How to Sell Microgreens

What Are Microgreens, And Why Should You Sell Them? 

Have you ever seen those tiny, delicate greens at your local farmer’s markets or grocery store and wondered what they were? Those little beauties are called microgreens, and in recent years, they’ve been gaining in popularity as both a healthy and delicious addition to any meal. Not only are microgreens incredibly versatile, but they’re also easy and fun to grow! If you’re looking for a way to make extra money, then selling microgreens might be the perfect solution. Here’s everything you need to know about microgreens and why you should start selling them today.

Also, as a disclaimer, everything that we note below is applicable in North America. Though the growing process and business model might transcend borders, the laws and customs may not. Please be aware of this before acquiring new customers or following this business plan in your nation.

What Are Microgreens?

Microgreens are simply young greens that are harvested before they reach maturity. The greens are usually cut when they’re between 1 and 3 inches tall and can be made from any plant or herb. Radish, beet, cabbage, kale, arugula, and spinach microgreens are just a few of the most popular varieties.

Not only do microgreens look beautiful on a plate or in a bowl, but they also pack a serious nutritional punch. In fact, microgreens can contain up to 40 times more vitamins and minerals than their fully-grown counterparts! This makes them an excellent choice for people who are looking for an easy way to boost their health. Their nutritional value is unmatched relative to their size and flavor profile. Microgreens have many culinary uses as well and can be used in everything from salads to soups to sandwiches.

Why Should You Sell Microgreens?

There are lots of great reasons to start selling microgreens. For one, they’re relatively easy to grow, which means that you don’t have to put in a ton of time or effort to get started. Microgreens also have a relatively short growing cycle (usually between 2 and 3 weeks), so you can expect to harvest multiple crops each year. And because microgreens are so popular right now, you can charge premium prices for your products! If you’re looking for a fun and profitable way to make extra money, then there’s no reason not to try microgreen farming.

There’s no denying that microgreens are having a moment right now. These delicate greens are not only beautiful and nutritious, but they’re also relatively easy to grow. If you’re looking for a way to make extra money, consider selling microgreens at your local farmer’s market or grocery store. You might just be surprised at how popular your products have become!

How To Grow Your Own Microgreens 

If you’re interested in growing your own microgreens, you should know a few things. First, microgreens are incredibly easy to grow. You can grow them indoors or outdoors in soil or hydroponic systems. As a new grower, you will be happy to know that these plants do not take up much room (or much time).

If you’re ready to start growing your own microgreens, here are a few tips to get you started:

Find a Reliable Source of Seeds

One of the most important things you’ll need for growing microgreens is a reliable source of seeds. You’ll want to find a source that offers a wide variety of seeds so you can experiment with different types of microgreens and find the ones that are most popular with buyers in your area. You’ll also want to make sure the seeds are high quality so you can grow healthy, vibrant plants. Also, remember to choose the right seeds. Not all seeds will grow into microgreens.

Choose the Right Containers 

You’ll need some type of container to grow your microgreens in, and many options are available. Some people use growing trays, while others repurpose items like egg cartons or milk jugs. The main thing to keep in mind is that the containers should have good drainage, so the roots don’t get waterlogged. Microgreens take up little space if you start with a small operation.

Start Growing

Once you have your seeds and containers, you’re ready to start growing! Microgreens are easy to care for – just water them regularly and make sure they’re getting plenty of sunlight. You can harvest them as soon as they have their first set of true leaves, which is usually around two weeks after planting. Remember, growing time will vary depending on the microgreens you decide to grow.

After Harvesting   

After harvesting your microgreens, it’s essential to clean them thoroughly before selling them. Rinse them under cool water and then dry them thoroughly with a salad spinner or cloth towel. Once they’re dry, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to sell them.

How To Package And Market Your Microgreens 

Microgreens are perishable, so it is crucial that you have a plan for packaging and marketing them as soon as they are harvested. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Choose the right packaging. Microgreens should be packaged in moisture-resistant containers that will keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out.
2. Label your packaging. Be sure to include the type of microgreen, the date it was harvested, and any other relevant information, such as organic certification.
3. Promote your microgreens. Be sure to inform your customers about your product through marketing materials such as flyers, business cards, and social media. You can also participate in local farmer’s markets or sell your microgreens to local restaurants.
4. Research your local microgreens market. Before you start growing and selling microgreens, it’s essential to do your research and find out if there is a market for them in your area. Talk to local grocery stores, restaurants, and farmer’s markets to see if they would be interested in buying microgreens from you. Once you’ve established there is a demand, you can start planning your business. 

