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Views: 0 Author: aumabio Publish Time: 2024-12-19 Origin: aumabio/internet
Are you interested in growing microgreens and boosting your profits simultaneously? If you’re looking for a quick and efficient way to maximize your space and revenue, growing microgreens might be the perfect solution. In this guide, we’ll show you how to effectively use your Nursery Station for growing microgreens and explore the financial benefits of this fast-growing crop.
Before diving into the specifics of growing microgreens, let’s define what they are. Microgreens are the immature versions of various vegetables and herbs, harvested when they are just a few inches tall and have their first true leaves. These young plants, despite their small size, are known for their strong flavors and concentrated nutrients, making them highly sought after in kitchens and health-conscious households alike.
Popular microgreens include varieties like radish, basil, pea shoots, cilantro, and mustard greens. They’re typically harvested within 7–14 days after planting, offering a quick turnaround time that makes them an appealing option for both commercial and home growers.
For those familiar with AUMABIO’s vertical farming system, you know it’s divided into two primary zones: the Nursery Station and the Cultivation Area. The Nursery Station is where seedlings are nurtured until they’re strong enough to be transplanted, while the Cultivation Area is where the plants reach full maturity.
One of the advantages of the Nursery Station is that it has unused space that could be optimized for growing additional crops. By utilizing this available area, you can start growing microgreens alongside your other crops, turning otherwise idle trays into revenue-generating assets.
· The Nursery Station has the capacity for 16 trays, each with either 200 or 288 cells.
· If you’re growing lettuce, you’ll need to plant around 990 seedlings each week, which takes up 4–5 trays.
· These trays remain in the Nursery Station for 3 weeks before being moved to the Cultivation Area.
With these numbers in mind, there's always one tray left unused. Why not use that extra tray for growing microgreens?
Many growers enhance their Nursery Station by adding a grow rack nearby, effectively increasing the available space for more crops. This extra vertical space makes it even easier to expand your microgreens production. Microgreens grow quickly, and their high demand means that growing them regularly can provide a consistent and profitable income stream.
There are several compelling reasons why microgreens should be added to your crop list, especially if you’re trying to maximize the space in your Nursery Station.
Rapid Growth Cycle
One of the standout features of microgreens is how quickly they grow. Within 10–12 days after sowing, they reach a harvestable size. This means you can grow, harvest, and replant new crops in a short period, maximizing your space and increasing your yield.
Efficient Hydroponic Growing System
Microgreens grow wonderfully in a hydroponic system using Growing Sponges. These sponges are breathable and ideal for holding just the right amount of moisture, which reduces the need for constant care. With this system, you can ensure your crops are healthy with minimal effort on your part.
High Market Demand
Microgreens are in high demand, especially among chefs, food lovers, and health-conscious consumers. These tiny greens are a favorite for garnishing dishes, adding color to salads, and boosting the nutritional value of meals. Because of their versatility and popularity, microgreens are a profitable crop in today’s market.
Premium Pricing
Microgreens often command a premium price due to their high value in the culinary world. You can typically sell microgreens for $2–$3 per ounce. With each tray producing 2–3 pounds of microgreens, you could earn anywhere from $64 to $144 per tray. This means that even with just one extra tray in your Nursery Station, you could be making a substantial additional income.
By utilizing just one tray in your Nursery Station for microgreens, you could earn an additional $300 per month or more. If you expand and add more trays or a grow rack, your potential earnings could grow exponentially. Microgreens are small, but their financial impact can be large.
Now, let’s look at how you can get started with growing microgreens in your Nursery Station and Seedling cabinet using hydroponics. The process is straightforward, requiring minimal space and equipment.
Start by placing a tray filled with a soil-free planting sponge, such as π soil. These sponges are designed specifically for hydroponic systems, offering excellent water retention and aeration for the roots. Ensure the sponge is fully saturated with water before moving on to the next step.
Once your substrate is ready, sprinkle a thin, even layer of microgreen seeds across the surface of the sponge. Be sure to distribute them evenly so they have enough space to grow. After sowing, cover the tray with another empty tray to block out light and maintain humidity, or use a humidity dome to keep the moisture levels high. This will encourage successful germination.
For the first 3–4 days, the seeds need to remain in darkness to germinate. During this phase, the environment should be kept warm and moist. After 3–4 days, remove the cover and expose the sprouts to light.
After germination, transfer the tray to the Nursery Station or stay still in the Vertical Farm Machine. Place it in one of the available spots in the troughs. As soon as the seeds are exposed to light, they will begin to turn green and start growing their leaves.
Over the next 6–8 days, the microgreens in the Plant Planter will grow rapidly. Be sure to provide them with adequate light and moisture. You’ll start to see them sprouting leaves and becoming more robust during this period.
Microgreens are ready for harvest after 10–12 days, when their first true leaves begin to emerge. To harvest, use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the greens as close to the substrate as possible. This ensures that you get a clean cut and encourage new growth for your next batch.
Once you’ve harvested your microgreens, it’s time to start the process over again. Refill your tray with a new soil-free planting sponge and repeat the steps to ensure a continuous crop. With microgreens, you can harvest and replant on a regular cycle, allowing you to maximize your space and revenue potential.
Growing microgreens is an excellent way to make the most out of the space in your Nursery Station. With their fast-growing nature, high demand, and premium pricing, microgreens can significantly increase your farm’s profitability. The best part is that they require minimal space, low maintenance, and only a short growing cycle, making them an ideal crop for anyone looking to boost their income with limited effort.
By following the simple steps outlined above and utilizing your extra space, you can quickly start growing microgreens and begin seeing additional income in just a few weeks. So why wait? Take advantage of that unused tray and start growing microgreens today!
Microgreens are young seedlings harvested after their cotyledons and first true leaves develop. Unlike sprouts, microgreens grow in a medium (like hydroponic sponges) and are cut at the stem for harvest, whereas sprouts are consumed whole, including the root.
You need soil-free planting sponges, trays, a humidity dome, and a grow light or access to indirect sunlight. For commercial setups, additional racks or a Vertical Farm Machine can enhance production.
Microgreens are highly profitable, commanding $2–$3 per ounce. A single tray can yield up to $144, and utilizing an unused Nursery Station tray could generate an additional $300 or more per month.
Popular varieties include radish, basil, pea shoots, cilantro, and mustard greens. Fast-growing options like radish and mustard greens can be ready for harvest in as little as 10 days.
To avoid mold, ensure proper air circulation, avoid overwatering, and maintain a clean growing environment. Using breathable hydroponic sponges and monitoring humidity levels with a dome can also help.
