Text and Photos by Anna Duron, EVM Program Coordinator
Generally in the Emergent pre-Vegetated Mat (EVM) nursery, we grow native emergents, grass-like plants that are important for Oregon Spotted Frog habitat. These emergents, though, are dormant in the winter, which leaves the EVM empty of plants and things for us to do during the darker months. This year we decided to work on a new project: growing microgreens.
Microgreens are nutritionally dense and have a mild, fresh taste similar to salad greens. They have a quick germination and growth rate, which makes them a perfect project for the few winter months we are free from growing emergent mats.
This was a brand-new learning process for everyone. It gave the EVM program team the chance to learn how to grow edible plants, plus how to safely process and handle the greens. The microgreens grown out in the EVM are being put back into the kitchen at Stafford Creek Corrections Center for the incarcerated men to enjoy.
We discovered that growing and harvesting of microgreens is a tedious process. Many steps and careful observations are needed for these tiny plants to succeed.
We harvest about every two weeks. With each harvest, we get approximately 15 pounds of greens — that’s about 16 gallons! These microgreens have been a great addition to the salad mixes in the SCCC kitchen.
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Once a year, SPP reports on all things sustainable happening in Washington State Prisons.