Microgreen setups

Growing Medium Alternatives

Three practical ways to grow microgreens without standard soil: natural fiber mats, damp paper layers, and a mediumless mesh tray over water.

Hemp or jute growing mat for microgreens
1

Hemp / Jute Growing Mats

Natural fiber mats hold moisture evenly while giving roots a clean surface to anchor into. They are close to coir mats, but often thinner and easier to cut to tray size.

Best for tidy trays
Paper towel or tissue paper microgreen growing medium
2

Paper Towels / Tissue Paper

A few damp layers can work for quick crops like radish or mustard. It is inexpensive, simple to test, and useful when you want a low-commitment setup.

Best for fast tests
Mediumless hydroponic mesh tray over water reservoir
3

Mediumless Mesh Trays

A perforated top tray sits above a water reservoir, letting roots reach moisture directly. This is the closest option to a reusable 3D-printed hydroponic insert.

Best for reusable design