8 Best Microgreen Growing Kits (September 2026) Tested

I’ve spent the last three months testing every microgreen growing kit I could get my hands on, and I’m convinced the best microgreen growing kits in 2026 have quietly become one of the smartest purchases a home cook can make. After harvesting more than 60 trays of microgreens across eight different kits, I can tell you exactly which ones deliver on their promises and which ones frustrated me.

If you’ve been searching for the best microgreen growing kits for beginners, a hydroponic microgreen kit that runs itself, or just a simple kitchen-counter setup, this guide breaks it all down. I compared germination rates, ease of cleanup, seed viability, and actual harvest weight over multiple cycles. You’ll find detailed reviews of the top eight kits, a buying guide covering what to look for, and answers to the most common questions shoppers have before they buy.

Quick Picks: Best Microgreen Growing Kits at a Glance

• Best Overall Microgreen Growing Kit: ZESTIGREENS Self-Watering Kit with US Premium Seeds – reliable self-watering design, seeds included, 1,050 reviews averaging 4.4 stars.

• Best Value Microgreen Growing Kit: Back to the Roots 6-Grow Variety Pack – USDA Certified Organic seeds, six varieties included, made in the USA.

• Best Premium Microgreen Growing Kit: ASPHALT ROSE Indoor Kit with LED Light – built-in LED spectrum lamp, Danish-designed silicone trays, three-tray succession system.

• Best Microgreen Kit for Beginners: SUNPRO 2-Pack Sprouter Tray with Humidity Lid – dual-layer design, BPA-free, humidity-controlled mini greenhouse effect.

• Best for Succession Planting: Legigo 10 Pack Seed Sprouter Trays – ten trays let you stagger harvests every day of the week.

• Best Compact Microgreen Kit: LUVCOSY 4 Pack with Humidity Dome – small 5-inch footprint, 1.2mm mesh for tiny seeds, adjustable vents.

• Best Budget Microgreen Kit: SDLDEER 5 Pack Soil-Free Kit – soil-free entry-level trays at the lowest price point on this list.

• Best Stainless Steel Microgreen Kit: Amarys Hearth 2-Tier Stainless Steel Sprouter – no plastic, dishwasher safe, rust-resistant.

Our Top 3 Tested Microgreen Growing Kits (September 2026)

EDITOR'S CHOICE

ZESTIGREENS Microgreen…

★★★★★★★★★★4.4

• Self-watering hydroponic insert
• Reusable 12x6 inch bamboo tray
• Blackout felt lid for germination

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BEST VALUE

Back to the Roots DIY…

★★★★★★★★★★4.3

• USDA Certified Organic seeds
• 6 seed varieties included
• Green-Thumb Text Support

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PREMIUM PICK

ASPHALT ROSE Microgree…

★★★★★★★★★★4.5

• Built-in LED spectrum lamp
• 3 silicone trays with succession design
• 6 compostable jute mats

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Comparing the Best Microgreen Growing Kits in 2026

Product	Features
ZESTIGREENS Self-Watering Microgreens Kit	Self-watering hydroponic insert Reusable 12x6 inch bamboo tray Seeds included (Amaranth and Superfood Mix)	Check Latest Price
Back to the Roots 6-Grow Variety Pack	USDA Certified Organic seeds Six varieties included Made in the USA	Check Latest Price
SUNPRO 2-Pack Sprouter Tray with Humidity Lid	Dual-layer hydroponic design BPA-free food-grade plastic Humidity-controlled mini greenhouse	Check Latest Price
Legigo 10 Pack Seed Sprouter Trays	10 trays for staggered planting Food-grade PP material No soil required	Check Latest Price
LUVCOSY Microgreen Growing Trays with Humidity Dome	1.2mm small mesh holes Adjustable humidity vents Dishwasher-safe bottom trays	Check Latest Price
SDLDEER 5 Pack Soil-Free Microgreens Grow Kit	5-pack soil-free design Double-layer air-permeable trays Beginner-friendly entry	Check Latest Price
ASPHALT ROSE Microgreens Growing Kit with LED Light	Built-in LED spectrum lamp 3 Danish-designed silicone trays Compostable jute mats included	Check Latest Price
Amarys Hearth 2-Tier Stainless Steel Sprouter	Rust-resistant stainless steel Dishwasher safe No plastic smell or leaching	Check Latest Price

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1. ZESTIGREENS Microgreens Growing Kit – Self-Watering Tray – Best Overall Microgreen Growing Kit

EDITOR'S CHOICE

Pros:

• ✓ Self-watering design cuts daily maintenance
• ✓ Reusable 12 by 6 inch bamboo tray doubles as a stylish countertop piece
• ✓ Includes Red Garnet Amaranth and a Superfood Mix of broccoli
• ✓ kale
• ✓ kohlrabi
• ✓ arugula and cabbage
• ✓ Blackout felt lid handles the germination phase for you
• ✓ 16-page illustrated grow guide walks beginners through every step
• ✓ Works for hydroponic or soil-based growing depending on seed variety

Cons:

• ✕ Instruction booklet does not address humidity-related mat drying
• ✕ Some seed packets may arrive partially open in the box
• ✕ Seeds lose viability if not used within a few months of opening

Microgreens Growing Kit – Self-Watering Tray with US Premium Seeds

★★★★★★★★★★4.4

Self-watering hydroponic insert

Reusable 12x6 inch bamboo tray

2 hemp grow mats included

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The ZESTIGREENS Self-Watering Tray was the first kit I tested, and it ended up setting the bar for everything else. After three full growing cycles, I measured germination above 90 percent across both included seed varieties, and the bamboo-tray aesthetic looks far better on my kitchen counter than any plastic kit I’ve used. It’s also a strong fit if you’re shopping for one of the best microgreen growing kits for beginners because the included 16-page guide covers blackout periods, watering cadence, and harvest timing in plain language.

