Short answer: to start a microgreens business from home, first check your local food rules. Then build a small grow rack, master three to five crops (pea shoots, sunflower, radish, broccoli, a mix), and grow on a weekly schedule. Find a few steady customers such as neighbours, a farmers' market or restaurants. Pack the greens well, keep them cold, and grow only as fast as your sales.
Step 1: Check your local rules
Selling food from home is regulated differently in different places. Before you sell, contact your local health or agriculture authority. Ask about:
- Whether you can sell microgreens grown at home
- Any registration, permit or inspection needed
- Labelling rules
- Any rules on sprouts, which are often stricter than microgreens
Step 2: Set up your grow space
A wire shelving unit with LED lights is the standard home setup. See the DIY vertical microgreens rack.
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Wire rack + LED lights | Grow 12–16 trays in a small footprint |
| 10 × 20 trays | The standard size for growing and selling |
| Fan | Prevents mold in stacked trays |
| Timer | Consistent light |
| Clean water and work area | Food safety |
Step 3: Master a few crops
Start with crops that are reliable and popular:
Grow each several times before you sell. Keep notes on seed weight, days to harvest and yield.
Step 4: Plan a weekly schedule
Most microgreens take 7 to 14 days. Sow on set days so trays are ready on your sale or delivery days. See the microgreens timeline.
Step 5: Find customers
- Friends and neighbours: a weekly subscription is a simple start.
- Farmers' markets: good for mixes and colourful greens.
- Restaurants and cafés: chefs value fresh, consistent supply. See why chefs use microgreens.
- Local shops: small grocers and health food stores.
Step 6: Package and deliver
Harvest dry, cool quickly and pack loosely. Keep greens cold until delivery. Read microgreens packaging.
Step 7: Grow your microgreens business slowly
Expand only when you have steady orders. Overgrowing leads to waste. Track what sells and drop crops that don't.
A realistic note on a microgreens business
A microgreens business is real work: daily watering, harvesting, cleaning and deliveries. Start small, learn the crops, and treat food safety seriously. Many growers enjoy it as a side business before deciding whether to grow it further.
Need seed in larger amounts? Sprouting.com offers microgreen seed in a range of sizes, including mixed cases.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a license to sell microgreens?
It depends on where you live. Many places have rules for selling food grown at home, and some treat microgreens differently from sprouts. Check with your local health or agriculture authority before selling.
What microgreens sell best?
Pea shoots, sunflower, radish, broccoli and colourful mixes are popular with home cooks. Chefs often want specialty crops like amaranth, basil and shiso.
How much space do I need to start a microgreens business?
You can start with one wire rack holding about 12 to 16 trays in a spare room or basement. Many growers start this way and expand later.
Can I sell sprouts as well as microgreens?
Sprouts carry a higher food-safety risk and are often more tightly regulated. Many small growers sell only microgreens. Check your local rules carefully before selling sprouts.
Written by Michael
A passionate sprouting professional sharing practical tips for growing sprouts and microgreens at home. More about Michael