Bonus: Packaging and Marketing Tips for Microgreens

Packaging Tips For Microgreens

When it comes to packaging your microgreens, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind: 

• Use clear packaging: Consumers like to be able to see what they’re buying, so clear packaging is always a good choice.
• Include branding elements: Make sure your packaging includes your brand name and logo so that consumers can easily identify your product on store shelves.
• Keep it simple: Don’t try to cram too much information onto your packaging; stick to the essentials like the type of greens included, the weight or volume of the package, and any other relevant details like storage instructions. 
• Use sustainable materials: Consumers are increasingly eco-conscious, so using sustainable materials like recycled plastic or compostable paper will make your product more appealing.

Marketing Tips For Microgreens 

Now that you’ve sorted your packaging, it’s time to start marketing your product. Here are a few ideas to get you started: 

• Create social media accounts devoted strictly to promoting your microgreens business. Post mouthwatering photos of dishes made with your greens, share recipes that feature your microgreens as an ingredient, and give customers an inside look at what goes into growing and harvesting your crop. 
• Get involved with local farmer’s markets or food festivals. This is a great way to connect with potential customers and get people talking about your product. 
• Write blog posts or articles featuring recipes made with your microgreens, helpful tips for growing microgreens at home, or anything else related to your microgreens business. Include links to your website or social media accounts so readers can easily learn more about your product.

By following these packaging and marketing tips, you’ll be well on your way to making money from selling microgreens! 

How To Price Your Microgreens

Microgreens are perfect for anyone looking to make a little extra money on the side. But when it comes to pricing your microgreens, it can be tricky to know where to start. Microgreens can be sold by the ounce or by the pound. Be sure to research the going rate for microgreens in your area so you can price yours competitively. Higher prices are not necessarily a good thing if you are not making microgreen sales because you are overpriced.

Pricing Your Microgreens 

1. Know your costs. The first step in pricing your microgreens is to calculate your costs. This includes the cost of seeds, soil, water, and any other supplies you’ll need to grow your greens. Once you know how much it costs you to grow one batch of microgreens, you can start pricing them accordingly.
2. Check out the competition. Take a look at other microgreen businesses and see how they price their goods. This will give you an idea of the going rate for microgreens and help you price yours accordingly.
3. Consider your target market. When setting a price for your microgreens, it’s important to consider who your target market is. If you’re selling to restaurants or other businesses, you’ll want to charge more than if you’re selling directly to consumers at a farmers market, for example. 
4. Set a fair price. Once you’ve considered all of the above factors, it’s time to set a fair price for your microgreens. Make sure your price will cover all your costs while still being reasonable for your target market.
5. Be flexible with your prices. Lastly, remember that prices are always subject to change based on the market and other factors. Don’t be afraid to adjust your prices as needed to stay competitive and make a profit.

Now that you have a better idea of the factors to consider when pricing your microgreens, it’s time to set a price that works for both you and your customers. Remember, the goal is to find a balance between making a good profit and staying competitive within your market. With a little trial and error, you’ll find the perfect price for your microgreens in no time.

How To Sell Microgreens Online Or In Stores 

If you’re looking for a way to sell microgreens, you should keep a few things in mind. First of all, microgreens are usually grown in soil or hydroponically, so make sure that your growing method is up to par. Secondly, microgreens have a very short shelf life, so you’ll need to ensure they’re fresh when you sell them. Here are a few tips to help you sell microgreens either online or in stores.

Start Small

Don’t try to grow too many microgreens at first. Start with a small area, such as a windowsill or countertop, and gradually increase the amount of space you’re using as you get more experience. It’s also a good idea to start off with just one or two types of microgreens. Once you’ve mastered growing those, you can add more varieties later on.

Be Patient

Growing microgreens takes time, so don’t expect to harvest them the day after you plant them! Most microgreens will be ready to harvest in 7-14 days, but some varieties may take longer. Be patient, and don’t give up if your first attempt isn’t perfect – everyone has to start somewhere!

Who to Target with Microgreens Sales

When selling microgreens, it’s important to target the right people. Microgreens are a fresh, healthy, and delicious alternative to traditional vegetables, so they’re perfect for home cooks who are looking for a nutritious snack or meal or a way to eat something with more health benefits. They’re also perfect for busy people who don’t have time to cook a full meal from scratch. So if you decide to be a microgreens grower, make sure to target busy professionals and health-conscious consumers when selling your greens. The easiest way to grow your business is to do a little market research to find out where these people congregate.