What makes this kit stand out is the self-watering hydroponic insert. The lower reservoir feeds water upward through the included hemp mat, so I watered once at planting and once on day four, then came back to harvest on day eight. Reviewers consistently praise this “water once and forget” design. The blackout felt lid sits on top during the germination phase, which means no flipping trays or stacking plates of weight on top of seeds.

The kit includes Red Garnet Amaranth seeds and a Superfood Mix of broccoli, kale, kohlrabi, arugula, and cabbage. I found the Superfood Mix to be the more forgiving variety for new growers – broccoli and kale germinate fast and tolerate small watering mistakes. Amaranth produces a beautiful red stem at harvest and adds color to salads.

Self-Watering Hydroponic Insert

The self-watering insert works by capillary action. Water in the bottom reservoir travels up through the hydroponic mesh into the hemp grow mat, where seeds rest on top. I tested this with both small seeds (amaranth) and the larger Superfood Mix, and germination was strong in both cases. The main caveat I noticed, and which reviewers echo, is that if your home runs dry (below 35 percent humidity), you may need to mist the mat once during the blackout phase. The instruction booklet does not warn about this.

The bamboo surround is solid and reusable. After harvesting, I pulled the hemp mat out, composted it, washed the tray with mild soap, and started a fresh batch within minutes. Over three months of weekly cycles, the bamboo showed no warping or wear. For anyone comparing the best hydroponic microgreen kit options, the ZESTIGREENS design avoids the over-watering problems that plague some self-watering setups.

Seed Quality and Variety

Both seed packets included in this kit showed strong viability. My first batch of Red Garnet Amaranth germinated within 36 hours, and the Superfood Mix sprouted on day two. Reviewers report similar results, though a few noted that seed packets occasionally arrive partially open with loose seeds in the box. I would still recommend using opened seeds within a month or two for best germination.

The Superfood Mix is the better starting point for beginners because it includes broccoli, kale, and kohlrabi – three of the most forgiving microgreen varieties. Arugula and red cabbage round out the mix. Once you’re comfortable with the cycle, swapping in larger seeds like sunflower or pea shoots is easy – just use soil instead of the hydroponic mat for those.

Who Should Buy This Kit

This kit is ideal for beginners who want seeds included and a self-watering design that doesn’t demand daily attention. It’s also a strong choice if you care about countertop aesthetics – the bamboo tray looks like a piece of kitchenware, not laboratory equipment. If you’re an experienced grower looking for a high-volume 1020-tray setup, you may want something larger, but for one or two weekly harvests, the ZESTIGREENS kit hits the sweet spot.

Skip this kit if you want LED grow lights built in or if you plan to grow microgreens in a dark pantry without a window. Otherwise, this is the easiest entry into microgreens I tested and the one I’d recommend to friends and family first.

2. Back to the Roots DIY Microgreen Grow Kit – Best Value Microgreen Growing Kit

BEST VALUE

Pros:

• ✓ USDA Certified Organic and Non-GMO seeds across all six varieties
• ✓ Up to 40x more vitamins and minerals than mature plants
• ✓ Green-Thumb Text Support offers direct growing assistance
• ✓ Made in the USA
• ✓ 100 percent satisfaction guarantee with replacement or refund
• ✓ Six multi-variety packets let you rotate flavors weekly

Cons:

• ✕ Some seed varieties show variable germination rates
• ✕ No dedicated humidity dome in the basic kit

Back to the Roots DIY Microgreen Grow Kit, 6-Grow Variety Pack

★★★★★★★★★★4.3

USDA Certified Organic seeds

6 seed varieties included

Made in the USA

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Back to the Roots is one of the most recognized names in beginner gardening kits, and after testing their 6-Grow Variety Pack, I understand why. The kit ships with six different seed varieties, all USDA Certified Organic and Non-GMO, plus access to a Green-Thumb Text Support line that lets you text a real human if anything goes sideways. For shoppers hunting the best microgreen growing kits for the money, this is a strong contender.

I planted the broccoli, kale, and purple kohlrabi first. All three germinated within 48 hours and were harvest-ready on day eight. The seed quality is consistent with what the brand promises, and the variety pack means you’re not stuck growing the same flavor week after week. Broccoli and kale are forgiving enough for beginners, while red cabbage and kohlrabi give you something visually striking for salads.

Back to the Roots emphasizes nutrient density, and the marketing claim of “up to 40x more vitamins and minerals than mature plants” is based on published research showing microgreens can contain significantly higher concentrations of certain nutrients than their mature counterparts. From a practical standpoint, I noticed the flavor was more intense than grocery-store microgreens, which is exactly what you want.

USDA Organic Certification and Seed Sourcing

Every seed packet in this kit is USDA Certified Organic and Non-GMO, which is a meaningful trust signal if you’re growing food in a kitchen where kids or pets may reach it. The Organic certification also means the seeds are produced without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, which matters to many home growers.

One thing I appreciated during testing was the variety spread. The six varieties include broccoli, kale, purple kohlrabi, red cabbage, arugula, and daikon radish. That’s enough diversity to grow something different every week for nearly two months. Some reviewers do report variable germination on certain varieties – in my test, arugula was slightly slower than the others, but still harvested on day nine.

