I’m the type who never tosses anything that might come in handy someday, so I’ve got quite the collection of old terracotta saucers piling up in my garden.
Finally, I figured it was time to put them to good use!
So, I started a fun little project I call “Terracotta Chia Gardens”, where I use these saucers to sprout chia seeds. The porous surface of the terracotta is perfect for helping the seeds sprout quickly and stay hydrated.
Who knew those forgotten saucers could help me grow my own microgreens right at home?
If you’re up for doing your own project with microgreens and terracotta saucers, stick around as I’m about to share my tricks to help you get started!
Gather Your Chia Seeds And Get To Growing
Okay, if you’ve got your old terracotta saucer and your chia seeds, it’s time to get started.
The first thing you should do is give those saucers a thorough cleaning, as chia seeds need a fresh surface to thrive. Soak the saucer in water for a bit, then sprinkle a thin layer of chia seeds on the damp surface.
Mist them generously with water, then wait an hour and mist again. Cover the saucer with plastic wrap or a pot lid to create a mini greenhouse effect.
Now, place it somewhere warm but out of direct sunlight. And don’t forget to mist several times daily. In just two to three days, you’ll start seeing tiny green sprouts!
Related: 10 Best Terracotta Pots In 2024
Try Out Other Microgreens Too
While chia seeds are a popular choice for sprouting, there are plenty of other microgreens you can grow on terracotta. Basil, flax, cress, and arugula also do well and add different flavors to your meals.
Each of these plants grows quickly and offers its own nutrients (I usually go for the peppery taste of arugula). Simply follow the same steps you’d use for chia seeds – clean, soak, sprinkle, and mist regularly.
Related: 8 Things You Should Know About Terracotta Pots Before Buying Them
Follow These Tips For A Great Harvest
If you want your microgreens to be the healthiest and tastiest possible, here are a few helpful tips:
• Stay consistent – terracotta dries quickly, so mist your seeds a few times a day to keep them moist.
• Skip the direct sunlight – too much light can dry them out. A warm, shady spot is ideal.
• Keep them covered at first – the mini greenhouse effect helps them sprout faster, but once you see growth, uncover them to encourage strong, upright stems.
• Harvest time – when your microgreens reach about an inch or two tall, snip them just above the base for fresh and flavorful greens.
Related: Terracotta Indoor Planters Are The Absolute Best Thing For Your Houseplants And This Is Why
Enjoy Your Fresh Microgreens In Creative Ways
Once you’ve harvested your chia or other microgreens, the fun part is putting them to use. Toss them in a salad, blend them into smoothies, use them as a topping for sandwiches, or add them to soups and wraps.
You’ll be surprised at how much flavor these tiny greens add to dishes!
And the best part about these microgreens is that you can grow them even in the middle of winter. You get tasty greens, healthy nutrients, and you get to use those old terracotta saucers once and for all.
Related: 5 Creative Ways To Reuse Old Grass Seeds