In recent years, microgreens have become one of the most profitable small-scale farming opportunities for people looking to start a side hustle or a home-based business. These tiny plants—harvested just after the cotyledon leaves develop—are packed with nutrients, flavor, and visual appeal. Restaurants, health-conscious consumers, and local markets are increasingly demanding microgreens.
The best part? You don’t need acres of farmland or thousands of dollars in investment. With just a small space, basic supplies, and a smart plan, you can make money growing microgreens at home.
In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about starting a microgreens business at home—from the benefits and startup costs to growing techniques, marketing strategies, and income potential.
What Are Microgreens and Why Are They Profitable?
Microgreens are young vegetable greens harvested at 7–21 days after germination. Unlike sprouts, they are grown in soil or a growing medium and cut above the root line. Popular varieties include:
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Sunflower
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Pea shoots
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Radish
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Broccoli
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Arugula
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Mustard greens
Why are microgreens profitable?
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High value crop – Microgreens can sell for $20–$40 per pound depending on the variety and market.
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Fast turnaround – Most microgreens are ready to harvest in under 3 weeks, meaning multiple crop cycles each month.
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Low startup costs – With trays, seeds, soil, and a light source, you can get started for under $200.
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Small space requirement – You can grow a profitable crop in a garage, basement, or even a kitchen shelf.
Because of these advantages, microgreens farming at home is considered one of the easiest entry points into urban agriculture.
Startup Costs: How Much Money Do You Need?
One reason microgreens are popular as a side hustle is that they don’t require a large investment. Here’s a breakdown of typical startup costs:
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Trays & Containers – $20–$50 for a set of reusable growing trays
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Seeds – $10–$30 for bulk seeds (enough for dozens of trays)
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Growing Medium (soil or coco coir) – $20–$40
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LED Grow Lights – $50–$100 (optional if natural light is insufficient)
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Watering System / Spray Bottles – $10–$20
➡️ Total initial investment: $100–$250
This makes it one of the most affordable home-based businesses for beginners.
How to Grow Microgreens Step by Step
If you’re new to gardening, don’t worry. Growing microgreens is simple, and with consistency, you’ll get better yields over time.
Step 1: Prepare the trays
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Use shallow trays with drainage holes.
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Fill with 1–2 inches of soil or coco coir.
Step 2: Sow the seeds
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Spread seeds evenly across the tray.
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Lightly press them into the soil and mist with water.
Step 3: Cover and germinate
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Cover the tray with another tray or lid for 2–3 days.
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Keep the environment moist and dark to encourage germination.
Step 4: Provide light and water
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After germination, uncover the tray and place it under grow lights or near a sunny window.
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Mist lightly 1–2 times a day, avoiding overwatering.
Step 5: Harvest
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Most varieties are ready in 7–14 days.
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Use clean scissors to cut the microgreens just above the soil line.
Step 6: Package and sell
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Place harvested microgreens in clamshell containers or biodegradable bags.
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Keep them refrigerated to maintain freshness.
Who Buys Microgreens? Target Markets for Your Business
If you want to make money selling microgreens, you need to identify buyers. Here are some of the best target markets:
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Local Restaurants and Cafés – Chefs love using microgreens as garnishes or in salads.
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Farmers’ Markets – Great way to connect with health-conscious customers.
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Health Food Stores – Many independent grocers are open to stocking local produce.
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Direct-to-Consumer Subscriptions – Weekly delivery boxes to families or individuals.
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Smoothie and Juice Shops – Many blends now include microgreens for extra nutrition.
Pro tip: Build relationships with local chefs first. They often order in bulk and can provide steady, recurring business.
Pricing and Profit Margins
Pricing depends on your region, but microgreens typically sell for:
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$20–$30 per pound at wholesale (restaurants, cafés)
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$30–$40 per pound at retail (farmers’ markets, direct sales)
Let’s say one tray costs $3 to produce (including seeds and soil) and yields 8 ounces of microgreens. If you sell at $25 per pound, that’s about $12.50 revenue per tray, giving you nearly $10 profit.
With 20 trays running simultaneously, you could make $800–$1,000 per month as a side hustle. Scale up to 100 trays, and it becomes a full-time business.
Marketing Strategies for Microgreens Business
Simply growing microgreens isn’t enough—you need customers. Here are proven marketing tips:
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Social Media Promotion
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Use Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to showcase growing progress and recipes.
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Keywords to target: microgreens business, grow microgreens at home, healthy eating microgreens.
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Brand Your Business
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Create simple packaging with a logo.
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Emphasize “locally grown,” “pesticide-free,” or “organic.”
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Offer Samples
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Give free samples to chefs or nutrition coaches. Once they taste the quality, they’re likely to order.
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Educate Customers
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Share recipes, nutrition facts, and creative uses for microgreens.
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Position yourself as more than a seller—become a microgreens expert.
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Challenges to Expect
Like any business, microgreens farming has challenges. Common ones include:
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Mold growth – Caused by poor air circulation or overwatering.
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Market competition – Some areas may already have microgreens suppliers.
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Time management – Harvesting and packaging must be done quickly for freshness.
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Customer education – Not everyone knows how to use microgreens, so you need to show them.
The key is to start small, learn from mistakes, and refine your process.
Scaling Up: From Side Hustle to Full Business
If your goal is to turn microgreens into more than just a hobby, consider:
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Expanding product lines – Add wheatgrass, edible flowers, or herbs.
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Offering workshops – Teach others how to grow microgreens and charge a fee.
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Selling online – Build an e-commerce store for microgreens kits or subscription boxes.
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Partnering with gyms and wellness centers – Promote microgreens as part of healthy living.
With the right approach, you can grow a brand around microgreens and generate multiple income streams.
Final Thoughts
Starting a microgreens business at home is one of the most accessible and profitable ways to earn extra income. With low startup costs, quick harvest cycles, and growing consumer demand, it’s a perfect fit for anyone looking for a side hustle or a small business idea.
By focusing on local markets, building strong relationships, and leveraging social media, you can turn your passion for growing food into a steady income stream.
So if you’re searching for a sustainable, low-risk way to make money from home, microgreens might just be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.