Learn how to grow and sell microgreens for profit. Discover startup costs, growing techniques, selling strategies, and real-life tips to launch your microgreens business today.
Introduction: Why Microgreens?
In recent years, microgreens have moved from upscale restaurant plates to home kitchens and farmers markets. These tiny plants, harvested just after the first leaves emerge, pack a serious punch — both nutritionally and financially.
For urban dwellers and side hustlers looking for a sustainable, low-cost way to make money from home, microgreens offer an attractive opportunity. They’re easy to grow indoors, have short harvest cycles, and can sell for a premium. Best of all? You don’t need acres of land — a shelf and some LED lights will do.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to start growing microgreens for profit — from setup and crop selection to sales channels and pricing strategies.
What Are Microgreens?
Microgreens are young seedlings of edible vegetables and herbs, harvested when they’re just 1–3 inches tall. They differ from sprouts in that they’re grown in soil (or a soil substitute) and harvested above the root line. Popular microgreens include:
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Sunflower
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Radish
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Pea shoots
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Broccoli
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Basil
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Arugula
They're popular in health-conscious markets, restaurants, and among home chefs. Why? They're rich in flavor, color, and nutrients — often containing 4–40x the nutrient levels of mature plants.
Why Microgreens Are a Great Money-Making Side Hustle
✅ Low Startup Costs
You can begin with just a few hundred dollars. A basic setup includes trays, seeds, soil (or coco coir), and grow lights.
✅ Fast Turnaround Time
Most microgreens are ready to harvest within 7–14 days — meaning you can generate revenue quickly.
✅ Scalable Business Model
Start small in your kitchen or balcony, then expand to shelves, a spare room, or a small indoor farm.
✅ Local Demand
Many people want fresh, locally grown greens — especially chefs, health-conscious consumers, and farmer’s market shoppers.
Step 1: Setting Up Your Growing Space
You don’t need farmland. Many microgreens growers start in:
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Spare rooms
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Basements
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Balconies
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Kitchen shelves
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Garages
Basic Equipment List:
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 10 Grow Trays | $30–50 |
| Coco Coir or Soil | $20–30 |
| Seeds (per crop) | $10–30 |
| LED Grow Light (2–3 feet) | $50–100 |
| Spray Bottle | $5 |
| Shelving Rack (optional) | $50–100 |
Tips for Success:
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Use blackout lids or stack trays to promote germination (especially for sunflowers).
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Maintain proper airflow to prevent mold.
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Keep lights on for 12–16 hours per day for optimal growth.
Step 2: Choosing Profitable Microgreens
Some microgreens are more profitable than others. You want a crop that is:
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Easy to grow
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Fast-growing (7–10 days)
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High yield per tray
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In demand in your local area
Top Money-Making Microgreens:
| Microgreen | Days to Harvest | Avg. Selling Price/lb |
|---|---|---|
| Sunflower | 7–10 | $25–40 |
| Radish | 6–8 | $20–35 |
| Pea Shoots | 10–14 | $15–30 |
| Broccoli | 7–10 | $25–40 |
| Basil | 12–20 | $30–50 |
Step 3: Harvesting, Packaging & Storage
Harvest when the first true leaves appear — typically around 2 inches tall. Use sharp scissors or a clean blade to cut just above the soil line.
Best Practices:
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Rinse gently and dry thoroughly to prevent rot.
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Store in breathable clamshell containers (like those used for berries).
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Keep refrigerated (36–40°F) to preserve freshness for 5–7 days.
Label your packaging if selling direct to consumers.
Step 4: Selling Your Microgreens
1. Farmer’s Markets
A popular starting point. Rent a booth and offer samples. Prices typically range from $4–6 per ounce.
2. Restaurants & Cafes
Reach out to local chefs. Bring samples and a pricing sheet. Offer weekly deliveries of custom mixes.
3. Direct-to-Consumer Subscription Boxes
Offer a weekly delivery to local health-conscious buyers. Combine with recipes or smoothie packs.
4. Health Food Stores
Some stores accept local produce — especially if it's organic or pesticide-free.
5. Online (Local Delivery or Pickup)
Promote via Instagram or a simple website. Use local Facebook groups or Nextdoor for visibility.
Step 5: Pricing and Profit Margins
Example: Sunflower Microgreens
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| 1 tray yield | ~10 oz |
| Selling price | $4/oz ($40/tray) |
| Seed + soil cost | ~$3–4 |
| Net profit per tray | ~$35–37 |
Step 6: Scaling Your Business
Once you validate demand, reinvest to scale:
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Add more shelving racks
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Automate watering and lighting
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Hire help for packaging or delivery
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Offer value-added products (like salad mixes or smoothies)
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Expand to local groceries or co-ops
Legal, Licensing, and Food Safety
Check local laws. In the U.S. and UK:
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You often need a food handler’s permit
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A home kitchen license may be required
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Labeling laws vary by state/country
Also, keep your space clean and document procedures — especially when selling to restaurants.
Real-Life Success Snapshot
Case Study: “Urban Sprout Co.” – Chicago, IL
Started with $300 in a studio apartment. Began selling at a farmer’s market, then scaled to 200 trays/week in a basement grow room. Now supplies 10+ restaurants and local grocers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overwatering (leads to mold)
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Using cheap or old seeds (poor germination)
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Not testing demand before scaling
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Pricing too low (undermines quality and profit)
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Selling without understanding local laws
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I really make money growing microgreens in my apartment?
Yes. Many growers profit from just 10–20 trays in a small indoor setup.
Q: How long before I become profitable?
Most growers break even within 1–2 months if selling actively.
Q: Do I need organic certification?
Not initially. But using organic soil and non-GMO seeds can justify premium pricing.
Final Thoughts: Is This Side Hustle Right for You?
Growing microgreens is not a get-rich-quick scheme. It takes consistency, cleanliness, and sales skills. But if you enjoy gardening, want to build a green business, and like the idea of feeding your community — microgreens are one of the most practical, low-risk ways to start earning money from home.
Whether you're looking for a part-time income stream or dreaming of launching a small urban farm, now is a great time to plant the seeds.
✅ What You Can Do Today:
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Order your first batch of seeds and trays
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Watch a beginner tutorial on YouTube
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Visit a local farmer’s market to check prices
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Reach out to one local chef
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Start growing — even one tray is a start