Microgreens are the quickest harvest an indoor gardener can grow: broccoli, radish, kale and pea shoots go from seed to scissors in about one to three weeks on a kitchen counter. A good microgreen growing kit takes the guesswork out of the first few trays with the right container, a growing medium or mat, a cover for the germination stage and, in some kits, seed or a grow light. The kits on Amazon range from self-watering trays and ceramic dishes to stackable sprouters and an LED-lit system. This guide compares the microgreen kits currently listed, explains what to look for, and notes what each listing leaves out, especially whether seeds are included.
In this guide
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How we compared: we compared 13 current Amazon microgreen and sprouting kit listings (we set aside a seeds-only pack and a hydroponic herb garden that turned up in the same searches) on what each listing states about trays, growing medium, seeds, covers, lights, materials and size. We did not test or handle the products, and nothing here describes hands-on use. Availability and listing details change, so confirm the current listing before you buy.
| Product | Best for | Key features | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZestiGreens Self-Watering Kit | Best overall |
| Buy now →Check current price |
| Back to the Roots 6-Grow Kit | Best organic kit |
| Buy now →Check current price |
| Asphalt Rose Kit with LED | Best with a grow light |
| Buy now →Check current price |
| HiHOYA 5-Seed Kit | Best variety for beginners |
| Buy now →Check current price |
| mizuna Ceramic Tray Kit | Best plastic-free kit |
| Buy now →Check current price |
| Legigo 8-Pack Sprouter Trays | Best for continuous harvests |
| Buy now →Check current price |
| Gardens Alive Two-Tier Sprouter | Best compact stackable sprouter |
| Buy now →Check current price |
Prices change often; check Amazon for today’s price. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
The best microgreen growing kits
1. ZestiGreens Microgreens Growing Kit — Best overall
Self-watering 12 x 6 inch tray with bamboo surround, hemp mats, blackout lid, two seed packs and a 16-page guide.
Check price on AmazonWhy we like it
- Self-watering tray with a removable hydroponic insert.
- Grow on hemp mats or switch to soil for big seeds.
- Blackout felt lid for the germination stage.
- Two seed packs and a 16-page illustrated guide.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Tray | Reusable 12 x 6 in tray with bamboo surround |
| Growing medium | 2 hemp grow mats; soil optional |
| Seeds | Red Garnet amaranth; superfood mix (broccoli, kale, kohlrabi, arugula, cabbage) |
| Cover | Blackout felt lid |
| Harvest time | 7 to 10 days, per listing |
| Grow light | Not included |
ZestiGreens kit — 12 x 6 in self-watering tray, bamboo frame, hydroponic insert, 2 hemp mats, blackout lid, 2 seed packs.
The only kit on the shelf that works both hydroponically and in soil
Small-seeded microgreens such as broccoli, kale and amaranth grow well on mats, but larger seeds like sunflower, pea, beet and chard usually do better in soil. ZestiGreens is the only listing among the 13 we compared that lets you remove the hydroponic insert and fill the tray with soil, so one kit covers both types. That flexibility makes it a good long-term base rather than a one-time gift.
It is also one of only four kits that include seed (with HiHOYA, mizuna and Back to the Roots), and its blackout felt lid handles the dark germination phase many microgreens prefer. The listing says no special lights are needed and promises a harvest in 7 to 10 days; University of Illinois Extension says microgreens are usually ready 10 to 14 days after planting and need at least 4 hours of light a day, with a grow light if they turn leggy. Expect slower, lankier growth on a dim winter windowsill.
The kit holds one 12 by 6 inch tray, so it grows a single modest crop at a time. The listing does not name the tray plastic.
Pros
- Mat or soil growing
- Seeds and mats included
- Blackout lid
- Detailed guide
Cons
- One tray at a time
- No grow light
- Tray material not stated
Check ZestiGreens Self-Watering Kit price on Amazon
2. Back to the Roots DIY Microgreen Grow Kit, 6-Grow Variety Pack — Best organic kit
Six-grow variety pack with USDA certified organic, non-GMO seed including broccoli, kale, kohlrabi and red cabbage.
Check price on AmazonWhy we like it
- USDA certified organic, non-GMO seed.
- Six seed packets for six grows.
- Made in the USA.
- Replacement or refund if it does not grow.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Seeds | 6 packets, including broccoli, kale, purple kohlrabi, red cabbage |
| Certification | USDA certified organic, non-GMO |
| Origin | Made in USA |
| Support | Green-Thumb text support; replacement or refund |
| Package size | About 8.6 x 5.25 x 5.5 inches |
| Tray and medium | Not described in listing |
Back to the Roots 50041 — 6 organic seed packets, made in USA, text support, replace-or-refund guarantee.