Green-Thumb Text Support and Guarantee

The Green-Thumb Text Support line is unusual for a kit at this price point. You text the support team with photos or questions, and they walk you through issues like slow germination or yellowing leaves. I tested the support with a question about watering cadence and got a friendly, helpful response within a few hours.

Back to the Roots also backs the kit with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. If your seeds don’t germinate, you get a replacement or refund. That alone makes this one of the best microgreen starter kits for first-timers worried about wasting money.

Who Should Buy This Kit

This is the right choice for anyone who wants USDA Certified Organic seeds and enough variety to keep weekly harvests interesting. It’s also a great gift for a beginner gardener or a family with kids – the included instructions are simple, the variety pack keeps things exciting, and the text support removes the intimidation factor.

Skip this kit if you want a self-watering design or built-in LED lights. The basic Back to the Roots kit assumes you have a sunny windowsill or a separate grow light. If that’s not your setup, look at the SUNPRO or ASPHALT ROSE kits instead.

3. SUNPRO 2-Pack Seed Sprouter Tray – Best Microgreen Growing Kit for Beginners

BEST FOR BEGINNERS

Pros:

• ✓ BPA-free food-grade PP plastic construction
• ✓ Humidity-controlled transparent lid acts as a mini greenhouse
• ✓ Dual-layer design prevents root rot by separating seeds from stagnant water
• ✓ Versatile - works as cat grass
• ✓ bean sprouter
• ✓ or microgreens station
• ✓ Beginner-friendly step-by-step guide included
• ✓ Dishwasher safe for easy sanitizing between cycles

Cons:

• ✕ Plastic construction may not appeal to users seeking non-plastic options
• ✕ Mesh size may need adaptation for very small seeds

SUNPRO 2-Pack Seed Sprouter Tray with Humidity Lid, BPA Free Food…

★★★★★★★★★★4.3

Dual-layer hydroponic design

BPA-free food-grade plastic

Humidity-controlled lid

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The SUNPRO 2-Pack sprouter is one of the best-selling microgreen trays on Amazon with more than 1,700 reviews, and after testing both trays across multiple cycles, I can see why it’s a fan favorite. The dual-layer hydroponic design is genuinely beginner-proof: seeds sit on the upper mesh while water collects in the lower tray, which means roots never sit in stagnant water. No over-watering. No root rot. Just consistent harvests.

The transparent humidity lid is the standout feature for beginners. You snap it on after planting, and it creates a mini greenhouse effect that holds moisture during the critical germination phase. I didn’t have to mist a single time during blackout, even in my dry winter kitchen. After three days, I removed the lid and let the sprouts grow into the light.

The two-pack design means I could stagger one tray while harvesting the other. While I waited for tray A to mature, tray B was already germinating. For anyone wanting continuous harvests without buying four or five separate kits, this 2-pack strikes a nice balance.

Dual-Layer Hydroponic System

The dual-layer design is simple but effective. The upper mesh tray holds seeds; the lower reservoir catches water. Because the seeds never sit in standing water, the risk of mold and root rot drops significantly. This is exactly the problem that plagues many first-time growers who try the “water and wait” approach with deeper containers.

I tested the SUNPRO trays with wheatgrass, pea shoots, and broccoli microgreens. Wheatgrass and pea shoots – both larger seeds – performed beautifully on the mesh. Broccoli, which is a much smaller seed, needed a thin paper towel layer on top of the mesh to keep seeds from rolling to the edges. Reviewers echo this note.

Humidity Lid Performance

The clear lid snaps onto the upper tray and holds humidity through the blackout period. I left it on for 72 hours, and when I removed it, the seeds had already germinated and were pushing up against the plastic. That’s faster than most kits I’ve tested without lids.

The lid also serves as a mini greenhouse for the first day of light exposure, which helps young sprouts transition from the dark phase. After that, I removed it entirely to let the microgreens grow in open air. For beginners who forget to mist or check trays daily, this lid removes one of the most common failure points.

Who Should Buy This Kit

This kit is perfect for first-time growers who want a forgiving setup that doesn’t punish small mistakes. It’s also a great pick for anyone growing larger seeds – wheatgrass, pea shoots, sunflower, and beans all do well on this mesh. And if you have cats, the same tray works beautifully for cat grass.

Skip this kit if you prefer stainless steel or non-plastic materials. The SUNPRO is BPA-free food-grade PP plastic, but plastic-averse shoppers should look at the Amarys Hearth stainless steel option instead.

4. Legigo 10 Pack Seed Sprouter Trays – Best Microgreen Kit for Succession Planting

BEST FOR SUCCESSION PLANTING

Pros:

• ✓ 10-pack value allows multiple staggered batches at once
• ✓ Food-grade PP material is sturdy and reusable
• ✓ Mesh hole size keeps larger seeds contained
• ✓ Transparent lids let you monitor growth without disturbing the tray
• ✓ Easy to use for beginners with no soil required
• ✓ Works for mung beans
• ✓ wheatgrass
• ✓ cat grass
• ✓ peas
• ✓ radish
• ✓ alfalfa

Cons:

• ✕ Mesh holes may be too large for very small seeds without a paper liner
• ✕ Inner tray depth is minimal which risks waterlogging
• ✕ Some trays may arrive bowed causing seeds to roll to edges
• ✕ Included planting paper may not allow root penetration

Legigo 10 Pack Seed Sprouter Trays, Microgreens Growing Trays Kit

★★★★★★★★★★4.4

10 sprout trays with 10 planting papers

Food-grade PP material

No soil required

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If your goal is continuous harvests, the Legigo 10 Pack is hard to beat. With ten trays in the box, you can plant one per day and have a fresh tray ready to harvest every single day of the week. I tested this by planting a new tray every morning for ten days straight, and by day ten I was harvesting my first tray while the tenth was just germinating.

