Although there are thousands of new small businesses opening all the time, during times of economic stress, these numbers dwindle but not as much as you might expect.
Perhaps surprisingly though, in 2020, there had been only a 20% drop in start-up businesses. The reason for this is because many of these entrepreneurs envisioned an opening created by the pandemic.
The businesses that have started up are ones that require few if any staff or can employ staff to work from home. The new start-up businesses also cater to local needs rather than concentrating on countrywide customers.
Why is This the Perfect Time to Start?
A microgreens business can be started from home and requires few if any staff. Whilst many restaurants may be closed due to the pandemic, those which are open may be experiencing difficulties with getting fresh produce through their national suppliers.
A microgreens business starts by catering to the needs of local chefs and home-based caterers, so do not get embroiled in the pandemic’s inter-state mayhem. Of course, as the business expands, the pandemic’s restrictions should diminish.
How Can I Market My Microgreens Business?
Whilst starting any new business may be a daunting task, as microgreens are rapidly emerging as the new superfood, a microgreens business offers opportunities rarely experienced in other sectors of business. Both world renowned chefs and household cooks are now learning that microgreens have much more to offer than just being the garnish on a healthy meal.
Of course, though, the microgreens will not sell themselves and so you will still have to contact local chefs. If your farmer’s market is still functioning, contact the stall owners as some may be interested. Currently, it is the health food stores that probably sell the most microgreens and so, if you have one locally also contact them.
As microgreens are packed with nutrients, more than their fully grown vegetable, anyone interested in cooking healthy meals will have heard of them. However, they will probably be wondering where they can get really fresh produce. It is important for microgreens to be fresh as that is when they contain the most nutrients, the longer they have been harvested, the less nutritious they become.
What Seeds Are Best to Start With?
There are literally hundreds of different seeds that can be used to grow microgreens and many of them have the same requirements in order to grow. There are certain types of microgreens which are slightly easier to grow than others, so starting with those would be ideal. However, as a viable business you will not want to grow microgreens you cannot sell, so consider your choices carefully.
This means that perhaps the most important factor is to buy quality seeds for whichever microgreens you know you can sell. In order for microgreens to grow healthy, the seeds must not be contaminated. Fortunately, Todd’s Seeds sells microgreen seeds which are specifically meant for growing purposes and are free from any harmful additives.
Equipment I Need to Start
One of the advantages of starting a microgreens business is that they are relatively cheap, not only in start-up costs but also in recurring expenses.
Although those who grow microgreens for their own use may place growing trays on their windowsills, a business will need more trays and so, a rack to place them on will be required. The usual size for growing trays is 10×20 and so the rack will need to hold however many trays you decide to use.
If your growing area is located inside you will need growing lamps over the rack. You will of course need soil and seeds but that, apart from water, is all you need. Many microgreen start-ups have only needed an initial investment of between $300 and $600.
When and How to Harvest My Microgreens?
One of the beauties of a microgreens business is that it can grow microgreens all year round and so, have a continuous source of income. Another advantage of a microgreens business is that it offers a speedy turn-round on your investment. This is because microgreens only take 2 – 3 weeks from planting to harvesting.
The seeds will start to germinate in just a few days but it will take several more before they are ready to harvest. Once a microgreen has its initial first set of leaves growing from its stem, then is the correct time to harvest.
All that is needed to harvest the microgreens is a clean pair of scissors. Cut the stems of the microgreens close to the soil. As microgreens are at their most nutritious when fresh, it is best to only cut what is intended for use that day. If you do harvest more than you can use, keep them in a zip-lock bag inside the refrigerator.
As customers will prefer their microgreens as fresh as possible, many may buy them by the tray and then harvest them as and when they need them.
Where to Buy Microgreens
Unless there is already a microgreens business locally, microgreens can usually only be found for sale in health food stores or, some of the more popular types of microgreens may be found in a farmers market.
This is why a microgreens business can be a viable option, offering a wide assortment of microgreens, fresh and available all year. As you will want to offer microgreens during any season, Todd’s Seeds offers a wide assortment of microgreen seeds all year round and will sell them wholesale, affording you the potential for more profit.
There are of course other businesses that you could start-up during the pandemic but few will have such low costs and continue to be viable even after the pandemic is over.
You can also watch the video version of this article below.
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