Cover story: Microgreenery by Sakina Dhilawala from EverythingGreen.sg

Urban farming is not limited to growing large vegetative plants. You could consider growing microgreens instead, especially those who live in apartments and don’t have access to a garden.

EverythingGreen.sg, a Singapore-based urban farming startup, focuses on just that. They aim to educate youths and adults, through hands-on workshops, on how to grow and harvest microgreens and their nutritional benefits; and to teach and cultivate an interest in urban farming in a city-state.

Head Microgreen Grower Sakina Dhilawala started EverythingGreen.sg in 2017. With over 2 years of experience in urban farming, specializing in growing microgreens, Sakina uses EverythingGreen.sg as a platform to share her extensive research, knowledge and passion about microgreens.

Before microgreens, Sakina tried growing common vegetative plants in her apartment but faced many disappointments. Many urban farmers face this challenge as there is a lack of space for growth and poor sunlight in corridors and balconies of apartments. Her woes disappeared when she came across microgreens.

“All you need is a little sun and water,” she says.

The nutritional value, health benefits, and flavors of microgreens are truly amazing. They have a very short shelf life so the best way to keep them is to grow and harvest them whenever they are needed. One of the easiest vegetables to grow apart from watering them, nothing else is required.

Microgreens take up very little space, but within that small space, a huge variety is possible.

“I think it is a great feeling to be able to grow and harvest our own food. Most of us live in vertical homes but that doesn’t mean we should exclude ourselves from growing our own greens. We are fortunate in Singapore because we get year round sun which allows us to grow plenty!”

Urban farming is catching on in Singapore. The increased consciousness today in healthy living and the desire to eat and lead healthy lives is pushing people to understand their produce and encouraging them to grow their own. But full-grown vegetables and plants require a lot of care and attention. The open soil contains contaminants and pests are a huge problem, especially in apartments. Hence microgreens offer an ideal solution for urban farmers who cannot care for full-grown vegetables. It is also great for those with limited space and don’t have ‘green fingers’.

Microgreens are not easily found in supermarkets in Singapore, mainly because their shelf life is so short. So growing them might be the best way to get your hands on them. For more information on theirMicrogreens Starter Kit or workshops go to www.EverythingGreen.sg