Microgreen farming is an emerging career choice that offers people an opportunity to earn extra money on the side. Microgreen farming can be an invaluable way to increase financial independence while still working full or part-time; additionally, microgreen farming can supplement retirement or social security income earnings.
Microgreens are vegetables, usually leafy greens, harvested during their early stages of growth and sold directly or via restaurants to consumers for use in salads and sandwiches. Kale, spinach and mustard greens are popular microgreens which are harvested at their cotyledon stage containing all their vital nutrients – they make delicious additions to soups, pizza or wraps, stir frying recipes or garnish for any number of dishes.
Before starting a microgreens business, it is crucial to take into account all the associated overhead costs. This should include space rental fees, electricity, water and other utility charges as well as equipment and material costs as well as employee wages. Furthermore, local taxes, insurance premiums and any fees related to operating the business need to be taken into consideration as well.
Growing microgreens is relatively cost-effective compared to other forms of farming, and you can have your first crop ready for sale within six weeks of planting seeds. The main cost in starting up a microgreens business is renting space – typically, an initial greenhouse or grow room rental can run anywhere between $1,000-$3,000, although garage or basement space could work just as effectively.
Based on the size and scope of your operation, microgreen sales should generate between $20-50 per flat. This venture can be particularly rewarding once you have established a trusting clientele base that needs fulfilling quickly and efficiently.
Some farmers cultivate microgreens outdoors in gardens, but this can be difficult if there is not enough sunlight or heat. Therefore, indoor growing is preferable so as to more accurately control growth of microgreens.
SeedLeaf comes preloaded with an editable database of 43 crops, each of which features sowing rates and expected yields to help you estimate how much of each type of microgreen you will need to cultivate each week as well as how many plants will need to be planted to meet demand.
Price your microgreens properly to cover both production costs and labor expenses, as well as competing growers in your area and what prices they are charging. If sales don’t cover expenses, find ways to either lower costs or increase production – maybe switching out for lower wattage lights or shortening lighting time each day so as not to negatively affect crops?