How to Start a Microgreen Business

In recent times, microgreens have become a hot favorite with chefs and have established themselves as a must-have in fine-dining kitchens.

What are microgreens?

Microgreens are shoots of salad vegetables that are picked just after the appearance of the first leaves. They comprise fully developed cotyledon leaves and a pair of partially developed true leaves.

Examples of microgreens are broccoli, lettuce, and chicory, arugula, etc. They can be cultivated by farming, indoor farming, vertical farming, etc.

Health experts vouch for microgreens as a power-packed source of nutrients. Besides, being a healthy food option, these minis also enhance the visual appeal of food. It is because of these reasons that the global microgreens market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.5% during the period 2020-2025. (Source: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/microgreens-market)

With such a high rate of growth expected, a microgreens business sure promises to be a profitable one!

And, guess what? microgreens can be grown in small areas, they do not require much investment, and they grow fast and easily! You can harvest your minis weekly and sell them.

So, let’s begin on how to start this lucrative business:

Step 1: Identify your Customers

It is important to understand who your customers are and what their needs are. These insights will help you determine the microgreens you can grow for a profit.

Potential customers for microgreens in your neighborhood are:

• Chefs
• Residents in your locality
• Farmers
• Grocery stores

Before you start growing the greens, you can study the demand for different types of greens among your potential customers.

Step 2: Start you Microgreen Farm

Although it may be tempting to go about your business on a large scale because of the profits it promises for a minimal investment. It is recommended that you start small and scale it up as you succeed.

To start your home microgreen farm:

• Mix the soil and spread it in 10x20x2” tray. Create an even and flat surface taking care that you do not compress the soil too much.
• Spread seeds, about 1oz, per tray evenly.
• Mist the seeds slightly.
• Cover the tray with another tray of the same dimensions.
• Check the tray and mist daily and remove the cover once the seeds germinate.
• Within a week after uncovering the tray, your minis are ready to be harvested.

Step 3: Selling your Microgreens

Growing microgreens is the easy part, it is the selling that is tough!

It is a good idea to price them a little low during the initial stages of business and hike the price as demand grows.

You can consider digital marketing also to reach a wider market. You could have a website with pictures of your farm with details and contact details as well.

Of course, offline marketing methods such as directly approaching the customers should not be ignored!

Once you get started in your microgreen business, nothing can hold you back!