Can You Sell Microgreens from Home?

Yes — microgreens are one of the most accessible micro-businesses in small-scale food growing. They are fast to grow, require minimal space, have a very low cost of production relative to their retail value, and appeal to a growing market of health-conscious consumers, local restaurants and farmers market shoppers. Many people start growing microgreens for personal use and naturally progress to selling excess production when they realise how easily supply can be scaled. Here is what you need to know to start.

How Much Can You Realistically Produce?

A standard 10×20-inch tray of radish or broccoli microgreens yields 150 to 300 grams per harvest. A wire shelving unit with four shelves, each holding two trays, gives you 8 trays in rotation simultaneously. With a 10-day average grow time and trays staggered across the 10 days, you can harvest roughly 5 to 6 trays per week — yielding 1 to 1.5 kg of fresh microgreens per week from a setup that takes up the space of a bookcase. This is enough for a meaningful side income at current microgreens retail prices.

Pricing Your Microgreens

Commercial microgreens retail at £3 to £8 per 50 to 100 gram punnet depending on variety and location. When selling directly to consumers at a farmers market or to neighbours, pricing at the lower end of retail (£3 to £4 per 50 grams) is competitive and still generates a significant margin over your costs. When supplying restaurants, chefs typically expect a wholesale price 20 to 40% below retail — but they buy in larger quantities consistently, making them valuable accounts. Price by the gram when selling to restaurants: £20 to £40 per kg wholesale is a common range.

Finding Your First Buyers

Local independent restaurants and cafes are the best first commercial accounts — they are more flexible than chains, are often interested in locally grown produce and appreciate the reliability of weekly supply. Visit in person with a sample tray during a quiet period (mid-afternoon on weekdays) and ask to speak with the head chef or owner. Farmers markets are the other strong channel: a small table with several variety samples and clear labelling can generate consistent direct-to-consumer sales and build a local reputation quickly.

Neighbours and local community groups are an excellent low-pressure starting point. A post in a local Facebook group or neighbourhood app offering fresh microgreens for collection from your home can generate initial sales and word-of-mouth without the commitment of a market stall.

Food Safety and Legal Basics

In the UK, if you sell food you produce at home, you must register as a food business with your local authority (council) — this is a straightforward online process and is free. You do not need a commercial kitchen for low-risk produce like fresh microgreens, but your growing and preparation area must meet basic food hygiene standards. Labelling requirements include the product name, any allergen information and your contact details. Check your local authority's food business registration page for the specific requirements in your area. In the US, regulations vary by state — many states have cottage food or small producer exemptions for low-risk fresh produce sold directly to consumers.

Which Varieties Sell Best

Radish, broccoli and mixed brassica mixes are the most consistent sellers — familiar, accessible flavours that most buyers immediately understand. Sunflower and pea shoots appeal to a broader, more casual audience who find the appearance and mild flavour approachable. More unusual varieties like amaranth, shiso or coriander sell well as add-on items once you have a relationship with buyers. Start with two or three reliable varieties before expanding your range.