Microgreens have gained popularity in recent years as a healthy and flavorful addition to salads, sandwiches, and other dishes. They can be expensive to purchase at your local supermarket but they can also be grown at home without hurting your wallet. In this article, you’ll learn the cost to build a microgreen garden.
By growing microgreens, you can have a never-ending supply of fresh, healthy greens. Plus, it is a fun and rewarding experience to see your microgreens grow from seeds to sprouts.
Here’s how much it costs to build a microgreen garden.
Where You’ll start
If you’re a grower that doesn’t have any useful indoor space, a greenhouse or hoop house is essential for any microgreen farmer who wants to produce year-round. These structures provide the perfect environment for growing microgreens, allowing farmers to control temperature, humidity, and ventilation. With a little bit of planning and care, a greenhouse or hoop house can be a productive space for growing microgreens all year long.
The Equipment & Cost to Build a Microgreen Garden
Seeds
Depending on the type of microgreens you want to grow, seeds can cost anywhere from $6 – $15 per ounce.
Soil
You will need high-quality potting soil specifically for microgreens, which can cost $15-$25 per bag.
Trays
You will need trays to grow your microgreens in, which can cost $0.50-$20 each.
Greenhouse or Hoophouse
If you want to grow your microgreens year-round, you will need a greenhouse or hoop house. The cost of a greenhouse can range from $500-$5000, depending on the size and type.
Grow lights
If you are growing your microgreens indoors, you will need to grow lights. The cost of grow lights can range from $50-$200, depending on the type and number of lights.
Heating Mat
If you are growing your microgreens indoors, you will need a heating mat to keep the soil warm. The cost of a heating mat can range from $20-$100.
|
The Equipment |
Price |
|
Seed |
$6 – $15 per ounce |
|
Soil |
$15 – $25 per bag |
|
Trays |
$0.50 – $20 each |
|
Greenhouse (Optional) |
$500 – $5000 |
|
Grow Lights (Optional) |
$50 – $200 |
|
Heating Mat (Optional) |
$20 – $100 |
|
Total Cost |
$30 – $6000 |
Total Cost:
The estimated total cost of starting a microgreen garden can range from $30 to $6000, depending on the scale of your operation and whether or not you need a greenhouse.
The Best Microgreen Seeds
There are a few things to consider when purchasing microgreen seeds. The first is cost. Some microgreen seeds can be quite expensive, so it is important to do your research and find the best deal. The second is germination rates. Some microgreen seeds have very high germination rates, while others have lower rates. It is important to find a seed with a high germination rate so that you can get the most bang for your buck. Finally, you will want to consider the flavor of the microgreen. Some microgreens are more bitter than others, so it is important to find one that you enjoy eating.
Broccoli
They are high in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as calcium and iron. Broccoli microgreens have a slightly bitter taste.
Price: $4.10 per ounce
Arugula
They are high in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and manganese. Arugula microgreens have a peppery taste.
Price: $7.40 per ounce
Radish
They are high in vitamin C, as well as calcium and iron. Radish microgreens have a slightly spicy taste.
Price: $7.95 per ounce
Kale
They are high in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron. Kale microgreens have a slightly bitter taste.
Price: $9.50 per ounce
Red Cabbage
They are high in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron. Red Cabbage microgreens have a Mild brassica flavor with a touch of heat
Price: $6.80 per ounce
Mustard
They are high in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as calcium and iron. Mustard microgreens have a slightly spicy and sweet flavor.
Price: $7.95
Sunflower
They are high in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as calcium. Sunflower microgreens have a slightly nutty taste.
Price: $12.30
Buckwheat
They are high in vitamins B and E, as well as calcium. Buckwheat microgreens have a slightly earthy taste.
Price: $9.50
Ways to Reduce The Cost
-Buy seeds in bulk: you can often find discounts on seeds when you buy them in bulk.
-Make your own potting soil: you can make your own potting soil for microgreens using a recipe found online.
-Reuse trays: you can reuse trays from store-bought greens or other plants. Just make sure to clean them well before using them for your microgreens.
-Find a used greenhouse: you can often find used greenhouses for sale online or at garden stores.
-Start with a small-scale operation to test the waters. You can always expand your garden later if you find that you enjoy growing microgreens.
-Purchase used equipment from gardening stores or online classified ads.
-Build your own greenhouse out of recycled materials.
In Conclusion,
Starting a microgreen garden can be costly, but there are ways to reduce the cost. With a little bit of research and planning, you can start a microgreen garden that is both affordable and enjoyable.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are microgreens profitable to sell?
“Generally speaking, microgreens can be a very profitable crop to grow and sell. They have a high value per square foot, and they can be grown in a relatively short amount of time.”
What are some common problems with growing microgreens?
“Some common problems with growing microgreens include pests, diseases, and poor drainage. However, these problems can be easily avoided by using the proper growing techniques.”
Can I reuse potting soil for microgreens?
“Yes, you can reuse potting soil for microgreens. Just make sure to clean the pots and trays well before using them again.”
Do microgreens regrow after cutting?
“No, most microgreens do not regrow after cutting. Once they are cut, they are done growing. However, plants like beans, peas, and kale may produce a second crop of microgreens if they are allowed to regrow with at least one healthy leaf.”
What are the benefits of eating microgreens?
“Microgreens are a nutritious and convenient way to add vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to your diet. They are also low in calories and fat, and they are a good source of fiber.”
What is the purpose of microgreens?
“The purpose of microgreens is to provide a concentrated source of nutrients in a small, convenient package. They are often used as a garnish or addition to salads and other dishes.”
Can you eat raw microgreens?
“Yes, you can eat raw microgreens. In fact, many people believe that raw microgreens are more nutritious than cooked greens.”
Related Posts:
📌 Follow Me On Pinterest!
📌 Pin To Save For Later!
Leave a Reply