A HEALTHY
PERSPECTIVE
“ ... we always felt the need to
plant something, to watch it grow
and to be able to harvest it. The
experience of growth and the
savory outcome enriched us with
joy. We love having such an
enormous connection with nature.”
We love having such an enormous connection
with nature.”
Pleyoo Microgreens was a new vendor in the
2019 Boca Grande Farm & Fish Market season
that ran through the end of April.
Ileana and Orlando are dedicated to their
business and they spend hours in the
greenhouse each day, tending the plants and
creating high-quality products for the markets.
They just started as new vendors at several
area farmers’ markets this year and Ileana said
she’s never been happier. The time it takes to
grow the microgreens depends on the seeds
planted, and the time varies.
“The radish is the fastest-growing type,” she
said. “It takes only five days. But if the weather
is cold outside, it can take up to 15 days.
Arugula and leeks can take up to 19 days.”
She offers 18 kinds of microgreens at the
markets, including pea, radish, sunflower,
amaranth and a spicy summer mix.
The growing process is very environmentally
friendly. Leftover products not sold at the market
are taken home and placed in a compost
pile. Then the growing flats get sterilized with
hydrogen peroxide. After drying, the
flats get new soil, new seeds and
water.
“We have big fans blowing
air in the greenhouse,
because the air must
circulate constantly,” she
said. “If they retain too
much humidity they get ruined. The greens are
growing in a very stressful environment. Keep in
mind that there are thousands of tiny plants
growing in a very small space.”
Sprouts and microgreens are not one and the
same. Sprouts are usually grown in water and
harvested within three days, while microgreens
are grown in soil and require sunlight. They are
harvested after one to three weeks of growing
time, when they are about two inches tall. Baby
greens are grown for longer periods and are
usually around three to four inches tall when
they are harvested.
The flavor of microgreens depends on the
plant they come from. They can range from
mild to tangy, spicy or peppery. Microgreens can
be grown from any herb or vegetable. Some of
the most popular types are cilantro, amaranth,
arugula, radish, basil, beets and broccoli. Ileana
offers many of these at local markets in Southwest
Florida.
During season
Pleyoo Microgreens
can
be
A sampling of several kinds of
microgreens that can be grown
using very little space.