Microgreens Ottawa

04/03/2025

🌱💧 Bottom Watering: The Secret to Healthier Plants! 💧🌱

Here at Microgreens Ottawa, we've cracked the code on growing the lushest, greenest plants around! Want to know how? It’s all about bottom watering! Here’s why it works wonders:

1️⃣ Even Water Distribution – Bottom watering ensures your plants’ roots get a deep, even soak, promoting healthy growth from the roots up. 🌿

2️⃣ Prevents Soggy Leaves – By watering from the bottom, we keep the leaves dry, reducing the risk of leaf rot and ensuring our plants stay healthy and vibrant. This is how we get those lush canopies! 🌾

3️⃣ Encourages Strong Root Growth – Bottom watering encourages roots to grow deeper and stronger, which supports healthier, more robust plants overall. 🌱

Don’t believe us that bottom watering works? Come to our store at 1160-A Heron Road, Ottawa, ON and see for yourself the spectacular greens growing at Microgreens Ottawa! 🌸🙌

03/26/2025

🌱✨ Sorry for being MIA for a bit, but we've been busy growing something exciting! Introducing Cantaloupe Microgreens and Sage Microgreens to our lineup! 🍈🌿

Get the sweet, fresh taste of cantaloupe to add a burst of summer to your favorite desserts, or bring a bold, fragrant punch of sage to your next savory meal. 🌸🍴

We can’t wait for you to try these new additions—fresh, flavorful, and perfect for the season! 🌞

03/16/2025

Nowruz is fast approaching, and Microgreens Ottawa is ready! We have regular and large size centerpieces available today through Thursday, while supplies last.

02/15/2025

No funny dad jokes this week. We're Canada proud,

02/01/2025

🌿✨ Red Shiso: A Powerful Herb with Ancient Roots and Modern Benefits 🍂

Red Shiso, also known as red perilla, is part of the perilla frutescens family.Native to East Asia, this powerhouse herb has been used for centuries for both its unique flavor and incredible health perks. Its earthy yet sweet taste melds into a savoury flavour with hints of cumin, mint, basil, and spearmint, while its aroma is like cinnamon and cloves.

For such a small plant, it certainly holds its weight in the health department!

💪 It is high in a multitude of different vitamins (such as A, B1, B2, and K) in addition to its contents of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids can assist with everything from promoting collogen production and general immune system and digestive health support.
💥 Its anti-inflammatory properties can act as a natural aid for eczema, arthritis and asthma.
🧬 Shiso also has an abundance of antioxidants including flavonoids which have been known to reduce the risk of some cancers.
🦴 It is also a surprising source of calcium and iron promoting health bone development.

Best enjoyed raw, this vibrant herb can be added to salads, sandwiches, or sushi for an extra punch of flavor and nutrients! 🌸

01/24/2025

🌱✨ Need a little boost to stay on track with your New Year's resolutions or healthy eating goals? Join our loyalty program at Microgreens Ottawa! 🌿

Every time you pick up a fresh variety pack of your favorite greens, we’ll stamp your brand ambassador card. After 10 stamps, your 11th pack is on us! 🎉

Healthy eating just got a whole lot easier (and more rewarding)! 💚

01/18/2025

This week's road sign!

01/17/2025

🌱 The Brief History and Benefits of Indoor Vertical Farming 🌱

Vertical farming has a rich history, dating all the way back to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon (605-562 BC), a stunning set of tiered gardens built to remind Queen Amytis of her lush homeland.

Fast forward to the 1990s, when environmental science professor Dickson Despommier proposed a thought experiment asking his graduate students to think of a way to feed the city of Manhattan using the 5 acres of available rooftop space for urban gardening. Although they could not manage it with rooftops alone, they did conceive of a high-rise building that would use the vertical space to create multistory greenhouses that could produce food year-round.

Today, we’ve evolved, and indoor vertical farming is revolutionizing food production with incredible benefits:

🌿 High Yields in Small Spaces – Produce more with less land.
🌞 Year-Round Growth – Controlled environments ensure crops grow regardless of weather.
🌍 Environmental Impact – Reduced emissions from farming equipment, fewer pesticides, and less water usage.
🏙️ Local Production – Growing food in urban centers cuts down on transportation.

