How to Turn Your Microgreens Hobby into a Small Business

Beginner-Friendly Guide for Gardeners Ready to Grow More

Have you ever looked at your trays of microgreens and thought, “Maybe I could sell these”? You’re not alone. Microgreens are one of the easiest crops to grow at home, and they’re also one of the most in-demand for local markets, cafes, and home chefs.

If you’re already growing microgreens for fun, turning your hobby into an income stream could be closer than you think. You don’t need a giant farm or fancy equipment to get started. Many successful growers began on a kitchen counter or balcony with just a few trays and a love for plants.

Here’s how to start growing microgreens as a side hustle, and maybe one day, a full-time business.

Start Small: Test the Waters at Markets or Cafés

You don’t need a commercial greenhouse to start selling microgreens. Many successful growers began by selling just a few trays’ worth each week at local farmers’ markets or supplying one neighborhood café.

Starting small keeps it manageable. You’ll learn what varieties your local community wants, how to price your greens, and how much time you can commit each week. Look for low-risk ways to begin:

• Try a weekend market stand with three or four types of microgreens
• Offer a local chef a free sample to get your foot in the door
• Share trial boxes with friends and gather feedback

This helps you build confidence and make informed decisions as you grow and develop.

Understand the Local Demand

Before growing trays and trays of pea shoots or radish microgreens, take the time to understand your local market.

Ask yourself:

• Are there farmers’ markets nearby with other microgreen sellers?
• Do local restaurants or cafes use microgreens?
• What are customers in your area willing to pay?
• What makes your microgreens special (organic, homegrown, sustainable)?

A little research upfront can help you grow smarter and avoid wasted time and harvests.

Evaluate Your Growing Setup

If you’re already growing microgreens at home, turning it into a business might just mean expanding a little.

Here are some things to check:

• Lighting: Will you need more grow lights or shelves?
• Watering system: Manual misting might work now, but is it sustainable at scale? Learn more about best practices in our essential guide to watering microgreens.
• Trays and growing medium: Can your current materials handle bigger or more frequent grows?

This is also where food safety comes in. If you plan to sell, make sure your space is clean, your tools are sanitized, and your materials are consistent. A reliable, mess-free substrate, such as bamboo fiber mats from Vegbed, can help reduce mold risks and speed up cleanup.

Look Into Local Regulations and Licenses

Every town and state is different. Some places allow you to sell produce at markets with just a simple registration. Others may require food handling certifications or farm business permits.

Here are a few things to check:

• Do you need a food vendor’s license to sell at farmers’ markets?
• Are there inspections required for home-based food businesses?
• Can you sell to restaurants or grocery stores under your local regulations?

Your local agriculture extension office or health department is often a good place to start.

Build Your Brand and Online Presence

Even if you’re starting small, having a name or a simple logo can help you stand out. Take some photos of your greens growing or being used in meals. Set up a free Instagram or Facebook page to share updates, connect with potential buyers, and make it easy for people to find you.

You don’t need a fancy website right away, but having an online presence builds trust and gives your project a more “real” feel. Plus, it’s a great way to showcase your growing journey and gather feedback from early supporters.

Learn from Others

One of the fastest ways to grow your side hustle is to learn from someone who’s done it. Try connecting with other growers in your area or online to share experiences and resources. You’ll find Facebook groups, Reddit communities, and even local gardening clubs full of people who love talking about microgreens.

Find a mentor who is already selling microgreens. They’ll be able to share what works, what doesn’t, and what they wish they had done differently in the beginning.

Try It Before You Scale It

The best part about microgreens is that the risk is low and the turnaround is fast. You can trial a new variety and get results in 7 to 14 days. That makes it easy to experiment with different growing styles, flavors, packaging options, and even pricing.

Start with one or two trays meant for sale and test how they do. Pay attention to your workflow. Were there bottlenecks in watering? Did your packaging hold up during delivery? These small experiments will help you shape your system before you grow bigger.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need a Farm to Start

Turning your microgreens hobby into a micro-business doesn’t mean you have to quit your day job or invest thousands of dollars. It means taking what you already love and exploring if it could bring value to others, too.

With the right research, a clean growing setup, and a little trial and error, your kitchen counter harvest could become a reliable side hustle or more.

And if you’re looking for a clean, sustainable way to grow microgreens without soil, check out Vegbed’s bamboo fiber grow mats. They’re made for home and small-scale growers who want easy cleanup and consistent results.

Happy Growing!