How many people make money from growing microgreens

Growing microgreens for profit is feasible, as one Washington state-based couple proves. Michael grows the microgreens full-time. Astrid works full-time in a managerial capacity at Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County, which she says fulfills her heart mission, and she helps Michael part-time with the microgreens business. She works how many people make money from growing microgreens from home, which allows her the flexibility to help as needed. Microgreens are vegetables, greens mostly, harvested when they are 10 to 20 days old. They are cut above the root around the time the first true leaf appears the cotyledon stagewhen the plant has all the nutrients it needs for future growth. The greens can be eaten in salads, in sandwiches or wraps, on pizza, stir-fried, added to soups, or just alone as a snack — your imagination is the only limit, and, as their tagline says, a little goes a long way. People choose different microgreens for their unique flavors as well as for specific nutrients.

​Benefits Of Growing Microgreens As A Business

Consumers nationwide are voting for local foods with their wallets, opting to seek out and buy from local producers rather than purchasing food shipped hundreds, even thousands of miles. This creates new opportunities for small growers to start or expand their business. One of the best newer crops that is ideal for local growers is microgreens, as their shelf life is limited and they do not ship well. The flavor of microgreens is typically more intense than the flavor of a mature plant. Researchers have even found the nutritional value is much higher as well. Microgreens are not sprouts, as only the tops of the plants are used. Growing microgreens is quick and easy because most microgreen varieties reach a harvestable size in about two weeks, which allows growers to produce up to two dozen crops in just one year. As most microgreens are grown in a controlled environment, such as a green house or indoors, there are few disease or pest problems. Microgreens can be grown in soil or in a hydroponic system using a burlap or fiber mat. Soil is best for most small growers, as the startup costs are lower than with hydroponics. Any high quality potting soil blend will work well for microgreens.

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Seeds are spread on top of the soil in each growing tray, tamped in, and covered with either a paper towel or a humidity dome while germinating. Both methods work well, but the paper towel method is better for the small-seeded varieties. After seeding, the seeds and soil are misted to moisten them and start the germination process. The seed trays can be kept in a dark place while germinating, as light is not required during germination. When the seeds have sprouted, the paper towel or humidity dome is removed, and the trays are placed in a well-lit place. A hoop house outdoors can be used, or the microgreens can be grown indoors under lights. As microgreens do not require high-intensity lighting, fluorescent grow lights can be used, which are affordable to purchase and operate. Harvesting, after about two weeks, is a low-tech operation, using scissors or a knife to cut the young plants. After harvesting, the microgreens are rinsed to remove any seed hulls or soil particles to ensure a clean crop. Restaurant chefs and upscale grocers are the best customers, as they are repeat customers.

Learn About Selling Microgreens

When I first heard about selling microgreens, I was truly intrigued, but also uncertain. I am one of those people that believes if something sounds too good to be true, it likely is. If you know anything about my story, you know I was working as an ecological field restoration worker. Basically, I spent all of my time spraying tons of caustic herbicides on invasive plants. I started my business to make a little extra cash on the side, thinking it would take away some of the stress our bills had created. Little did I know, this would become a career for me. Now, I am here hoping to help you start out on your own amazing journey.

How Much Room Do You Need To Start Growing Microgreens?

It’s better to start small and master one type of microgreen before moving on to the next. For a larger microgreens business you’ll probably want to buy more like trays and 8 sets of lights, plus a lot more seed. How To Price Your Microgreens. The ideal temperature for most microgreens is about 67 F 19 C. If it is damp, the seeds should be happy. Dry them in a salad spinner or with a clean towel. Unlike sprouts, microgreens are grown in soil. Can there be any kind of bacteria that grows on micro greens that is harmful?

Important Points on Selling Microgreens

Like sprouts, microgreens are easy to grow in your kitchen or beside a sunny window in your home. Unlike sprouts, microgreens are grown in soil. You can grow herbs, salad greens, vegetables and edible flowers as microgreens. Some microgreens can be harvested in just a couple of weeks, whereas others will take a month to grow.

If you are looking to add some nutrition or earthy spice to your diet, microgreens are a great way to go. To grow microgreens, start by filling a container with 2 inches of soil.

Then, spread the seeds evenly by placing them in your hand and angling your palm so they slowly fall onto the soil. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil, cover the container with another tray, and spray the microgreens with mist daily. After your microgreens germinate, uncover your tray to let them have more light, and allow them to grow for weeks before harvesting. You will know the microgreens are ready when they are between 1 to 3 inches tall.

For more tips from our Horticulturist reviewer, including how to harvest your microgreens, read on! This article was co-authored by Maggie Moran. Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania. Categories: Planting and Growing. Log in Facebook Loading Google Loading Civic Loading No account yet? Create an account. Edit this Article.

We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Article Edit. Learn why people trust wikiHow. There are 23 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Find an old takeout, pie or salad container.

You will need a container that is two inches deep and has enough surface area for the amount of greens you want to grow. To save money, keep your old takeout containers for this purpose. You could also use one an old plastic salad container. Make sure the container has holes at the bottom for drainage. Get your soil. Purchase some quality potting soil from your local home and garden center so that your microgreens have a nutritious environment to grow in. Buy enough soil to completely fill your containers or trays.