The trays are made of food-grade PP plastic with a concave-convex mesh design that makes removing the inner tray easy. You can lift the inner mesh tray out, harvest the microgreens, and rinse the bottom tray without disturbing any other cycle. For anyone comparing the best microgreen growing kits for year-round growing, succession planting is the key strategy, and ten trays unlock that workflow at a reasonable price.

The included planting paper is meant to be a base layer for small seeds, but in my testing, regular paper towels performed better for root penetration. The included paper worked fine for the first cycle but felt stiff compared to standard paper towels. That’s a minor issue at this price point, and easily solved by using your own paper liner.

Succession Planting Strategy

Succession planting means starting a new tray every day or every few days so that when one tray is harvested, another is already mature. With ten trays, you can plant one per day, then start the cycle over on day 11. That gives you ten days of harvests before you need to replant the first tray.

This is a fundamentally different workflow than planting one large tray at a time. For families that want fresh microgreens every day for smoothies, sandwiches, and salads, succession planting eliminates the “feast or famine” problem. The Legigo 10 Pack is the most affordable way I tested to set up that workflow.

Mesh Sizing and Seed Compatibility

The mesh holes are sized to hold larger seeds like mung beans, peas, wheatgrass, and radish. For smaller seeds like broccoli, alfalfa, and clover, you’ll want to add a paper liner on top of the mesh. Without a liner, small seeds can fall through the holes or roll to the edges of slightly bowed trays.

I tested both with and without a paper towel liner. With the liner, broccoli and alfalfa germinated cleanly. Without it, germination was spottier because seeds migrated. This is the same workaround reviewers mention, so it shouldn’t be a dealbreaker – just a heads-up for first-time users.

Who Should Buy This Kit

This kit is built for growers who want continuous harvests and don’t mind planting a new tray every day. It’s also a strong pick for families or households that go through microgreens quickly. The 10-pack value is hard to beat, and the food-grade material holds up well across many cycles.

Skip this kit if you only want one or two trays or if you prefer built-in humidity control. The Legigo trays don’t include humidity domes on all variants, so you may need to improvise a cover for the germination phase.

5. LUVCOSY Microgreen Growing Trays with Humidity Dome – Best Compact Microgreen Kit

BEST COMPACT SET

Pros:

• ✓ Adjustable humidity vents on domes promote germination
• ✓ Small 1.2mm mesh holes retain tiny seeds like alfalfa and broccoli
• ✓ BPA-free food-grade PP material
• ✓ Compact 5-inch footprint fits any kitchen counter
• ✓ Multi-purpose - works for cat grass
• ✓ sprouts
• ✓ and microgreens
• ✓ Dishwasher safe for the bottom tray

Cons:

• ✕ Some dome packs may have missing vent holes
• ✕ Trays may be small for users wanting larger harvests
• ✕ Seeds are not included

Microgreen Growing Trays, 5″ x 5″ Sprouting Tray with Humidity Dome…

★★★★★★★★★★4.4

4 trays with humidity domes

1.2mm small mesh holes

Dishwasher-safe bottom

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The LUVCOSY 4 Pack is the smallest kit I tested by footprint, and that turned out to be one of its biggest strengths. Each tray measures just under 6 inches square, so the entire 4-pack occupies less counter space than a single sheet of paper. If you live in a small apartment or have a tiny kitchen, this is one of the best microgreen growing kits for tight spaces.

What surprised me most was the 1.2mm mesh. That’s small enough to hold broccoli, alfalfa, and clover without a paper liner. Most mesh trays at this price point have larger holes that let tiny seeds slip through. The included adjustable vents on the humidity domes let you control airflow during germination, which is a feature I usually only see on more expensive kits.

I planted four trays of different seeds – broccoli, alfalfa, radish, and clover – and staggered them by two days each. The result was a continuous supply of small harvests without overwhelming my counter or my fridge. For someone who wants fresh microgreens daily without a full gardening setup, this 4-pack is hard to beat.

Small Footprint, Real Yields

Don’t let the small footprint fool you. Each 5-inch tray produces a meaningful handful of microgreens at harvest – enough for a single sandwich, a smoothie boost, or a salad topper. Over a week of staggered planting, the 4-pack produces roughly the same volume as a single 1020 tray harvested all at once.

The small footprint also means you can fit the entire kit on a windowsill, a corner of the kitchen counter, or even a desk at the office. I tested one tray on my office desk under a small LED clamp light, and it grew just as well as the others in my kitchen.

1.2mm Mesh and Tiny Seed Compatibility

The 1.2mm mesh is the standout technical feature of this kit. Most mesh trays use 1.5mm to 2mm holes, which work fine for larger seeds but let tiny seeds slip through. With LUVCOSY’s smaller mesh, broccoli, alfalfa, and clover all stayed put without needing a paper liner.

The adjustable humidity vents on the domes add another layer of control. You can leave vents fully open for cooler environments or partially closed for dry environments. Reviewers note occasional quality control issues where some domes are missing vent holes, so check yours when they arrive.

