Featured Image: A professional-looking growing setup showing multiple trays of colorful microgreens at different stages of growth, from newly sprouted seeds to harvest-ready greens. Include measuring tools, pH meters, and harvest containers to show the professional approach.
Microgreens represent one of the most exciting opportunities in modern agriculture – combining rapid growth cycles, premium pricing, and year-round production potential. Whether you’re a home gardener looking to add fresh nutrition to your diet or an entrepreneur seeking a profitable agricultural venture, microgreens offer an accessible entry point into high-value crop production.
What Are Microgreens?
Microgreens are young, tender plants harvested just after their first true leaves develop, typically 7-14 days after germination. Unlike sprouts, which are harvested before true leaves emerge, microgreens are allowed to develop their first set of photosynthetic leaves, concentrating flavors and nutrients into these tiny powerhouses.
Research from the University of Maryland found that microgreens contain 4-6 times more nutrients than their mature counterparts, making them nutritional superstars despite their small size. Red cabbage microgreens, for example, contain 40 times more vitamin E and 6 times more vitamin C than mature red cabbage.
Most Popular Microgreen Varieties
Sunflower Microgreens: Nutty flavor, crunchy texture, high in protein and healthy fats. Ready in 7-10 days.
Pea Shoots: Sweet, crisp with a fresh pea flavor. Excellent for Asian cuisine applications. 7-14 days to harvest.
Radish Microgreens: Spicy kick similar to mature radishes but milder. Fast growing at 6-8 days.
Broccoli Microgreens: Mild broccoli flavor, high in sulforaphane. 8-12 days to harvest.
Arugula Microgreens: Peppery flavor, perfect for salads and garnishes. 7-10 days.
Basil Microgreens: Concentrated basil flavor, beautiful purple varieties available. 10-14 days.
Setting Up Your Microgreen Operation
Equipment Essentials
Growing Trays: Food-grade plastic trays (10″x20″ standard). You’ll need both solid trays (for water) and perforated trays (for drainage).
Growing Medium: Organic potting mix, coconut coir, or specialized microgreen mats. Avoid garden soil which can harbor harmful bacteria.
Seeds: Purchase seeds specifically labeled for microgreen production to ensure they haven’t been treated with chemicals.
Lighting: Natural sunlight works, but LED grow lights provide consistent results year-round. T5 fluorescent lights are also effective.
Water Supply: Clean, filtered water is crucial. Avoid heavily chlorinated tap water.
Environmental Requirements
Temperature: Most microgreens thrive at 65-75°F (18-24°C). Consistent temperature is more important than perfect temperature.
Humidity: Maintain 40-60% humidity. Too high leads to mold, too low causes poor germination.
Air Circulation: Gentle air movement prevents mold and strengthens stems.
Light: 12-16 hours of light daily once sprouts emerge. Start with low intensity and gradually increase.
Step-by-Step Growing Process
Day 1: Seeding
1. Pre-soak larger seeds (sunflower, peas) for 8-12 hours. Small seeds (broccoli, radish) don’t require soaking.
2. Add 1-2 inches of growing medium to your tray, level and lightly compress.
3. Mist the surface until evenly moist but not waterlogged.
4. Sprinkle seeds evenly across the surface. Aim for dense coverage without overlapping.
5. Mist seeds lightly and cover with another tray to create darkness.
Days 2-4: Germination (Blackout Phase)
Keep trays stacked in darkness to encourage strong stem development. Check daily and mist if the surface appears dry. Most seeds will germinate within 2-3 days.
Look for:
- Strong, white root development
- Stems beginning to push upward
- First leaves (cotyledons) starting to open
Days 4-7: Light Exposure
Once stems are 1-2 inches tall, remove the cover tray and place under lights. The cotyledons will turn green within hours of light exposure.
Watering transition: Begin bottom-watering by placing the perforated tray in a solid tray with water. This prevents mold and encourages root development.
Days 7-14: Growth and Harvest
Monitor daily growth and maintain consistent moisture. First true leaves will appear, indicating harvest readiness.
Harvest indicators:
- First true leaves are fully developed
- Plants are 1-3 inches tall (variety dependent)
- Strong, vibrant color
- Good structural integrity
Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling
Harvesting Technique
Use sharp, clean scissors or a knife to cut stems about 1/4 inch above the growing medium. Harvest during the coolest part of the day (early morning) for best quality.
Quality Standards:
- No yellowing or damaged leaves
- Clean cut with no growing medium attached
- Uniform size and appearance
- Fresh, vibrant appearance
Storage and Packaging
Immediately after harvest, gently wash if needed and thoroughly dry using a salad spinner. Store in refrigerated conditions (38-40°F) with high humidity.
Storage containers:
- Clamshell containers for retail sales
- Bulk containers for restaurant sales
- Breathable packaging to prevent condensation
Properly handled microgreens maintain quality for 7-10 days post-harvest.
Common Problems and Solutions
Mold Issues
Symptoms: Fuzzy growth on stems or growing medium, musty odor.
Solutions:
- Improve air circulation
- Reduce humidity
- Ensure proper drainage
- Clean equipment between uses
Poor Germination
Causes: Old seeds, incorrect temperature, too wet or too dry conditions.
Solutions:
- Test seed viability before large batches
- Maintain consistent temperature
- Monitor moisture levels carefully
Leggy Growth
Symptoms: Tall, weak stems with small leaves.
Solutions:
- Increase light intensity
- Reduce temperature slightly
- Improve air circulation
Scaling Up: From Hobby to Business
Microgreens offer excellent scalability. Start with a few trays and gradually expand based on market demand and your production capabilities.
Production Planning:
- Weekly seeding schedule for continuous harvest
- Variety rotation based on market demand
- Seasonal adjustments for optimal growing conditions
Market Opportunities:
- High-end restaurants seeking local, fresh garnishes
- Health-conscious consumers at farmers markets
- Grocery stores with local produce sections
- Direct-to-consumer subscriptions
Economic Considerations
Microgreens command premium prices – typically $15-25 per pound wholesale and $25-40 per pound retail. With proper management, a 10×20 tray can yield 8-12 ounces of microgreens.
Cost breakdown per tray:
- Seeds: $0.50-$1.50
- Growing medium: $0.25-$0.50
- Labor: $1.00-$2.00
- Utilities: $0.25-$0.50
- Total: $2.00-$4.50
With yields of 8-12 ounces per tray and wholesale prices of $15-25/lb, gross margins can exceed 300-400%.
Next Steps
Start small with 2-3 varieties and focus on mastering the growing process before expanding. Keep detailed records of germination rates, yield per tray, and time to harvest for each variety.
Microgreens represent the perfect intersection of nutrition, profitability, and sustainability. With minimal space requirements and rapid growth cycles, they offer an accessible path into professional growing whether your goal is fresh food for your family or a thriving agricultural business.
The key to success lies in consistency, attention to detail, and understanding your market. Master these fundamentals, and you’ll discover why microgreens have become one of agriculture’s most exciting opportunities.