Is it cost-effective to grow microgreens at home?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Huge financial benefit of growing microgreens at home compared to buying from the store. Your upfront costs can be minimal using recycled containers and simple materials. Mine began from empty yogurt cups and a bag of soil for less than $15 total. My returns on investment began within weeks and surpassed store prices by weight.
Essential Supplies
- Recycled food containers instead of trays: $0
- Standard potting soil: $5 per 10 batches
- Seeds: $2-4 per ounce yielding multiple harvests
Optional Upgrades
- LED grow lights: $25 one-time investment
- Heating mats: $15 for winter growing
- pH testing kit: $12 for advanced growers
Your operational costs are very low during production cycles. A batch will only cost you a few cents in water. The electricity for LED lights costs less than a dollar a month. Supermarket organic greens are priced between $20 and $ 30 per pound. My own records show a savings of 75% after only two harvest cycles.
By using a continuous harvest rotation, you can maximize your profit potential! Stagger your plantings every three days for continual harvests. A $3 packet of radish seeds can yield 12 harvests, producing over $30 worth of greens for almost no cost.
Minimize waste by using proper storage methods that help extend freshness. Microgreens will last 7-14 days when stored properly, retaining their full nutritional benefits. This efficiency reduces spoilage losses associated with store-bought greens. I rarely throw away uneaten microgreens in my kitchen.
Beginner setups recover expenses in the first month. Gradually scale production in phase once security sets in. Give away surplus harvests to neighbors. Your indoor garden becomes a valuable food source and a cost-effective strategy for containment.
Read the full article: How to Grow Microgreens Indoors at Home
