Why Plan Microgreen Production?
Microgreens—young seedlings harvested just after the cotyledon leaves emerge—have exploded in popularity. Chefs prize their concentrated flavors and vibrant colors, while health enthusiasts seek their dense vitamin and antioxidant content. For urban gardeners and small‑scale farmers, microgreens offer a rapid turnover crop that can generate meaningful revenue from limited space. Planning production carefully ensures that seed, energy, and labor inputs yield profitable harvests.
Using the Planner
Enter how many trays you intend to grow, how many grams of seed go into each, the expected harvested yield per tray, and the price you can fetch per gram. Because indoor microgreen setups often rely on LED lighting, the form also asks for wattage, daily light hours, local electricity prices, and the days required to reach harvest. With that data the script computes total seed cost, electricity cost, projected yield, revenue, and net profit per growth cycle.
Seed to Yield Relationship
Different species produce varying yields from the same seed weight. For example, radish often yields around 6 grams of greens per gram of seed, while basil may yield only 3 grams. The planner lets you input the yield you expect based on your experience or supplier guidelines. If you are experimenting with new varieties, you may run a test tray first to calibrate expectations.
| Microgreen | Seed Rate (g/tray) | Yield Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Radish | 10 | 6x |
| Pea Shoots | 100 | 3x |
| Sunflower | 70 | 4x |
These figures provide rough starting points. The actual yield depends on tray size, seed density, humidity, and handling. Proper sanitation and air circulation help prevent mold, which can wipe out an entire crop.
Lighting and Energy Costs
While microgreens can grow under natural light, consistent yields often require supplemental LEDs. To compute energy cost, the script multiplies power (in watts) by hours per day and number of trays to produce kilowatt‑hours. This value is then multiplied by your electricity rate to estimate cost. The formula is , where is power, hours per day, number of trays, and days to harvest.
Revenue and Profit
Projected revenue is simply total yield multiplied by sale price per gram. From this the estimator subtracts seed and electricity costs to reveal net profit. Labor, packaging, and delivery are omitted; you can extend the planner by adding those variables if needed. Many small growers pack microgreens into 28‑gram clamshells and sell them at farmers' markets or to restaurants. A steady weekly cycle of sowing and harvesting allows reliable cash flow.
Example Scenario
Imagine operating 20 trays of sunflower shoots. You seed 70 grams per tray at a cost of $0.02 per gram, and expect 280 grams of harvest per tray. Lighting is 40 watts per tray for 16 hours daily. Electricity costs $0.12 per kWh and the crop takes 10 days. Sale price is $0.04 per gram. The planner computes:
- Seed cost: $28
- Energy cost: $12.29
- Total yield: 5600 g
- Revenue: $224
- Profit: $183.71
Such numbers help you decide whether to scale up, adjust pricing, or optimize lighting.
Water and Nutrient Considerations
Most microgreens require minimal fertilization because the seed itself contains ample nutrition for early growth. However, consistent watering is crucial. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering stunts growth. Many growers use capillary mats or hydroponic systems to deliver water evenly. Although water cost is typically small, you can incorporate it into your overhead if operating at larger scales.
Hygiene and Food Safety
Microgreens are often consumed raw, so sanitation is vital. Sterilize trays between cycles and use clean, filtered water. Some regions require commercial growers to follow Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) protocols. Factor potential compliance costs into your broader business plan, even though they are outside the scope of this simple calculator.
Scaling Up
As demand grows, you might consider rack systems with multiple shelves and automated irrigation. Doubling the number of trays doubles seed and energy cost, but also doubles revenue if markets can absorb the output. Before scaling, test market demand, secure reliable seed suppliers, and develop relationships with customers to avoid unsold product.
Seasonality and Pricing
Microgreen pricing fluctuates with local supply. In winter, when outdoor farms lie dormant, indoor growers often command higher prices. The planner lets you simulate various price points to see how profit margins respond. Keeping meticulous records of past sales helps forecast future revenue more accurately.
Nutrition and Culinary Uses
Beyond profit, microgreens contribute to community health. Studies show that red cabbage microgreens contain up to forty times the vitamin E of mature cabbage. Chefs use them to add texture and visual appeal to dishes, from sandwiches to fine dining plates. Including a small recipe card with each sale can differentiate your brand and encourage repeat customers.
Environmental Impact
Growing food indoors raises questions about sustainability. While energy use is a concern, microgreens require little water compared to mature crops and can be grown close to consumers, reducing transportation emissions. LEDs continue to improve in efficiency, and pairing them with renewable energy further shrinks the footprint. Use the electricity cost output as a proxy for energy consumption; multiplying kilowatt‑hours by your region's carbon intensity provides a rough emissions estimate.
Record Keeping
Successful microgreen businesses track each batch's sowing date, germination rate, yield, and sale price. Over time this data reveals which varieties are most profitable and how environmental tweaks influence outcomes. You can copy the planner's results into a spreadsheet or farm management app for further analysis.
Conclusion
Microgreens turn windowsills, spare rooms, or warehouse corners into mini farms. This planner supplies the numbers needed to make those farms thrive. Adjust inputs, compare varieties, and iterate on your setup. With attention to hygiene, lighting, and market demand, microgreens can provide both nutritional and economic benefits.