Although Microgreens Ottawa is not a multistory high-rise enterprise, we’re still bringing fresh, healthy greens to the greater Ottawa/Gatineau area through the power of vertical farming! 🌿 Stop by our shop at 1160-A Heron Road to try our delicious, locally grown greens. 🌱

01/10/2025

🌱 Feeling the winter blues after the holidays? We’ve got a natural remedy for you! 🌱

Did you know that proper nutrition can have a big impact on your mood and energy levels? Here’s how:

✨ B Vitamins are essential for neurotransmitter synthesis, including serotonin and dopamine – the “feel-good” chemicals! They help reduce fatigue, boost brain function, and calm irritability. Find them in leafy greens like spinach, kale, cabbage, broccoli, and sunflower!

🌰 Omega-3 Fatty Acids support neurotransmission, which may help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. In addition to protein sources like fish, you can find omega-3 in greens like brown flax.

🍚 Healthy Carbs boost serotonin naturally, lifting your mood and energy. We’ve got nutritious options like buckwheat, amaranth, and popcorn!

At Microgreens Ottawa, we sell these greens and so much more! 🌿 Stop by and make your own custom variety pack of happy greens. Let’s beat those winter blues together! 💚

Welcome to Microgreens Ottawa, an indoor urban farm specializing in the growth of microgreens, and open to the public every single day of the year.

01/05/2025

Celebrating 10 Years of Growth, Dedication, and Hard Work!
Flashback to 5 Jan 2015...

It’s hard to believe, but 10 years ago, we took a big leap—moving into our very first commercial location. That moment marked the beginning of a journey filled with challenges, growth, and, above all, unwavering dedication. Today, as we look back, it’s incredible to see just how far we’ve come. This milestone isn’t just a celebration of the space we’ve built, but of every step, every challenge, and every success that has shaped who we are today.

When we first stepped into our new space a decade ago, there was so much to do. The excitement of starting something new was matched only by the sheer amount of work ahead of us. Every day was an opportunity to build, learn, and grow—sometimes all at once! We rolled up our sleeves and got to work, knowing that each small effort would pay off in the long run.

It wasn’t always easy. There were days when we wondered if the hard work would ever pay off, and nights when we pushed through the exhaustion because we believed in our vision. However, with each challenge, we learned valuable lessons that only fueled our commitment to making this dream a reality.

Then came the moments that made it all worthwhile: the growth of our team, the support from our customers, and the joy of seeing the results of years of hard work. Every achievement, big or small, was a testament to the dedication of everyone involved. Whether it was late-night brainstorming sessions, early mornings of preparation, or the countless hours spent perfecting our processes, it all came together.

None of this would have been possible without the incredible team we’ve built along the way. Their passion, creativity, and hard work have been at the heart of our success. We are so grateful for each person who has joined us on this journey. Their contributions, ideas, and energy have made all the difference.

Looking back over the past decade, we’re filled with pride not just for what we’ve accomplished, but for how we’ve grown together. As we move forward, we are more committed than ever to continuing this journey of growth and improvement. The foundation we've built is only the beginning, and with the lessons of the past 10 years in mind, we look forward to what’s next.

To our customers, partners, and team members—thank you. Your trust, support, and belief in us have been the driving forces behind everything we do. Here’s to another decade of growth, success, and dedication!

Cheers
Jace

12/20/2024

This week's dad joke!

