Birmingham Farmer Grows Microgreens for the Everyday Person

Jacqueline Jackson shares her tips for growing nutritious microgreens at home in just 2 weeks.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 10:20pm

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Jacqueline Jackson, an urban farmer in Birmingham, Alabama, is on a mission to make microgreens accessible to everyone, not just high-end restaurants. She shares her best tips for growing microgreens like radish, sunflower, and kale at home in just 10-15 days, even for beginner gardeners.

Why it matters

Microgreens are typically seen as a fancy garnish, but Jackson wants to encourage more people to incorporate them into their everyday meals. By providing easy-to-follow instructions for growing microgreens indoors, she hopes to inspire her community to try this nutritious and versatile ingredient.

The details

Jackson, the owner of Mattie's Garden, grows a variety of microgreens including radish, sunflower, and kale. She recommends finding a spot with consistent temperatures between 60-70 degrees, like a windowsill or spare room, rather than the fluctuating kitchen. To plant, fill a container with soil or coir, spread the seeds, mist with water daily, and keep in a sunny spot or under grow lights. The microgreens will be ready to harvest 1-1.5 inches above the soil in just 10-15 days.

  • Mattie's Garden was founded 7 years ago when Jackson left her banking career to pursue urban farming full-time.
  • Jackson brings her microgreen harvest, including arugula, bok choy, and more, to the Birdsong Farmers Market in Birmingham every Saturday.

The players

Jacqueline Jackson

The owner and operator of Mattie's Garden, an urban farm in Birmingham, Alabama that she named after her beloved grandmother.

Mattie's Garden

An urban farm in Birmingham, Alabama that Jackson founded 7 years ago after leaving her banking career.

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What they’re saying

“I'm a vibrant person with a vibrant personality, so I like my produce to look bright, friendly, and colorful.”

— Jacqueline Jackson, Owner, Mattie's Garden

“What I love about microgreens is you can bring them to the everyday person. That's why I offer them at the farmers' market, for people who aren't buying it to garnish a $50 steak.”

— Jacqueline Jackson, Owner, Mattie's Garden

What’s next

Jackson plans to continue expanding the crops grown at Mattie's Garden to make more fresh, nutritious produce available to her local community.

The takeaway

By providing easy-to-follow instructions for growing microgreens at home, Jacqueline Jackson is making this nutritious and versatile ingredient accessible to everyday people, not just high-end restaurants.