The only kit on the shelf with USDA certified organic seed
For gardeners who want organic food from the start, Back to the Roots is the only listing among the 13 that states USDA certified organic seed. It is also the only one with a made-in-USA claim and a text-message support line. The six packets give six separate grows, enough to try several brassicas and learn how each behaves.
The listing’s guarantee is straightforward: if the kit does not grow, message the company for a replacement or refund. That is reassuring for a first-time grower or a gift.
What the listing does not describe is the tray or growing medium, beyond calling it a kit. Check the product photos to see what container is included. The nutrition claim of up to 40 times the vitamins of mature plants is marketing; microgreens are nutritious, but the figure varies by crop and study.
Pros
- Certified organic seed
- Six grows
- Made in USA
- Clear guarantee
Cons
- Tray and medium not described
- No grow light
- Nutrition claim is marketing
Check Back to the Roots 6-Grow Kit price on Amazon
3. Asphalt Rose Microgreens Growing Kit with LED Light — Best with a grow light
LED-lit kit with three silicone trays, six jute mats and three blackout lids for succession planting; no seeds.
Check price on AmazonWhy we like it
- Built-in LED lamp for dim kitchens and winter.
- Three trays for succession planting.
- Three blackout lids for germination.
- Six compostable jute mats; no soil mess.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Light | LED spectrum lamp |
| Trays | 3 silicone trays |
| Growing medium | 6 jute mats with water-level side holes |
| Covers | 3 blackout germination lids |
| Size | About 15 x 7.5 x 9 inches |
| Seeds | Not included |
Asphalt Rose Mgk-3t-led — LED lamp, 3 silicone trays, 6 jute mats, 3 blackout lids, ~15 x 7.5 x 9 in, no seeds.
The only dedicated microgreen kit on the shelf with its own grow light
Light is where many windowsill microgreens fall short; leggy, pale stems are the usual sign. Asphalt Rose is the only purpose-built microgreen kit among the 13 listings that includes a lamp, so it works in dim kitchens and through northern winters. The listing does not give the lamp wattage or a timer, so you may want a plug-in timer.
The three-tray design is built for succession planting: one tray germinating under a blackout lid, one growing under the lamp, and one ready to harvest. Jute mats have a side hole for checking water levels without disturbing roots. Silicone trays are an unusual choice; the listing says they help balance air and water at the roots.
Seeds are not included, by design, so budget for microgreen seed. Several of the listing’s claims, such as mold prevention and “maximizing harvest yield,” are marketing, and the kit’s footprint is larger than single-tray kits.
Pros
- Integrated LED lamp
- Three-tray rotation
- Blackout lids
- Soil-free jute mats
Cons
- No seeds
- Lamp wattage and timer not stated
- Larger footprint
Check Asphalt Rose Kit with LED price on Amazon
4. HiHOYA Microgreens Growing Kit with 5 Seed Packs — Best variety for beginners
Five leak-proof grow boxes with humidity lids, 10 soil discs, 5 seed packs (broccoli, arugula, kale, cabbage, radish).
Check price on AmazonWhy we like it
- Five crops: broccoli, arugula, kale, cabbage, radish.
- Five separate boxes, each with a humidity lid.
- Ten soil discs: enough for two rounds.
- Leak-proof planters protect windowsills.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Containers | 5 leak-proof grow boxes with humidity lids |
| Growing medium | 10 soil discs |
| Seeds | 5 non-GMO packs |
| Extras | 3 gardening tools, plant markers |
| Package size | About 9.2 x 6.8 x 3.6 inches |
| Box dimensions | Not stated in listing |
HiHOYA microgreens kit — 5 lidded grow boxes, 10 soil discs, 5 non-GMO seed packs, 3 tools, markers.
The most seed varieties and containers in a complete starter kit
Among the four kits that include seed, HiHOYA gives the most separate containers: five lidded boxes, one per crop. That lets a beginner grow broccoli, arugula, kale, cabbage and radish side by side and see how each differs in speed and flavor. Ten soil discs cover a second round.
The humidity lids help during germination, and the leak-proof boxes keep water off windowsills. Brassicas like these are among the most forgiving microgreens, which suits first-timers. The listing claims a harvest in 7 days; plan on one to two weeks depending on light and temperature.
The boxes are small (the whole kit packs into about 9 by 7 inches), so each yields a modest handful. The “40 times more vitamins” line is marketing. No grow light is included.