12/19/2024

🎁 Looking for the perfect last-minute gift? Look no further! 🎄✨ Microgreens Ottawa has gift certificates available – the ideal present for foodies, health-conscious friends, or anyone looking to add some extra nutrition and pizzazz to their meals. 🥗🌱

With over 50 varieties to choose from, it can be tough to pick the perfect combination. So why not give the gift of choice this holiday season? 🌟

Support local businesses and spread some green joy! 💚

12/12/2024

🎄🎁 Still hunting for the perfect Christmas gift for the gardener or foodie in your life? Look no further! 🌱 At Microgreens Ottawa, we offer so much more than just microgreens. From soil to trays to a wide variety of seeds, we’ve got everything you need to start your own indoor farm (yes, even in the winter!). 🌿

Not sure where to begin? No worries! Ask us about our Introduction to Growing Microgreens course — a hands-on experience where you’ll learn all the essentials and even plant your own tray with expert guidance. 🪴💚

Sign up yourself or a loved one! Our next course is on January 9th from 7:00 PM to 8:45 PM at our shop. Registration is $70.00 plus tax, including supplies. Spaces are limited, so please register in advance by calling us at 613-915-8388.

Give the gift of green this season! 🌱✨

11/28/2024

🌱 Sprouts vs. Microgreens: What's the Difference? 🌱

While both sprouts and microgreens are packed with nutrients, they come from different stages in a plant’s life cycle. Let’s break it down! 👇

🔸 Sprouts:

What are they? Sprouts are the seed in its germinated stage, with consumers eating both the seed and the root. They’re the very first growth of a plant.

How do they grow? Sprouts don’t need soil, light, or additional nutrients because they rely on the nutrients stored in the seed itself. They're typically grown in water, not soil.

What do they taste like? They have a crunchy, refreshing texture and a mild flavor.

Why are they sustainable? Since you eat the whole sprout (seed and root), there’s no waste, and they don’t require much to grow. 🌿

🔹 Microgreens:

What are they? Microgreens are the young plants that have grown past the sprout stage to the cotyledon stage, where the first set of leaves appear.

How do they grow? Unlike sprouts, microgreens need soil and light to thrive since they need both to start photosynthesizing to create leaves.

What do they taste like? Microgreens only grow to the first set of leaves which are typically more tender than their mature counterparts making them easier to eat raw. Since the plant is now making its own nutrients, you get the full flavour which can really pack a punch depending on the variety.

Why are they superfoods? Because they’re photosynthesizing and creating their own nutrients, microgreens are nutrient-dense containing the same amount of nutrients compared to the mature plant. This is 4 to 40 times the nutrients! 🌱

Both are tasty, healthy, and versatile in your diet, but now you can pick the right one for your needs! 🌱💚

11/20/2024

🌱✨ Microgreens Ottawa is proud to be one of the few licensed retailers of 35% Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide in Ottawa!

Did you know food-grade H2O2 doesn’t contain stabilizers, making it safe for use in food preparation areas? While it’s not meant for direct ingestion, it’s perfect for:

🍏 Washing produce
🧼 Home food-related cleaning: Disinfecting cutting boards, countertops, fridges, etc.
💪 Effective bacteria & fungus killer: More powerful than bleach!

💧Bonus: It’s also great for plant care! Have fungus in your plant pot? Clean it up with food-grade hydrogen peroxide. 🌿

Get yours today at Microgreens Ottawa at 1160-A Heron Road, Ottawa, ON!!

11/14/2024

🍂🌱 All about Red Veined Sorrel! 🌱🍂

Red Veined Sorrel is part of the Polygonaceae (buckwheat) family of perennial herbaceous plants. Its subspecies is called Rumex Sanguineus and goes by other common names such as Red Veined Dock or Bloody Dock.

Its distinctive bright lime-green leaves with dark red veins make it a showstopper as a garnish for any meal while its mild citrus, lemony flavour adds a delicate zest to any dish. They can be harvested as microgreens and eaten raw in salads and garnishes or be cooked like spinach. It is not recommended to eat the mature leaves as they become tough and bitter with age.

Red Veined Sorrel is rich in vitamin C and carotene (which can be broken down into a form of Vitamin A called retinal). Though beware! The plant does contain trace amounts of oxalic acid which may cause stomach discomfort to some people if eaten in large quantities.

Fun fact: Unlike most other varieties grown as microgreens, Red Veined Sorrel is a perennial plant meaning that its leaves will grow back after being harvested!

Intrigued to know more? Stop by our shop at 1160-A Heron Road, Ottawa, ON!

11/08/2024

This week's edition!