Are you considering growing microgreens and don’t know where to start? In this week’s episode of Farmer’s Inside Track, experts detail how you can turn this fun activity into a solid income.
During the session, experts pointed to microgreens being a great start for especially beginner farmers, as they are ideally suited for production on a small scale. But be warned, it’s essential that you find a market before diving in head first.
Michele Carelse, the founder and CEO of Feelgood Health, and PJ Phiri Gwengo, an aquaponics horticulturist, unpack all you need to know about growing these baby plants.
What’s great about these young vegetable greens is that unlike others crops that require time to cultivate, nurture, and harvest, these plants are quick to grow, Carelse says.
“Microgreens [are] a very quick crop that grows from seed to just seedling. It’s not like sprouts with a little bit of a structure, it’s like a true plant.”
Exporting microgreens
Did you know that an entire market exists for microgreen exports? That’s right and according to Phiri, that’s a real opportunity for farmers to tap into.
When it comes to microgreens exports, to be successful, farmers must consider the procedures involved and shelf life, Gwengo says.
It’s very important to be aware of the cold chain process; from harvest to picking, storage, and shipment, he adds.
“You need to be equipped, like your temperature control and stuff that are involved in the production process. You need to be educated about the requirements that are needed.
“So, it’s not a difficult thing to do. People are doing it every day,” says Gwengo.
In the podcast, experts also explain:
- How to establish a market;
- The seed-to-seedling process; and
- The harvesting technique involved with microgreens.
Want to know more? Listen to the full episode of Farmer’s Inside Track.
Option 1: Click here to listen on Spotify (all mobile and other devices).
Option 2: Click here listen on any Apple device.
Option 3: Click here to listen on Google Podcast.
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