Look for the best places to sell microgreens, whether that’s online, at farmers’ markets, or in natural food stores. Once you’ve found your target market, the next step is to get your greens in front of them. Use creative marketing techniques to get people interested in your product, and then make sure they have a great experience when they actually buy your microgreens. With a little effort, you can make sure that your microgreens end up in the hands of people who will appreciate them the most.

Selling Microgreens Online

If you’re looking to reach the widest possible audience, selling microgreens online is the way to go. You’ll need to invest in a quality website and some good photos of your product, but once you’ve got that setup, it’s relatively easy to start selling. Make sure to list your microgreens on as many relevant online marketplaces as possible—the more places your product is listed, the more likely you are to make a sale. You’ll also want to invest in SEO (search engine optimization) so that your website comes up when potential customers search for microgreens online.

Selling Microgreens In Stores

If you’re interested in reaching a more local audience, consider selling your microgreens in stores. Health food stores are a great option, as they typically have customers who are interested in healthy, organic products. You may also want to approach chefs at local restaurants—many of them are always on the lookout for new sources of fresh produce. When approaching potential retail partners, be sure to have high-quality photos of your product and pricing and delivery logistics information ready to go. This also applies if you are trying to get into wholesale markets.

Whether you sell them online or in stores, there’s good money to be made from selling microgreens. The key is getting your product in front of as many people as possible and always being prepared with high-quality photos and helpful information about pricing and delivery logistics. With a little effort, you can soon be raking in cash from your very own microgreen business.

Do You Need a License to Sell Microgreens?

You may have seen microgreens at your local grocery store or farmers market and thought to yourself, “I could grow and sell those.” And you very well may be able to! But before you start growing and selling microgreens, there’s one important question you need to answer: Do you need a license to sell microgreens?

The answer may surprise you. In most cases, you do not need a license to sell microgreens. However, there are a few exceptions. Let’s take a closer look.

Federal Regulations for Selling Microgreens

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), there are no federal regulations regarding the production or sale of microgreens. This means that, in most cases, you do not need a license to sell microgreens. 

However, the USDA does have some general guidelines that all growers should follow, regardless of whether they need a license or not. These include practicing good hygiene when handling microgreens, using clean water during production, and properly labeling all products. That said, you may want to consider going through the Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) program. 

State Regulations for Selling Microgreens

Each state has its own regulations regarding the production and sale of food items, including microgreens. These regulations can vary significantly from state to state, so it’s important to check with your state’s Department of Agriculture or Health before starting your business. Ultimately, it is each seller’s responsibility to ensure they are in compliance with their state’s laws. Failure to do so could result in expensive fines or even the shutdown of your business.

With the current lack of federal regulation regarding the sale of microgreens, it is ultimately each seller’s responsibility to ensure they are properly licensed in their own state. Depending on where your business is located, this could simply mean registering as a food handler or obtaining special certification from the county health department., It is also important to note that these regulations can change at any time, so it is important to stay up to date with any changes that could affect your business or potential business. You want to make sure that you are careful about food safety. The last thing that you want is to have someone get sick from microgreens that you have grown. You do not want that liability hanging over your head.

Registering Your Microgreens Business with Your State

That said, even if you don’t need a license to sell microgreens, you will still need to register your business with your state. This is typically done through the secretary of state’s office. The process for registering your business will vary from state to state, so be sure to check with your secretary of state for specific instructions.

In most cases, you will need to fill out a short form and pay a small fee. Once your business is registered, you will be issued a certificate of registration. This document is important because it proves that your business exists and is authorized to operate in your state.

You will also need to get a business bank account and obtain any other permits or licenses that may be required in your state or locality. For example, you may need to get a food handler’s permit if you plan on selling microgreens at farmer’s markets or other public events, or your state may require that you go through the GAP program.

Final Thoughts

So, are you ready to start selling microgreens? They’re a great way to add value to your produce stand or store, and with a little effort, you can grow your own microgreens in no time. We hope the tips in this post have helped get you started. With a little hard work and perseverance, you can build a customer base that keeps coming back for your microgreen crops. Keep your overhead costs low, find the right markets, and watch your profit margins to make sure that your microgreen business keeps going for a long time. Selling microgreens is one of the best ways to make money as a side hustle.

Please let us know in the comments below if you have any questions or want more information on anything we’ve covered here. And be sure to check out our other posts for more helpful tips on starting and running your own small farm business.