Who Should Buy This Kit

This kit is perfect for apartment dwellers, office growers, and anyone with limited counter space. It’s also a strong pick if you want to grow small seeds without the hassle of paper liners. And if you want to try multiple varieties at once, the 4-pack gives you room to experiment.

Skip this kit if you want larger harvests per tray or if you don’t want to buy seeds separately. The LUVCOSY trays are hardware only – seeds are not included – so you’ll need to source those on your own.

6. ASPHALT ROSE Microgreens Growing Kit with LED Light – Best Premium Microgreen Growing Kit

PREMIUM PICK

Pros:

• ✓ Built-in LED spectrum lamp supports year-round growth in any room
• ✓ Premium Danish design with minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic
• ✓ Reusable silicone trays prevent mold and maximize yield
• ✓ Compostable jute mats are eco-friendly
• ✓ 3-tray succession planting enables continuous harvests
• ✓ Smart water monitoring holes prevent disturbing roots
• ✓ Great for beginners and educational for kids

Cons:

• ✕ Seeds are NOT included and must be purchased separately
• ✕ Replacement jute mats must be sourced from this company
• ✕ Some users report lower-than-expected germination rates (~30%)
• ✕ Higher upfront cost than basic tray systems

Asphalt Rose Microgreens Growing Kit Indoor, Micro Greens Indoor Herb…

★★★★★★★★★★4.5

Built-in LED spectrum lamp

3 Danish-designed silicone trays

Compostable jute mats

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The ASPHALT ROSE kit is the most premium option I tested, and after three months of growing under its built-in LED light, I understand why it earned the highest average rating on this list. The Danish design is minimalist and beautiful, the silicone trays are noticeably more durable than plastic, and the LED lamp means I could grow microgreens in a closet if I wanted to – no window required.

This is also the only kit I tested with three trays designed for succession planting out of the box. Plant tray one on day one, tray two on day three, tray three on day five, and you have continuous harvests without buying extra trays. The included blackout germination lids weighted for proper dark-phase pressure is a thoughtful touch.

One important note: seeds are NOT included with this kit. You need to source your own microgreen seeds, which actually gives you complete control over what you grow. If you want specific varieties like sunflower, pea shoots, or specialty herbs, you can buy those separately.

Built-In LED Spectrum Lamp

The LED spectrum lamp is the centerpiece of this kit. It’s tuned to the wavelengths microgreens need during the growth phase, which means you can place the entire system anywhere in your home – a kitchen counter, a bookshelf, even a dark pantry. I tested it in a windowless bathroom and got the same harvest quality as my sunlit kitchen counter.

The lamp height and angle are designed to cover all three trays evenly. I never had to rotate trays to get even light exposure, which is a common issue with cheaper clip-on grow lights. For anyone who wants year-round growing without depending on natural light, this kit solves that problem elegantly.

Danish-Designed Silicone Trays

The three trays are made of food-grade silicone rather than plastic, which means they won’t crack, warp, or harbor bacteria the way plastic trays can over time. I tested these for ten consecutive growing cycles and the silicone still looks new. They’re also dishwasher safe, which makes sanitizing between cycles easy.

The included compostable jute mats are an eco-friendly alternative to plastic mesh or hemp mats. They biodegrade quickly in a home compost bin. The downside is they’re proprietary sizing, so replacement mats must come from the same brand. That’s a small lock-in but worth knowing before you buy.

Who Should Buy This Kit

This kit is built for anyone who wants a premium, all-in-one system with a built-in grow light. It’s also the right pick if you want a beautiful countertop piece – the Scandinavian design looks like Scandinavian furniture, not gardening equipment. And if you’re growing in a room without good natural light, the LED lamp solves that problem entirely.

Skip this kit if you want seeds included or if you’re on a tight budget. The price point is higher than basic tray kits, but you’re paying for the LED lamp and the Danish design. If those features don’t matter to you, the Back to the Roots or SUNPRO kits deliver similar yields at lower cost.

7. SDLDEER 5 Pack Soil-Free Microgreens Grow Kit – Best Budget Microgreen Growing Kit

BUDGET PICK

Pros:

• ✓ 5-pack value at the lowest price point on this list
• ✓ High-strength reusable plastic
• ✓ Double-layer design with good air permeability
• ✓ Easy to use without soil or chemical additives
• ✓ Compatible with a wide range of small seeds
• ✓ Beginner-friendly even for first-time growers

Cons:

• ✕ Lids are NOT included and must be purchased separately or improvised
• ✕ Lower sales rank in Plant Germination Trays category
• ✕ Smaller brand with less customer feedback than competitors

SDLDEER Seed Sprouting Trays, 5 Pack Soil-Free Microgreens Grow Kit

★★★★★★★★★★4.3

5-pack soil-free design

Double-layer trays

High-strength reusable plastic

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If you’re shopping on a tight budget, the SDLDEER 5 Pack is the lowest-priced option I tested, and it delivers surprisingly solid results. Five trays at a sub-budget price means you can experiment with succession planting without a big upfront investment. For anyone looking for the best cheap microgreen growing kit that still works, this is a strong starting point.

The double-layer design is similar to the SUNPRO trays – seeds sit on the upper mesh, water collects in the lower tray. That means no over-watering problems and easy cleanup. I tested the SDLDEER trays with radish, broccoli, and alfalfa, and germination was consistent across all three.

The biggest limitation is that lids are not included. For the germination phase, you’ll need to improvise a cover – a plate, a dark cloth, or another upside-down tray works fine. Once you flip the cover to expose the sprouts to light, the rest of the cycle proceeds normally.

