Planting the seeds of steady growth.
This week I decided to pair up broccoli and purple radish. They didn’t ask for much. No soaking, no tricky moisture levels. Just a quiet space to settle in and do their thing. Keeping it simple! Sometimes, growth can be uncomplicated. Sometimes, it’s just about showing up.
I planted on Monday as planned. I started with the broccoli. The seeds are small, round and smooth like tiny marbles.I like the way they feel between my fingers. I spread them pretty thick and pressed them gently into the soil.
But the radish seeds! I have to tell you about them, because they made an impression before they even sprouted. As soon as I opened the packet, there was that unmistakable radish scent. My cat came over immediately, drawn in by the smell. (She’s a curious little garden witch herself.) I love that these seeds carry so much of their full-grown identity even in their earliest form, they even have a slight tint of purple.
By Tuesday morning, both had already sprouted. The radish came first—fast, confident, and vibrant. Its stems were thick and upright, already tinted with that deep, regal purple. It’s hard not to feel a sense of admiration for how boldly it shows up in the world. “Regal” really is the right word. It doesn’t hesitate. It just is.
Broccoli moved a little more slowly, but it didn’t fall behind—it just followed its own rhythm.
By midweek they were catching up. I love the contrast between them—the sturdy boldness of radish, the soft, delicate green of broccoli. Watching them grow side by side feels like watching two parts of myself stretch in different ways. One, sure-footed and loud. The other, quieter, unfolding with intention.
In terms of flavor, both of these are strong in their own ways. Radish microgreens have that classic spicy kick—perfect for tacos, pozole, or even scattered over avocado toast. Broccoli is milder, slightly earthy, and a good all-around base for mixing with other greens. I haven’t harvested this round just yet, so I’ll circle back next week with a few more ideas once I’ve tasted them fresh.
There’s something I’ve been noticing in these early weeks—the rhythm I’m building isn’t just about microgreens. It’s about the habit of checking in. Not just with the plants, but with myself. Every morning I come by to see what’s changed. What’s shifted. Sometimes it’s obvious like new leaves or stronger stems. Sometimes it’s small. But either way, it’s a reminder that things are always moving. Even when they feel still.
Oh—and one more reflection before I wrap this one up. Last week’s spicy salad mix? That’s going to be a staple. It was easy, flavorful, and versatile. I can already tell it’s something I’ll keep coming back to.
Lovee really loved the pak choi. Every time I checked on it, she’d wander over and start nosing into the container, helping herself to a bite if she could get one. I guess she’s a microgreens cat now.
It’s sweet how things are already starting to layer. Each week adds something new to the mix, but nothing gets left behind.
Next week, I’ll be sowing Curled Cress and Red Garnet Amaranth. Tiny seeds, both of them are delicate, light, and full of potential. I’ll tell you about how to care for seeds that act a little differently, and maybe get into what it means to hold space for the small, slow things. Because that’s part of growth too.
Thanks for reading my blog! I hope you’ll keep growing with me!
Id love to hear what you are growing, in your garden and in your heart!
Mandy, Wild & Free 
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