Contrary to their size, microgreens tend to be quite expensive. In general, they can be more expensive compared to other vegetables and fruits. Today, the average price of microgreens per pound varies between $25-30.
One of the main reasons microgreens are expensive is that these tiny greens need new soil after each harvest and trays are sterilized one by one.
In addition, most of the producers make use of artificial lights and fans when growing microgreens. This comes as an extra cost for resources. For such reasons, microgreens are more expensive than the vegetables and fruits you can find in supermarkets and greengrocers.
What Are Microgreens?
Microgreens are small plants between 2-3 inches in length that reach maturity in an average of 2-3 weeks. Microgreens are very delicious in taste and very delicate in structure.
These herbs are known for their harmony with side dishes and salads. If you compare microgreens with other large plants, both are almost the same in terms of vitamin and mineral value.
Microgreens, with their smaller size, reduce all these components. At the same time, you can grow these plants in a small area on your balcony or window sill which is an added benefit for new growers.
Microgreens are very easy and effortless to grow and are a type of cultivation that even beginners can easily do. In addition, they are very low in terms of initial set up costs, which makes them very attractive as a side job.
In terms of nutritional value, microgreens are one step ahead of other vegetables. For their tiny size, they are packed with minerals and nutrients that your body loves.
In addition, microgreens play a protective role in preventing many cardiovascular and neurological diseases such as heart disease and Alzheimer’s. Overall microgreens play an important role in protecting human health.
How Are Microgreens Grown?
Microgreen cultivation is increasing in popularity day by day. Almost all over the world, people grow these plants in their homes or greenhouses. If you are thinking of growing microgreens, here are some things you need:
- Seeds
- Clean water
- Dirt or growing mat
- Pots or trays
- A scale or measuring cups
- Spray bottle and a jug
Seeds
Seeds are the most basic thing you need to start growing a plant. Without them, there is no plant and nothing to work with.
By purchasing the right soil after you have your seeds. You need to prepare your trays. Do not forget that the choice of tray and soil in cultivation is at least as important as the seed.
The thing you need to pay attention to here is that the seeds you plant do not get stuck in the tray, you should create wide areas for your seeds so that the plant does not get stressed during the sprouting and growth phase. Stressed plants either die or present growth abnormalities.
Trays
You should choose trays according to the type of microgreen you are growing. Tray selection varies according to the user.
You should find out whether the tray you will choose has drainage or not. You should not use undrained trays when possible. Flat trays are well suited for microgreens.
Growing Medium Or Mats
You should place the trays inside larger volume trays to absorb dirt and mat. The humidity of the environment is very important at this stage. In this way, the seeds adhere to the soil and remain in a fixed position.
You should not use dirt and mats more than once. If the environment is organic, compost can be made, otherwise, you should discard the mats.
Seeding Trays
Now that the necessary environment has been created, it’s time to sprinkle the seeds on the trays.
You should sow the seeds with enough space between them that they are comfortable. It is very important that the seeds remain moist during the sprouting phase. That’s why you should spray the seeds with water at regular intervals with a spray bottle.
There should be absolutely no sunlight or artificial light during the germination phase. At this stage, the environment should be in complete darkness so that the sprouts stretch out accordingly.
To provide a dark environment, you can cover your tray with thick cardboard or another tray. Keep them covered for the first 3-5 days but this varies depending on the microgreen.
Harvesting Microgreens
Once the microgreens start to germinate, they become harvestable within 1-2 weeks. You can harvest the microgreens by cutting them with trimming scissors or a knife.
One of the most important things to pay attention to while harvesting is to cut the microgreens as close to the root as possible.
Are Microgreen Seeds Expensive?
Microgreen seeds are quite expensive. Pricing varies depending on the type of seed, the source from where you purchased, and whether it is organic or not.
Some types of seeds can be very expensive, while others can be relatively inexpensive. It all depends on where you buy the seed and what type of seed you buy.
What you need to do is to bargain hard after deciding which seeds you want. Once you find the right seller, you can buy quality seeds at affordable prices.
In addition, one of the important points is whether the seeds are organic or not and where they come from.
Before buying seeds, you should ask yourself some questions. For example, how many seeds will you plant per tray? How many do you intend to sell? Are they for personal use?
Microgreen seeds are more expensive than the seeds of large green plants. That’s why the microgreens you come across in the markets are sold at high prices.
Are Microgreens Worth it?
Microgreens are a great option for a small business that can later be scaled. The fact that this business can be done with very small investment capital and you do not need a large area to start makes microgreen cultivation easier.
This business model, where you can make decent profits in a short time with short harvest cycles, can give you more than you expect.
Most of the growers start this business with small amounts and increase their profits over time. You can start in the garden of your house or in your greenhouse or windowsill, and after the first harvest has grown and sold, you can invest in a larger area.
Hi, I’m John Stephens, chief editor and writer for Totalgardener.com. I’ve been gardening and raising animals for over 15 years starting with a small backyard plot in Northern Virginia where I grew corn, potatoes, squash, and using a high mulch technique called the Ruth Stout Method. I also raised ducks and small mammals for meat and eggs in a movable pen similar to the ones used by Joel Salatin. I later moved to Colorado where I experimented with growing greens using aquaponics inside. I eventually added a microgreens setup and home sprouting operation. I’m excited to share everything I’ve learned plus more from the other local gardening and animal raising experts I know.
