Brits are being encouraged to dig into their cheese cravings, as a gardening expert has revealed an unexpected trick for growing nutritious microgreens using empty cheese boxes. In a viral TikTok video, horticulturist and author Simon Akeroyd shared a sustainable and space-saving tip that’s perfect for springtime planting.
All it takes is reusing Camembert-style wooden cheese boxes to grow microgreens right on your windowsill.“Grow delicious microgreens in 10 days on your windowsill,” Akeroyd said in the clip, which has already attracted thousands of views.
“Next time you’re at the supermarket, grab some cheese boxes, such as Camembert.”
According to Akeroyd, the porous nature of the boxes means they don’t need drainage holes, making them ideal for growing a wide range of microgreens, including curly scarlet kale, red beetroot, broccoli, and sunflower.
To get started, he advised gardeners to densely sow the seeds across the surface of the compost-filled box, then stack the containers on top of each other for the first three days to encourage germination. After that, simply unstack and leave the seedlings to grow for about a week until they reach the microgreen stage. Which are just young, flavourful shoots that are ready to harvest in just 10 days, he explained.
“You can add microgreens to sandwiches, salads, smoothies, soups etc.” Akeroyd said, praising them for their taste and nutritional value. “Growing microgreens in cheese boxes is also a great excuse to buy more cheese.”
The idea has received a warm response online, especially among urban gardeners and sustainability enthusiasts looking for low-cost, eco-friendly ways to upcycle household items.
One user commented: “I love tips that allow us to reuse items we’d usually throw away – also now I know I’m eating Camembert for dinner. Thank you.”
While another joked: “So you’re saying I need to eat 5 camemberts this week? Sold.”
As spring gardening season blooms across the UK, Akeroyd’s cheese box hack offers a simple, accessible way for beginners and seasoned green thumbs alike to grow their own healthy greens, all while indulging in a bit of dairy-fueled creativity.