Coconut coir is optional, but can be very beneficial for seed propagation. If using coconut coir, fill each container with three quarters potting soil and one quarter coconut coir. You can also pick up some vermiculite to use at the planting stage. Vermiculite is a mineral that also helps with seed propagation.

Set up how many people make money from growing microgreens light source. If you are growing in a warm climate and have lots of light in your house, simply place your tray of microgreens beside a sunny window.

However, if you are growing microgreens indoors and do not have much light in your house, you will need a grow light. If you use artificial light, you should place the light four inches above your tray of microgreens. You can use a cheap fluorescent shop light with fluorescent bulbs.

These lights will help your greens grow a little better but are more expensive. Choose organic seeds. Since microgreens are harvested early, all of the nutrients and any of the pesticides that may be on the seed will be highly concentrated. If your seeds are not organic, they could contain a higher amount of toxins than regular greens. So, you should always purchase organic seeds for microgreens. Try spicy microgreens. If you are looking to spice up a salad or sandwich, you may be interested in growing some of the spicy microgreens.

For example, try growing one of the following spicy microgreens: Purple delight basil grows in four weeks, has purple leaves and a sweet, spicy flavor. Red giant mustard has red veins and is spicy. It grows in four weeks. Lemon basil has bright green leaves and a spicy lemon taste. Ruby streaks mustard grows in two weeks. It has a sweet and spicy flavor.

Green wave mustard grows in two weeks. It has a spicy flavor and ruffled leaves. Daikon radish grows in two weeks and has a spicy taste. Pick earthy and mild microgreens. If you want something a bit more on the mild side for certain dishes, there are a number of celery, beet and other microgreens to choose. For instance, you might be interested in growing one of the following microgreens: Celery microgreens have a mild flavor and mature in four weeks.

Dark purple mizuna grows in two weeks and has a mild mustard flavor. Hong vit radish grows in two weeks and has a mild radish flavor. Put the soil in your container. You should cover the container with two inches of soil, in a ratio of three quarters potting soil and one quarter coconut coir.

Lightly pat down the soil to make a flat seeding surface but without compressing it too. Look at the instructions on the seed packet. The seed packet may give you specific instructions for propagating the microgreens, such as how deep to plant the seed and the time to maturation. If there are specific tips or instructions for the type of microgreen, you should follow. Sprinkle the seeds over the surface of the soil. Place a handful of seeds in one hand. Place your hand palm upwards, at a slight angle towards the surface of the soil.

Use your thumb, index and middle finger to gradually spread the seeds as they fall from your hand. Try to spread the seeds evenly. Add a thin layer of soil or vermiculite. If you have any vermiculite, you can use it instead of the soil. Vermiculite is a mineral that is used for seed propagation. After applying the thin layer of soil or vermiculite, you should still be able to see some of the seeds. Spray the seeds with a mister. You should mist your greens once per day.

If you are not sure whether they need water, stick your finger a half inch into the soil. If the soil is dry, they need to be watered. If it is damp, the seeds should be happy. If it is extremely wet or marshy, you may be drowning your microgreens.

Cover the microgreens to create a small greenhouse. If you are using propagation tray, simply place another tray on top of the one you are using.

If you are using a takeout or other container, you could cover it with a plastic bag. Wait for your seeds to germinate. It should take about a week for the seeds to germinate. A couple days after germination, take off the cover to expose the seeds to more light. Let them grow for two to four weeks before harvesting, depending on the type of microgreen.

Cut the base of the microgreens with kitchen scissors. You know they are ready to harvest when they are one to three inches in height. At harvest time, cut the base of the microgreens, just above the soil.

Since they are tiny and grow close together, you should be able to cut a whole bunch at. One or two clippings should be enough for a salad or sandwich. Wash the microgreens. You can wash your microgreens under tap water. Dry them in a salad spinner or with a clean towel.

Jim Fry wrote: «Start up costs» are not the same as the cost of raising enough of any mkae or animal microgrens be able to make enough money to either live on or make it worthwhile to even try. But more importantly, in your question you make several assumptions that aren’t necessarily true, «perfect ggrowing, small cost and big profit». What makes a «perfect growung is raising something you truly love. And with which you can satisfy a real need, including such things as food to eat, food to sell, plants to use as medicine, plants for animal feed, plants for mulch. Growing something at small cost usually means not a whole bunch of profit.

How Much Room Do You Need To Start Growing Microgreens?

It’s often a matter of scale. It costs more to sell. And just because you see something for sale at a high price doesn’t mean you can raise the same thing for a similar price. What I would do if Mzny was starting out again is do a whole lot more research. I’ve sold to major grocery stores, several natural foods co-ops, our non-member farm stand, and a Natural Food store. It took time, it took experience, it took lots of work, and it took lots of mistakes. But I loved it, so it all worked. So, my suggestion to you is to find the thing you are actually passionate. Research the heck out of it.