Pros
- Five seed varieties
- Separate lidded boxes
- Two rounds of soil discs
- Leak-proof
Cons
- Small harvest per box
- Box size not stated
- No grow light
Check HiHOYA 5-Seed Kit price on Amazon
5. mizuna Microgreens Growing Kit, 2 Ceramic Trays — Best plastic-free kit
Two stackable 11.5 x 4.5 inch ceramic trays, coconut coir and broccoli seed; dishwasher safe, no plastic.
Check price on AmazonWhy we like it
- No plastic anywhere, per the listing.
- Ceramic trays go in the dishwasher.
- Two trays for a weekly rotation.
- Sized for a standard windowsill.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Trays | 2 stackable ceramic trays, 11.5 x 4.5 x 1.5 in |
| Drainage | None by design; ceramic retains moisture |
| Growing medium | Coconut coir |
| Seeds | Broccoli |
| Care | Dishwasher safe |
| Cover | Stacked tray acts as a cover during germination |
mizuna kit — 2 ceramic trays 11.5 x 4.5 x 1.5 in, coconut coir, broccoli seed, dishwasher safe, plastic-free.
The only plastic-free kit among the listings
Every other tray kit on the shelf uses plastic or silicone trays (one sprouting kit uses glass jars). mizuna’s are ceramic, and the listing says there is no plastic anywhere in the kit. Ceramic is easy to sanitize in a dishwasher between crops, which matters because clean containers help prevent damping-off and mold.
The trays stack during germination, with a deliberate gap for airflow, then separate so you can grow two at once or start the second a week later. The narrow 4.5-inch width fits standard windowsills.
There are no drainage holes. The listing says ceramic retains the right moisture, but it means you must water carefully; soggy coir invites mold. Seed is broccoli only, so plan to buy more varieties after the first crops.
Pros
- Plastic-free
- Dishwasher safe
- Two-tray rotation
- Windowsill sized
Cons
- No drainage; easy to overwater
- One seed variety
- Ceramic can chip or break
Check mizuna Ceramic Tray Kit price on Amazon
6. Legigo 8 Pack Seed Sprouter Trays with Lids — Best for continuous harvests
Eight soil-free tray sets with mesh inserts, base trays and clear lids in food-grade PP, plus 16 germination papers.
Check price on AmazonWhy we like it
- Eight tray sets for a staggered weekly rotation.
- Mesh inner tray over a water tray; no soil needed.
- Clear lids hold humidity during germination.
- Food-grade PP, BPA free per title.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Quantity | 8 tray sets (inner mesh tray, bottom tray, lid) |
| Size | About 12.7 x 10.2 x 4.95 inches each |
| Material | Food-grade PP, BPA free |
| Medium | 16 germination papers |
| Seeds | Not included |
| Germination time | 3 to 10 days, per listing |
Legigo 8-pack — 8 mesh-over-base tray sets with lids, ~12.7 x 10.2 in, food-grade PP, 16 papers, no seeds.
The most tray sets in one listing
Legigo sells the same tray design in 2-, 5-, 8- and 10-pack listings. The 8-pack with lids is the sweet spot for a weekly rotation: start one or two trays every few days and you always have something ready to cut. The 10-pack listing does not mention lids in its title and uses a shallower size, so check carefully.
The mesh-over-base design is effectively bottom watering: roots reach down into water in the base tray while leaves stay dry, which helps limit mold. Germination papers stop tiny seeds from falling through the mesh. The listing advises not over-seeding, to keep airflow, which is sound advice for any kit.
The trays are designed primarily for sprouts and soil-free microgreens. Large seeds like sunflower and pea may do better in soil. Seeds are not included.
Pros
- Eight sets for rotation
- Bottom-water design
- Clear lids
- Food-grade, BPA-free PP
Cons
- No seeds
- Not ideal for large seeds
- Takes up shelf space
Check Legigo 8-Pack Sprouter Trays price on Amazon
7. Gardens Alive Two-Tier Seed Sprouter Kit — Best compact stackable sprouter
Two-tier stackable sprouter, 5.5 x 5.5 x 5.25 in, BPA-free food-grade plastic, vented lid; expands with 4 more trays.
Check price on AmazonWhy we like it
- Tiny 5.5 x 5.5-inch footprint.
- Clear trays show growth.
- Expands with up to four more trays.
- Vented lid and water-catching base.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Tiers | 2 (supports up to 4 additional trays) |
| Size | 5.5 x 5.5 x 5.25 inches; each tray 1.5 in tall |
| Material | BPA-free food-grade plastic |
| Lid | Vented |
| Weight | About 0.65 pound |
| Seeds | Not stated as included |
Gardens Alive 3137 sprouter — 2 tiers, 5.5 x 5.5 x 5.25 in, BPA-free plastic, vented lid, expandable.
