Understand the microgreens market opportunity

Microgreens are one of the most profitable crops per square foot, making them ideal for a small-scale side business. The US microgreens market was valued at approximately $2.1 billion in 2025 and is growing at 11-13% annually, driven by restaurant demand, health-conscious consumers, and farm-to-table trends.

Why Microgreens Work as a Business

• High margins: Growing costs are $1-3 per tray; retail value is $15-30 per tray
• Fast turnover: 7-14 day seed-to-sale cycle means quick cash flow
• Year-round production: Indoor growing isn't seasonal
• Low space requirements: A spare bedroom or garage can produce $1,000-2,000/month
• Low startup cost: Under $500 to start producing sellable product

Tips

• Start by growing for yourself, then scale what works
• Local demand usually exceeds supply — restaurants and farmers markets are hungry for consistent suppliers
• The biggest constraint is typically sales and delivery logistics, not growing