Growing Arugula Microgreens in Paperpot Trays

paperpot trays

Growing Arugula Microgreens in Paperpot Trays


Won’t bend or break!

microgreen trays

Larger trays = higher yields!

irrigation

Matching solid bottom trays for easy watering!


Growing microgreens in Paperpot Trays gives you over 30% more growing space than standard 1020 trays, and they’ll last you a lifetime without breaking. This prevents you from needing to dispose of cheap plastic trays after just a year or two. Paperpot Trays also have low-profile side walls for better air flow, and convenient thumb holes for bottom watering when used with matching solid bottom trays. When stacking Paperpot Trays for germinating microgreens, there is a small air gap between the soil surface and the tray above, greatly reducing mold issues!

Arugula is one of the most popular microgreens because of its distinctive spicy, nutty flavor. It’s commonly used by chefs in restaurants to add that unique flavor to many culinary dishes.

These spicy leaves are filled with health benefits and contain a good amount of vitamins A, C and K.

Pictured to the right is a freshly harvested clamshell of Arugula microgreens from Scintilla Farms, ready to head off to a local restaurant.

For some good research based information on the health benefits of microgreens, check out: The Institute of Food Technologists, Researchgate.net and Sciencedirect.com

Arugula microgreens in container

The Specifications for Arugula Microgreens


ARUGULA MICROGREENSPaperpot Trays (12" x 24")Standard Trays (10" x 20")
RECOMMENDED CULTIVARSAstro (True Leaf Market)Astro (True Leaf Market)
DRY GRAMS PER TRAY35 g27 g
GERMINATION TIME (STACKED)3-4 days3-4 days
DAYS TO MATURITY12 days *time from seed to harvest12 days *time from seed to harvest
TARGET CROP YIELD PER TRAY420 g (+/-) 320 g (+/-)
HARVEST UNIT105 g of product (+/-) per clamshell105 g of product (+/-) per clamshell
HARVEST UNITS PER TRAY4 (+/-) 3 (+/-)
PRICE PER UNIT$12$12
REVENUE PER TRAY$48 (+/-) $36 (+/-)
TRAYSPerforated top trays nested into solid bottom trays (Paperpot Trays or 1020’s)
GROWING MEDIUM80% peat moss, 20% perlite or vermiculite (nutrients/compost optional)
SEED SANITIZINGSanidate 5.0 (1.6 oz to 5 gal. water), or Zerotol 2.0 (20 ml to 2 L of water),
or 1:1 white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide
SHELVINGNSF Wire Shelving Racks: 60"x24"x72" fits four Paperpot trays per shelf,
48”x18”x72” fits four 1020 trays per shelf.
*Add a 6th shelf to these 5-tier racks to fit five grow shelves, 12” between shelves.
LIGHTING4’ T5 LED Barina Lights - 3 per 24” deep shelf (2 per 18” deep shelf)
VENTILATIONDesktop computer fans (2 per shelf), or standing fan next to rack
HARVESTWell sharpened kitchen knife
PACKAGINGClamshells (or plastic bags), farm logo stickers
POST HARVESTWhite vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or Zerotol 2.0 (food grade hydrogen peroxide concentrate), 2 Liter pump spray bottle.
tools-paperpot

Suggested Tools & Supplies



The best growing medium consistency for microgreens is composed of fine particulates with eve drainage. Too much drainage will lead to dehydrated crops, and too little drainage will lead to fungal issues.

Clumpy mix can be loosened up by hand when adding to your filling bin. Mix with larger particulates can be sifted through a DIY sifter made from 1/4” wire mesh on a box frame. This can be placed over a wheel barrow or tote to sift our larger material that may inhibit germination.

When filling trays with growing medium, make sure to spread it evenly in the corners and edges of the tray or microgreens in those areas will become dehydrated and tend to fall over.

After spreading the growing medium evenly in the tray, use a custom wooden press, or an empty tray to tamp/press the soil, creating a smooth even surface.

Spray down the growing medium with water prior to seeding.

Soil & Tray Preparation


Seeding & Germinating


Sprinkle the seeds evenly over the tray, then water generously.

Seeded trays can be stacked up to six at a time, with an empty seventh tray at the top. Place a 14 lb paver on the top to weight down the trays, encouraging strong stems and vigorous growth.

Germinating trays do well at 70° and can be stacked in racks with no lights.

After 3-4 days the sprouts will begin pushing the trays up, and it’s important to monitor closely so the stack does not tip over. 

After unstacking the trays, give them a thorough watering.

Scintilla Farms tip: After unstacking, covering each tray with a black out dome can encourage taller growth for Arugula. After four days, remove the domes and put the trays under the light.

Transfer the trays to the grow racks under the lights, nesting them into the solid bottom trays.

16 hours of light per day is recommended for microgreens. 

At this point, watering can be done by lifting the top tray by the thumbhole and pouring water straight into the bottom tray. Paperpot bottom trays have a line that provides a convenient reference point for how much water to add. 

Bottom watering should take place once every morning. If your growing medium does not retain its moisture as long, water once more in the evening. 

Stop watering 24-48 hours prior to harvest to ensure crops are dry and free from excess moisture. This helps greatly to extend the shelf life of the microgreens.

irrigation

Growing & Watering


microgreen trays

Harvesting & Packaging


Wash hands thoroughly and/or wear latex gloves before handling greens for harvest.

Sharpen the harvesting knife each time prior to harvest. To harvest, grab a handful of microgreens and cut just high enough above the growing medium to ensure there isn’t any stuck on the ends of the greens.

Carefully place the greens directly into the clamshells.

Scintilla Farms tip: place the clamshells into the refrigerator with the lids open for the first 10-15 minutes to avoid build up of moisture (after which they can be closed). This can increase shelf life.

 

 

Dump the harvested tray’s soil and root matter into bins or wheel barrows to be taken to compost.

Rinse, then spray down the tops and bottoms of the trays with 20ml of Zerotol 2.0 to a 2 Liter pump spray bottle of water, or a 1:1 hydrogen peroxide, white vinegar solution. Allow trays to dry in a rack prior to being reused.

Post Harvest & Tray Sanitizing



Paperpot Trays are a wise choice for growers serious about growing microgreens for profit.


Durability, longevity, higher yields, and increased air flow, are just some of the reasons why growing microgreens in Paperpot Trays makes so much sense.

Get started growing Arugula Microgreens in Paperpot Trays and download the Growers Notes below.

DOWNLOAD ALL OF THE MICROGREENS GROWERS NOTES

The Microgreens Growers Notes were developed in partnership with Scintilla Farms and Seth Davis.

INTERESTED IN PURCHASING?


If you have any questions, please reach out hello@paperpot.co or 877.850.1555.