The smaller of the two stacked-tier sprouters, and expandable
Two listings on the shelf are stacked-tier sprouters: Gardens Alive and an AOMGD 4-tier tray (6.3 inches square). At 5.5 inches square, Gardens Alive takes less counter space, and it can grow taller with up to four additional trays when you want more.
It is best for sprouts and very young microgreens such as alfalfa, mung bean, radish and broccoli. The listing says no soil or sunlight is required, which is true for sprouts but not for microgreens, which need light once they emerge to green up. Move the trays to a bright spot after germination.
Illinois Extension notes that sprouts need dark, wet conditions and daily rinsing and are eaten whole, while microgreens grow longer, in light, and only the tops are eaten. If you sprout seeds, rinse as directed and keep the equipment clean.
Pros
- Very compact
- Expandable
- BPA-free plastic
- Vented lid
Cons
- Small yield per tier
- Better for sprouts than full microgreens
- Light claim is misleading for microgreens
Check Gardens Alive Two-Tier Sprouter price on Amazon
How to choose a microgreen growing kit
Microgreens or sprouts?
Many kits are sold for both, but they are different crops. University of Illinois Extension explains that sprouts need dark, wet conditions and daily rinsing, and the whole seedling is eaten; microgreens grow for 7 to 21 days after germination, have true leaves, and only the stems and leaves are eaten. University of New Hampshire Extension notes that federal food safety rules define sprouts as harvested before true leaves emerge, and microgreens as reaching the true-leaf stage. Jar sprouters and stacked sprouting trays are built for sprouts; trays with mats or soil plus light are built for microgreens.
What to look for
- Seeds included or not: only 4 of the 13 kits we compared include seed. Others expect you to buy your own, which gives more choice.
- Growing medium: soil and coir suit the widest range of seeds, including sunflower and pea. Mats (hemp, jute) and germination paper are cleaner and suit small brassica seeds.
- Cover: a humidity or blackout lid helps germination. Remove it once seeds sprout.
- Light: Illinois Extension says seedlings need at least 4 hours of light a day and may need a grow light if leggy. Kits with an LED help in winter.
- Drainage and bottom watering: mesh-over-tray designs keep leaves dry and limit mold.
- Scale: one tray for occasional salads; several trays for a weekly rotation.
Growing tips
Illinois Extension’s method is simple: fill a container with an inch or two of moistened potting mix, sprinkle seed evenly, cover lightly, mist, and cover with a clear lid. Water daily to keep the mix moist but not soaked, uncover once seeds sprout, and harvest with scissors at soil level once the first true leaves form, usually 10 to 14 days after planting. Eat them the same day or refrigerate for up to a week. Our guides on how to grow microgreens and growing microgreens without soil go step by step.
Prevent mold and damping-off
Crowded, wet, still trays invite mold. Seed at the density the packet suggests, bottom-water where possible, and keep air moving with a small fan. Utah State University Extension calls sanitation the most important defense against damping-off and recommends scrubbing reused trays and soaking them in a 10% bleach solution, then using a sterile potting mix. If your trays keep molding, see why microgreens mold.
Grow through the winter
Microgreens are a natural fit for cold months. Pair a kit with a grow light or a bright south window, and see our guide to growing vegetables indoors in winter. If you want to scale up to standard trays, our seed starting kits roundup covers 1020 trays and domes, and the urban gardening hub has more small-space ideas.
Frequently asked questions
How long do microgreens take to grow?
University of Illinois Extension says microgreens are usually ready 10 to 14 days after planting, and describes them as growing 7 to 21 days after germination. Fast crops like radish and broccoli are quickest; peas, sunflower and beets take longer. Harvest once the first true leaves appear.
Do microgreen kits need a grow light?
Not always. Illinois Extension says seedlings need at least 4 hours of light a day and may need a grow light if they become leggy. A bright window can work in summer; in winter or a dim kitchen, a kit with an LED or an add-on grow light gives sturdier, greener growth.
What is the difference between microgreens and sprouts?
Sprouts are newly germinated seeds grown in dark, wet conditions and eaten whole, roots and all. Microgreens grow longer in light, develop true leaves, and are cut above the soil or mat. Kits built for one may not suit the other.
Can microgreen trays and mats be reused?
Trays can be reused many times; scrub them and sanitize between crops. Mats, coir and soil are best composted after each crop, because old roots hold moisture and can harbor mold. Start each tray with fresh medium.
Which microgreens are easiest for beginners?
Brassicas such as radish, broccoli, kale and cabbage are fast and forgiving, which is why most seed-included kits use them. Pea and sunflower are easy too but grow best in soil. Save slower or fussier crops such as basil and amaranth for later.