Books and Resources to Start Strong
Before you invest in equipment, understanding the fundamentals of microgreens cultivation will help you choose the right setup for your specific goals. These books cover everything from seed selection to scaling your operation, and they’ll save you money by preventing common beginner mistakes.
The Microgreens Handbook by Stefan Cramer and Dr. Buzz Shelton
This is the most practical guide available for anyone starting a microgreens business. It covers soil selection, seed varieties, lighting, humidity control, and troubleshooting common problems. The authors combine horticultural science with real-world business experience, which means the advice is tested and realistic.
Shop The Microgreens Handbook on Amazon →
How to Hydroponically Grow Microgreens by Corey Cutshaw
If you’re considering a hydroponic or water-based system instead of soil, this focused guide walks you through setup, nutrient solutions, and yield optimization. It’s especially useful if you want to grow year-round indoors with controlled conditions and higher production density.
Shop How to Hydroponically Grow Microgreens on Amazon →
Starting and Running Your Own Small Farm Business by Ron Macher
Microgreens are a farm business, and this book covers licensing, permits, insurance, pricing, and marketing. You need this for the operational side—knowing how to grow is only half the battle. Macher gives straightforward advice on profitability and avoiding legal pitfalls.
Shop Starting and Running Your Own Small Farm Business on Amazon →
The Salad Bowl Food Safety Handbook by the United Fresh Produce Association
If you plan to sell to restaurants or retail stores, food safety compliance is non-negotiable. This handbook explains GAPs (Good Agricultural Practices), traceability, and contamination prevention. It’s directly applicable to microgreens and helps you understand what buyers actually require.
Shop The Salad Bowl Food Safety Handbook on Amazon →
Equipment You Need
Your equipment budget depends on whether you’re starting with a small hobby operation or a commercial setup targeting restaurants and farmers markets. Below is a breakdown organized by function, with a recommended first-purchase list at the end.
Growing Trays and Containers
- Shallow propagation trays (10×20 inches): Standard size for most microgreens setups. You’ll need 20–30 to rotate crops continuously.
- Tray covers or humidity domes: Essential for germination. Keeps moisture and warmth consistent during the first 3–4 days.
- Drainage trays: Catch excess water and prevent mess, especially with hydroponic systems.
- Shelving units: Metal utility shelves or plant-specific rack systems let you stack trays vertically and maximize space.
Shop propagation trays on Amazon →
Growing Media
- Organic seed-starting mix or coco coir: Lighter and cleaner than regular potting soil. Buy in bulk if you scale up.
- Hydroponic mats (if using hydro systems): Made from materials like coconut fiber or recycled fabric. Reusable and biodegradable options exist.
- Growing paper (kraft paper): An inexpensive, compostable base for soil-based trays. Reduces cleanup.
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Lighting
- LED grow lights (full spectrum): T5 fluorescent is cheaper but less efficient; LEDs cost more upfront but save 40–50% on electricity over time. Aim for 200–400 micromoles (µmol) of PAR per square foot.
- Light timers (24-hour digital): Set consistent 12–16 hour photoperiods. Prevents operator error and saves electricity.
- Reflective material (mylar or white paint): Maximizes light reflection and reduces the number of lights needed.
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Climate Control
- Hygrometer and thermometer: Track humidity (50–70% ideal) and temperature (65–75°F). Prevents mold and slow germination.
- Oscillating fan: Improves air circulation and prevents fungal issues. Use on low speed during growth phase.
- Humidifier or spray bottle: Maintains moisture without overwatering. Ultrasonic humidifiers are quieter and more precise.
- Space heater or cooling fan (optional): Only needed if your environment drifts significantly outside the 65–75°F range.
Shop hygrometer-thermometer on Amazon →
Seeds and Supplies
- High-quality microgreens seeds: Always buy untreated seeds designed for sprouting/microgreens. Common varieties: sunflower, pea, mustard, radish, broccoli.
- Storage containers (airtight): Keep seeds cool and dry to extend viability.
- Watering can or misting bottle: Prevents overwatering and allows gentle, even hydration.
Shop microgreens seeds on Amazon →
Harvesting and Packaging
- Sharp kitchen scissors or microgreens knife: Clean cuts preserve shelf life better than pulling or tearing.
- Food-grade plastic clamshells or paper boxes: Buy in bulk from restaurant supply companies. Size depends on your market (usually 4–8 oz).
- Refrigeration: Used commercial coolers ($200–400) are fine for starting; a dedicated small refrigerator ($150–300) works too.
- Labels and markers: Include harvest date, variety, and storage instructions.
Shop harvesting tools on Amazon →
Optional Advanced Equipment
- Automated watering system: Drip lines or ebb-and-flow trays reduce daily labor but add complexity and cost ($200–500).
- pH meter and EC meter: For hydroponic systems, tracking nutrient levels prevents deficiencies.
- Scale (precision, 0.1g): Helps standardize seed amounts and track yield per tray.
What to Buy First vs Later
Start lean. You don’t need everything at once, and premature spending kills profitability. Here’s the priority order:
- First (Week 1–2): Propagation trays, tray covers, seed-starting mix, seeds (sunflower and pea to start), basic lighting (LED or T5), thermometer, hygrometer, spray bottle.
- Second month: Additional trays, shelving unit, more seed varieties, storage containers, food-grade packaging, harvesting knife, timer.
- Third–fourth month (if scaling): Humidifier, oscillating fan, refrigeration, automated watering system, additional lighting.
- Later (after profitability): Specialized hydroponic systems, pH meters, advanced climate control, commercial packaging equipment.
New vs Used Equipment
Your growing trays, lights, and seeds must be new or food-safe used. Used trays can harbor mold spores or pest eggs; LED lights degrade and lose efficacy. Never compromise here. Buy new.
Shelving units, fans, timers, and storage containers are safe to buy used. Check Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or local farm groups for shelving systems and refrigeration. You can save 30–50% and the equipment works just as well. For commercial cooling, a used compact refrigerator from a restaurant supply liquidator is a smart choice—verify it cools to 35–40°F before purchase.
Where to Buy
- Johnny’s Selected Seeds: Premium seed supplier with varieties specifically bred for microgreens and sprouting. Bulk discounts available.
- Burpee and Territorial Seed Company: Reliable sources for bulk untreated microgreens seeds at reasonable prices.
- Hydrofarm and Growers Supply: Specialize in grow lights, trays, and climate control. Prices are competitive with Amazon and they offer expert support.
- Restaurant Depot or Local Restaurant Supply: Buy food-grade clamshells and packaging in bulk at wholesale prices ($0.03–0.08 per unit vs. $0.15+ retail).
- Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist: Used shelving, fans, and storage equipment. Always inspect for cleanliness before purchasing.
- Local nurseries and garden centers: Support small businesses and avoid shipping costs on heavy items like soil and mulch.