Organic Farm Trial Chronicles
At Sanders Funny Farm, we're committed to continuous improvement not just in the quality of what we grow, but in how we grow it. As part of our participation in an Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) trial, we set out to answer a question that many microgreens growers wrestle with: does growing medium make a measurable difference?
Specifically, we compared two common substrates: organic potting soil and jute grow mats. Here's what we found.
The Trial Setup
We ran parallel trays of the same microgreen varieties chia, radish, and broccoli under identical light, temperature, and watering conditions. The only variable was the growing medium: one set in certified organic potting soil, the other on jute fiber mats.
Germination & Early Growth
Jute mats showed slightly faster and more uniform germination across all three varieties. The mat's consistent moisture retention gave seeds an even start, while soil trays showed minor variance in germination density, likely due to natural inconsistencies in soil composition.
Root Development
Soil-grown microgreens developed more robust root systems, which we believe contributed to slightly higher nutrient uptake. Jute-grown roots were shallower but cleaner at harvest, a meaningful advantage for presentation and food safety.
Yield & Harvest Weight
Soil trays produced a modestly higher yield by weight across varieties, though jute trays were more consistent tray-to-tray. For commercial growers prioritizing consistency and cleanliness, jute presents a compelling case.
Flavor & Quality
In blind taste tests with our farm team, soil-grown microgreens were rated slightly more flavorful, particularly the broccoli and radish varieties. This aligns with research suggesting that mineral-rich soil contributes to flavor complexity.
Our Takeaway
Both growing mediums have a place in an organic microgreens operation. We're continuing to refine our approach based on these findings, and we're grateful to OFRF for supporting this kind of on-farm research. Trials like this help small farms like ours make evidence-based decisions that benefit both our crops and our customers.
We'll be sharing more results as our trial continues. Stay tuned and as always, thank you for supporting organic farming.