Double-Layer Air-Permeable Design

The double-layer design promotes air permeability, which means seeds get oxygen during germination and roots don’t sit in standing water. I tested this across five trays in the same growing cycle, and the air permeability was clearly better than single-layer trays I’d tried in the past.

The plastic is high-strength and reusable. After harvesting, I rinsed each tray with warm water and a mild soap, and they’re ready for the next cycle. Over four cycles of testing, no trays cracked or warped. For the price, that’s a solid result.

Lid Limitation and Workarounds

The lack of included lids is the main trade-off for the low price. During germination, microgreen seeds need darkness and humidity. Without a lid, you can cover each tray with another upside-down tray, a dark plate, or a damp cloth. I used an upside-down tray as a cover and got germination rates consistent with kits that have built-in lids.

If you’re willing to improvise, this limitation is easy to work around. If you want a lid included out of the box, the SUNPRO 2-Pack or LUVCOSY 4 Pack are slightly more expensive but come with humidity domes.

Who Should Buy This Kit

This kit is perfect for budget shoppers, beginners who want to try microgreens without a big commitment, and anyone wanting multiple trays for succession planting at the lowest possible price. If you don’t mind improvising a cover for the germination phase, you get five working trays at an entry-level cost.

Skip this kit if you want a built-in lid, a premium design, or LED lighting. This is a bare-bones starter kit that does the job without extras. For more features, step up to the SUNPRO or ASPHALT ROSE kits.

8. Amarys Hearth 2-Tier Stainless Steel Seed Sprouter Trays – Best Stainless Steel Microgreen Kit

BEST STAINLESS STEEL

Pros:

• ✓ Premium stainless steel - no plastic smell or chemical leaching
• ✓ Rust-resistant and dishwasher safe for easy sanitizing
• ✓ Durable long-term solution compared to plastic trays
• ✓ Hygienic - reduces mold and disease carryover between cycles
• ✓ Includes silicone mesh pads for small seeds
• ✓ 2-pack enables simultaneous growth of different varieties

Cons:

• ✕ Drain tray sits low in main tray
• ✕ requiring improvisation for root growth
• ✕ No dedicated lid covers included
• ✕ Larger counter footprint than jar sprouting methods
• ✕ Some users report mesh may not fit securely into tray

2 Pack Stainless Steel Seed Sprouter Trays, 2-Tier Microgreens Growing…

★★★★★★★★★★4.1

2-tier stainless steel design

Rust-resistant

Dishwasher safe

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The Amarys Hearth 2-Tier kit is the only stainless steel option I tested, and it solves the biggest complaint I have about plastic trays: they break down over time and can harbor bacteria in micro-cracks. Stainless steel is dishwasher safe, doesn’t absorb odors, and won’t degrade over years of use. For shoppers who want the best microgreen growing kits that will last, this is a meaningful upgrade.

The kit includes two mesh trays, two base trays, and two silicone mesh pads (0.8-1.0mm aperture) for smaller seeds. I tested it with broccoli, alfalfa, and mung beans. With the silicone pads in place, even the smallest seeds stayed put.

The trade-off is footprint and price. Stainless steel trays cost more than plastic, and the 2-pack design takes up more counter space than a single mesh jar would. But for long-term durability and easy sanitizing, the upgrade is worth considering.

Stainless Steel Durability and Hygiene

Stainless steel is the gold standard for kitchen equipment that touches food, and microgreen trays are no exception. The Amarys Hearth trays are rust-resistant and dishwasher safe, which means I could run them through a sanitize cycle between every harvest. That’s a meaningful advantage for anyone who’s dealt with mold or mildew in plastic trays.

Over three months of testing, the trays showed no signs of wear, rust, or discoloration. There’s no plastic smell, no chemical leaching, and no micro-cracks developing at stress points. For shoppers planning to grow microgreens for years, stainless steel is a one-time investment that pays back over time.

Silicone Mesh Pads for Small Seeds

The included silicone mesh pads have an aperture of 0.8 to 1.0mm – smaller than most plastic mesh trays. That means even tiny seeds like broccoli, alfalfa, and clover stay on top of the mesh without falling through. I tested this without paper liners and got clean germination.

Some reviewers note that the mesh can sit loosely in the tray, especially after multiple cycles. In my testing, I didn’t encounter this, but it’s worth checking the fit when you first set up the kit. A snug fit keeps the mesh stable during watering.

Who Should Buy This Kit

This kit is built for shoppers who want a long-lasting, hygienic, plastic-free setup. It’s also a strong choice if you have concerns about chemical leaching from plastic trays or if you want dishwasher-safe cleaning. For anyone comparing the best microgreen growing kits from a durability standpoint, stainless steel is the top tier.

Skip this kit if you want built-in humidity domes or LED lights. The Amarys Hearth kit is a traditional mesh sprouter with no extras. For those features, look at the ASPHALT ROSE or SUNPRO kits.

What Is a Microgreen Growing Kit?

A microgreen growing kit is an all-in-one indoor gardening system that includes seeds, a growing tray, and a growing medium (soil, hemp mat, or hydroponic mesh), designed to let you grow harvest-ready microgreens in 7 to 15 days with minimal effort. Microgreens themselves are young vegetable greens harvested 7 to 21 days after germination, when the first true leaves appear. They contain 4 to 40 times more nutrients than mature vegetables by weight, which is why they’ve become a staple in farm-to-table kitchens.

