As the chill sets in and the days grow shorter, many market gardeners are looking for ways to keep the income rolling through the winter months. Microgreens, tiny and nutrient-packed plants harvested at an early growth stage, offer a lucrative option to generate extra income during the off-season. Grown indoors or in a greenhouse, microgreens can thrive year-round, including the coldest months, providing an opportunity to diversify and sustain your gardening business.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about growing winter microgreens, from setting up a simple indoor system to choosing the right varieties for taste and market demand, and some tips on selling to maximise your profits.
What are Microgreens, and Why Grow Them in Winter?
Microgreens are young vegetable greens harvested when they are around 2-3 inches tall. Unlike sprouts, they are grown in soil or another growing medium and are harvested at the first true leaf stage. These tiny greens pack an intense flavour and are incredibly nutrient-dense, making them a favourite among chefs, health-conscious consumers, and restaurant buyers.
Growing microgreens in winter offers several advantages:
- Year-round income: With indoor or greenhouse setups, you can produce high-value crops even when outdoor gardening isn’t viable.
- Quick turnover: Microgreens are fast to grow, with many varieties ready to harvest within two weeks, allowing for frequent harvests and sales.
- Small space, big profits: Microgreens require minimal space and are easily scalable, ideal for market gardeners with limited winter workspace.
- High demand: The demand for microgreens continues to grow, especially among health-conscious consumers and the restaurant industry, making it a profitable venture.
1. Getting Started: Setting Up Your Winter Microgreens Growing System
Growing microgreens in winter requires an indoor or sheltered environment with stable temperatures, access to light, and good airflow. Here’s a breakdown of the essentials:
A. Selecting Your Growing Location
- Indoor spaces such as basements, spare rooms, or greenhouses with supplemental heating are ideal. Aim for a temperature range between 18-22°C to encourage healthy, consistent growth.
- Shelving units can help you maximise space. Choose metal or plastic shelving with adjustable racks to optimise for trays of different heights.
B. Lighting Requirements
- In winter, natural light is often insufficient. LED grow lights offer an energy-efficient solution and can provide the necessary light spectrum for healthy microgreen growth.
- Position lights 12-18 inches above the trays, and provide 12-16 hours of light daily. Adjustable grow lights can be a great investment, allowing you to adapt to different plant varieties and growth stages.
C. Selecting Growing Trays and Mediums
- Trays: Opt for standard 11x22-inch trays, ideally with drainage holes to prevent overwatering and a solid tray underneath to allow bottom watering. Affordable trays here: https://reagtools.co.uk/collections/microgreen-trays
- Growing medium: Choose a sterile, lightweight medium like coconut coir, or organic compost mix, which provides good drainage and air circulation. Ensure the medium is evenly spread and moist, as this will promote uniform germination.
2. Choosing the Best Microgreen Varieties for Winter
Not all microgreens are created equal, especially in winter when temperature and light conditions can vary. Here are a few varieties that tend to thrive in lower light and cooler conditions, ensuring a robust crop and high yield:
A. Radish
Radish microgreens are easy to grow and have a peppery taste that appeals to chefs. They are particularly resilient, fast-growing, and ready to harvest within 7-10 days.
B. Pea Shoots
Pea shoots are a fantastic winter option, bringing a mild sweetness and a satisfying crunch. These microgreens are a bit larger and can take slightly longer to grow but are highly popular in salads and stir-fries.
C. Sunflower
Sunflower microgreens offer a nutty flavour and are packed with protein. These greens take around 12-14 days to mature, so they might take up more space in your cycle but are worth it for their popularity.
D. Mustard and Brassicas
Mustard greens, along with other brassicas like broccoli and kale, thrive as microgreens in winter. They are robust and require minimal light to develop their spicy flavour, making them a strong choice for winter production.
3. Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Winter Microgreens
A. Sowing the Seeds
- Evenly distribute seeds across the surface of your growing medium. Each tray should contain approximately 25-30 grams of seeds, depending on the variety.
- Press seeds lightly into the growing medium without fully covering them; this ensures they receive adequate air and light during germination.
- Spray the seeds with water and cover the trays to create a humid environment, which speeds up germination. Some growers use another tray or a lid to keep light out during this phase, and occasionally weight on top such as bricks.
B. Watering and Maintenance
- Watering: Aim for a consistent level of moisture. Microgreens don’t like to dry out completely but also don’t thrive in saturated conditions. Bottom-watering can be helpful to avoid disturbing the seedlings.
- Airflow: Use a small fan to circulate air around your growing area, preventing mould and damping-off disease.
C. Harvesting and Storage
- Harvest: When your microgreens have their first set of true leaves, they are ready to harvest. Cut them just above the soil line with clean, sharp scissors or a very sharp knife.
- Storage: To retain freshness, keep harvested microgreens in a cool place. For maximum shelf life, they can be stored in sealed containers in the refrigerator, lasting up to a week.
4. Selling and Marketing Your Winter Microgreens
With microgreens, you have the flexibility to sell in various formats and price points to attract different types of buyers. Here are a few effective channels and marketing tips for UK market gardeners:
A. Direct Sales to Restaurants and Cafes
Contact local restaurants, cafes, and catering businesses, as many prefer microgreens for garnish or salads. Offering a weekly or bi-weekly delivery service can help you maintain steady sales and build long-term relationships.
B. Farmers’ Markets and Farm Shops
Winter markets and farm shops can be ideal sales points, as fresh, local produce is in high demand. Showcase your microgreens with a clear description of each variety’s flavour profile to entice customers.
C. Subscription Boxes
Consider offering a subscription box or regular delivery for local customers. This model allows customers to receive fresh microgreens weekly, creating a loyal customer base and a steady income. If you have an existing veg box scheme; this is a great way to continue providing another product grown from your market garden in the winter.
D. Social Media and Online Marketing
Promote your microgreens on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, showcasing their vibrant colours and highlighting health benefits. Online ordering options can also attract more customers who prefer delivery over visiting in person during the winter.
5. Maximising Profits and Minimising Costs
While growing microgreens is relatively low-cost, here are a few ways to keep expenses down while optimising your yield:
- Bulk Seed Purchasing: Buy seeds in bulk from a reputable supplier to lower costs per tray and ensure high germination rates.
- Reusable Trays and Tools: Invest in high-quality trays and equipment that will last for many cycles, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
- Experiment with Pricing and Packaging: Offering small sample packs at a lower price can attract new customers, while bulk pricing for larger orders can encourage regular buyers.
Final Thoughts: Growing Winter Microgreens as a UK Market Gardener
Microgreens offer a versatile and profitable opportunity for UK market gardeners looking to extend their growing season into winter. Not only are they quick to grow and space-efficient, but they also meet a growing demand for fresh, nutritious, and flavour-packed produce. With the right setup and a clear marketing plan, growing microgreens can become a reliable income stream that complements your main garden produce.
Embrace the winter season with microgreens, and keep your garden business thriving year-round!