and yield without development of unwanted fungi.

Claims

1) A method for growing microgreens comprising: providing a growing rack having an organic nutrient solution; providing a microgreen plant within the organic nutrient solution within the growing rack; either one of calculating a distance of a grow light from the growing rack or adjusting an output power of the grow light to an optimal wattage; applying the grow light at a particular output power for a selected time interval; and applying a natural fungicide to the microgreen plant.

2) The method for growing microgreens of claim 1, wherein the organic nutrient solution includes ocean water as an ingredient.

3) The method for growing microgreens of claim 1, wherein the natural fungicide includes molasses and lactic acid as ingredients.

4) The method for growing microgreens of claim 1, wherein the grow light comprises an LED that emits light in the visible light spectrum within a wavelength range between 400 nanometers and 700 nanometers.

5) The method for growing microgreens of claim 1, wherein the grow light comprises an LED that emits light in the blue light spectrum within wavelength range between 450 nanometers and 500 nanometers.

6) The method for growing microgreens of claim 1, wherein the grow light is configured to output light at a maximum output level of 75 watts.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, a preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for providing a method of optimizing microgreen growth that allows individuals to improve various properties of the microgreen product such as growth rate, color, yield, taste, and the like. While an example of the method is provided below as being used with either spaced shelves or adjustable LEDs, the present invention is not intended to be limited to any one particular embodiment, and the method can be applied in various environments and physical structures typically utilized for growing plants.

[0010] The method for growing microgreens is designed to be customizable so that in addition to enhancing common desirable traits such as yield and growth rate, the individual grower can adjust the method to enhance other desirable traits, such as color, for example. The method begins with providing a growing rack having an organic nutrient solution. The growing rack can be any object capable of supporting, either within itself or in a contacting container, a volume of organic nutrient solution, in which a microgreen can be planted. The organic nutrient solution is chosen to promote plant health, improve growth rate, and increase overall yield. To that end, the organic nutrient solution includes ocean water in one embodiment of the method. The natural minerals, electrolytes, and other compounds in the ocean water will increase the desirable properties of the microgreen growth once a microgreen plant is planted within the organic nutrient solution with the growing rack. The organic nutrient solution may include other ingredients to further improve and enhance the growth process.

[0011] The method can be applied across any desired growing setup depending on the growing environment and equipment available to the grower. For example, the growing racks may be spaced vertically along a support structure, with individual grow lights placed at the top of the support structure. This allows the grower to adjust the position of the microgreen plant with regard to its proximity to the light, allowing the grower to effectively adjust the intensity of the light received by the plants. Different microgreen species will thrive at different light intensities. For example, microgreens in the Amaranth family thrive under conditions with less light, while radishes can thrive under more intense lighting conditions. Different microgreens can be placed at different positions accordingly, in order to maximize growth properties of each species.

[0012] In other embodiments, the growing racks can be at a common height, such that the grow lights are placed above a common plane. The distance can be adjusted in this embodiment, or the grower may also utilize grow lights such as LEDs that are configured to be adjustable with regard to their output wattage. This allows the user to adjust the grow light itself rather than the position of the microgreens, which may be more convenient in some cases. Ideally, the LED or other grow lights include a maximum output wattage of 75 watts, as exceeding such could reduce the benefits of the present method. The distance between plant and light, or the light intensity, can thus be determined by observing outcomes and growth properties of different plant species under different wattage and distance conditions. If stunting or discoloration is observed, the grower can adjust the conditions accordingly, and use such adjustments in a future growth cycle to further optimize the growth process.

[0013] The grower may also determine a particular wavelength range for the grow light, depending on the desired effect on the particular species the grower wishes to have. For example, limiting the grow light to the blue light spectrum, between about 450 nanometers and 500 nanometers, will result in the cotyledon leaves and young true leaves having a more muted, less saturated, almost translucent coloration. This aesthetic property is often desirable in microgreens that are being used as garnishes or visual enhancements to a food dish. In contrast, applying a grow light that emits light across the entire visible spectrum, between 400 nanometers and 700 nanometers, will result in a more saturated coloration. This can indicate a higher nutrient content, which may be desirable for microgreens intended for use as a primary food source for their nutritional value.

[0014] Once the wavelength range, positioning and/or output power is determined, the grower can also apply the grow light or grow lights at a particular output power for a selected time interval. For example, some plants will yield better product when exposed to longer durations of light, while other plants will yield better product when exposed to shorter durations of light. In an additional effort to improve and optimize the growth of the microgreens, the grower may apply a natural fungicide to the microgreen plant. In one embodiment, the natural fungicide includes molasses and lactic acid as ingredients, both of which include fungicidal properties. The addition of the natural fungicides allow the plants to thrive at a higher moisture content and higher ambient temperature, since the plants would usually develop unwanted fungi in such conditions. As a result, the growth rate, yield, and other properties of the microgreen can be optimized without the negative effect of fungal growth. In general, the overall method provides many ways the user can affect the outcome of microgreen growth, by enhancing general desirable traits such as growth rate and yield, as well as specific traits for different product uses, such as different coloration types.

[0015] It is therefore submitted that the present invention has been described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, and all equivalent relationships to those described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

[0016] The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.