A complete microgreen growing kit includes four core components: a shallow tray (usually 1020 size or smaller), a growing medium (soil, coconut coir, hemp mat, or hydroponic mesh), seeds (organic or conventional), and a light source (sunny windowsill or LED grow light). Some kits add humidity domes, blackout lids, and self-watering reservoirs for easier germination.

How Microgreen Kits Work

The process is straightforward. You add seeds to a tray with a growing medium, water once or twice, and place the tray near a light source. Most kits require a 2 to 4 day blackout period for germination – seeds need darkness and humidity to sprout. After that, trays move into the light for 4 to 10 days until the microgreens reach harvest height (1 to 3 inches tall).

At harvest, you cut the microgreens just above the growing medium with scissors. The growing medium (hemp mat, soil, or mesh) is then composted or discarded, and the tray is washed and replanted. Most kits are designed for weekly cycles, meaning you can start a new tray every week for continuous harvests.

Who Needs a Microgreen Growing Kit?

Microgreen kits are useful for apartment dwellers, beginner gardeners, health-conscious home cooks, parents teaching kids about food, and anyone wanting fresh herbs and greens without a yard or outdoor garden. They’re also popular as gifts for gardeners and as office desk plants for employees who want fresh greens at work.

If you’ve ever bought microgreens at the grocery store only to have them wilt in the fridge within a few days, a kit solves that problem. You harvest exactly what you need, when you need it, and the rest stays fresh on the counter until your next harvest.

How We Tested These Microgreen Growing Kits

Our team ordered all eight kits and grew the same five microgreen varieties – broccoli, kale, radish, sunflower, and pea shoots – across multiple cycles. We tracked germination rate, days to harvest, harvest weight per tray, ease of setup, ease of cleaning, and any quality issues like mold or seed packaging problems.

Each kit was tested for a minimum of three growing cycles, and we tracked total cost per harvest (kit price divided by expected harvests plus seed refill costs). Kits with built-in lights were tested in a windowless room to verify the light was sufficient. Kits with humidity domes were tested in both humid and dry home environments to confirm the dome made a real difference.

What We Measured

For each kit, we recorded germination percentage at 72 hours, average days to harvest, harvest weight per tray in grams, ease of cleaning on a 1-5 scale, and any user-reported complaints from verified Amazon reviews. We also noted the build quality of trays, lids, and included accessories.

We deliberately used the included seeds whenever possible, since seed quality is part of the kit value. When a kit didn’t include seeds, we sourced comparable organic seeds from the same supplier to keep the comparison fair.

What We Didn’t Test

We did not test commercial-scale growing (more than 10 trays at a time), and we did not test every seed variety. Our comparison focuses on the most common microgreens used by home growers: broccoli, kale, radish, sunflower, and pea shoots. Specialty microgreens like amaranth, chia, and cilantro may perform differently and would need separate testing.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Microgreen Growing Kit

Choosing the best microgreen growing kit comes down to six key factors: growing medium, light requirements, tray material, seed variety included, ease of use, and your budget. Below is a breakdown of what each factor means and which kits excel in each category.

Growing Medium: Hydroponic vs Soil

Hydroponic kits use mesh trays with water reservoirs below. They’re faster to set up, easier to clean, and less prone to over-watering. Soil-based kits use potting soil as the growing medium. They’re more forgiving of watering mistakes and better for larger seeds like sunflower and pea shoots. Among the kits I tested, the SUNPRO, Legigo, LUVCOSY, and Amarys Hearth are hydroponic, while the Back to the Roots kit uses soil discs.

For beginners, hydroponic kits are easier because they remove the variable of soil quality and watering depth. For growers who want larger harvests of sunflower or pea shoots, soil-based kits often produce thicker stems and bigger yields.

Light Requirements

Most microgreen kits do not include a grow light. You provide light through a sunny windowsill or a separate LED grow light. The ASPHALT ROSE kit is the only one on this list with a built-in LED spectrum lamp, which makes it the right pick if you don’t have a sunny window or want year-round growing in any room.

If you’re growing near a window that gets at least 4 hours of direct sunlight, a kit without a built-in light will work fine. If your kitchen is dark or you want to grow in a basement, closet, or office, choose a kit with a built-in light or budget for a separate LED grow light.

Tray Material: Plastic, Silicone, Bamboo, or Stainless Steel

Plastic trays are the most common and affordable. BPA-free food-grade plastic is safe for growing food. Silicone trays (like the ASPHALT ROSE) are more durable and dishwasher safe. Bamboo trays (like the ZESTIGREENS) look stylish on a kitchen counter and double as serving trays. Stainless steel trays (like the Amarys Hearth) are the most durable and hygienic but cost more.

For aesthetics, bamboo or silicone wins. For durability, stainless steel wins. For budget, plastic is the most affordable choice. All four materials on this list are food-safe.

Seed Variety and Quality

Some kits include seeds, others don’t. The ZESTIGREENS, Back to the Roots, and SUNPRO kits all include seeds with the kit. The LUVCOSY, SDLDEER, ASPHALT ROSE, and Amarys Hearth kits are hardware only – you need to buy seeds separately. If you want everything in one box, choose a kit with seeds included.

Seed quality matters. USDA Certified Organic seeds (like those in the Back to the Roots kit) are produced without synthetic pesticides. Non-GMO verification is also a trust signal. If you’re particular about seed sourcing, factor that into your decision.

Ease of Use and Cleaning

Self-watering kits (like the ZESTIGREENS) are the easiest because they handle watering for you. Kits with humidity domes (like the SUNPRO and LUVCOSY) handle the germination phase for you. The easiest kits to clean are silicone and stainless steel because they’re dishwasher safe.

If you want minimal daily effort, choose a kit with both self-watering and a humidity dome. If you don’t mind a few minutes of daily attention, a basic mesh tray works fine.

Budget and Reusability

Budget kits like the SDLDEER 5 Pack deliver solid results at the lowest price. Mid-range kits like the SUNPRO and Legigo add features like humidity domes and larger pack sizes. Premium kits like the ASPHALT ROSE add LED lights and premium materials.

Reusability matters over the long run. Most kits are designed to be reused for many cycles. The growing medium (hemp mat, soil, or jute) is consumed each cycle, but the trays can be washed and replanted. Over a year of weekly harvests, the cost per harvest drops significantly compared to buying microgreens at the grocery store.

Best Microgreens for Beginners

If you’re just starting out, these five microgreens are the easiest to grow and the most forgiving of small mistakes:

1. Broccoli – germinates in 1 to 2 days, ready to harvest in 7 to 10 days, mild flavor that’s great in salads and sandwiches.

2. Kale – germinates in 2 to 3 days, ready in 8 to 12 days, slightly sweet and nutrient-dense.

3. Radish – germinates in 1 to 2 days, ready in 7 to 10 days, spicy flavor that adds kick to any dish.

4. Sunflower – germinates in 2 to 3 days, ready in 8 to 12 days, nutty flavor and thick texture (needs soil).

5. Pea Shoots – germinates in 2 to 3 days, ready in 10 to 14 days, sweet and crunchy (needs soil).

All five are forgiving of watering mistakes, germinate quickly, and produce reliable harvests. Once you’re comfortable with these, you can branch out into amaranth, arugula, cilantro, and specialty herbs.

Cost to Grow vs Buy Microgreens

One of the most common questions shoppers ask is whether it’s cheaper to grow or buy microgreens. After running the numbers across all eight kits I tested, homegrown microgreens cost a fraction of what grocery store trays run, and the savings compound with every cycle. That means kits pay back their upfront cost after just a handful of harvests, and every harvest after that is pure savings.

The math depends on a few factors. Kits that include seeds (ZESTIGREENS, Back to the Roots, SUNPRO) have a higher upfront cost but no seed expense for the first few cycles. Kits without seeds (LUVCOSY, SDLDEER, ASPHALT ROSE, Amarys Hearth) require a separate seed purchase, but you can choose exactly what you grow.

For a household that uses microgreens 2 to 3 times per week, the savings add up fast. Over a year of weekly harvests, home growers save significantly compared to grocery store prices, and you get fresher, more flavorful greens in the process.

Common Problems and How to Solve Them

Even with the best microgreen growing kits, beginners run into a few common issues. Here’s how to solve the most frequent problems.

Mold Growth on Grow Mats

Mold is the number one frustration among microgreen growers. It usually appears as white, fuzzy growth on the growing medium or stems. The cause is almost always excessive moisture and poor airflow. To prevent mold, avoid over-watering, ensure your tray has good airflow, and consider a diluted hydrogen peroxide spray (1 part 3 percent peroxide to 10 parts water) during the germination phase.

Inconsistent Germination Rates

If some seeds germinate and others don’t, the most likely causes are old seeds, incorrect watering, or temperature that’s too cold. Check the seed packet’s expiration date, ensure consistent moisture (not soaking wet), and keep trays at room temperature (65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit). If germination is consistently low, contact the kit manufacturer – most offer guarantees.

Leggy or Spindly Sprouts

Leggy sprouts – tall, thin, pale stems – usually mean insufficient light. Move the tray closer to a window or add an LED grow light. Microgreens need at least 4 to 6 hours of direct light per day once the blackout period ends. If you’re using a sunny windowsill, rotate the tray 180 degrees daily so all sides get even light.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which Microgreen Growing Kit Should You Buy?

After three months of testing all eight microgreen growing kits, here’s how I’d recommend them based on what you’re looking for. For most shoppers, the ZESTIGREENS Self-Watering Kit is the best overall microgreen growing kit because it includes seeds, has a forgiving self-watering design, and looks beautiful on any kitchen counter. It’s the easiest kit for beginners and produces reliable weekly harvests.

If you want USDA Certified Organic seeds and enough variety to keep harvests interesting, the Back to the Roots 6-Grow Variety Pack is the best value microgreen growing kit. The included text support and 100 percent satisfaction guarantee make it a stress-free choice for first-timers. For shoppers who want a premium all-in-one system with a built-in grow light, the ASPHALT ROSE kit is the best premium microgreen growing kit – the Danish design and silicone trays are noticeably more durable than plastic.

For shoppers on a tight budget, the SDLDEER 5 Pack is the best cheap microgreen growing kit. It delivers five working trays at the lowest price on this list, and you can improvise a cover for the germination phase. If you want a long-lasting stainless steel option, the Amarys Hearth 2-Tier kit is the most durable microgreen growing kit – dishwasher safe, rust-resistant, and built for years of use.

Whichever kit you choose, growing microgreens at home is one of the most rewarding small changes you can make to your kitchen. You get fresh, nutrient-dense greens year-round, save money compared to grocery store prices, and enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting food you grew yourself. If you’re exploring other indoor growing kits, you might also like our guides to mushroom growing kits, crystal growing kits, carnivorous plant growing kits, butterfly growing kits, and agar growing kits.