How to Start a Microgreens Business for Under $1,000 (Step-by-Step Guide)

Ever wondered how much it really costs to start a microgreens business?

The good news? You don’t need a huge farm, fancy equipment, or even a ton of space. In fact, with just a few square feet and $700–$1,000, you can launch a profitable microgreens business right from home.

I’m Jonah — I started Living Earth Farm in a spare bedroom and grew it into one of Canada’s largest microgreens operations, harvesting over 250,000 trays. I’ve made every mistake in the book, and now I help others grow faster with fewer headaches.

Here’s everything you need to get started — with product links, pricing, and my top recommendations for new growers.

Prefer to Watch?

The Essential Microgreens Startup Supplies

You’ll need about 10 core items to get going. Here’s the full list — all proven, beginner-friendly, and affordable.

💡 1. Full-Spectrum LED Grow Lights – $100–$300

Lights make or break your grow. I recommend these 4-foot Barina LED lights — full spectrum, reliable, and budget-friendly. Use 3 per shelf for strong, even growth.

🧱 2. Shelving Unit – $120

Go with a 5-tier rust-resistant wire rack like this one on Amazon. One rack = 20 trays, which can yield up to $2,000/month in revenue in just 6 sq ft.

🌱 3. High-Quality Soil – $60

Your soil is the foundation. I recommend Pro-Mix HP, but check your local garden center for better prices!

🧪 4. Organic Fertilizer – $28

Gaia Green 4-4-4 All Purpose is my go-to for strong, consistent growth and yield. It’s certified organic and delivers huge ROI.

🧺 5. Microgreens Trays

Trays With Holes – for growing
Trays Without Holes – for bottom watering

These trays are durable and built for commercial use — they’ll last you for years.

🌾 Best Microgreens Seeds to Start With

Here are 4 easy, high-yield crops I always recommend for beginners:

🌿 Pea Seeds – high yield, mild taste
🥦 Broccoli Seeds – nutrient-dense and fast-growing
🌱 Radish Seeds – vibrant color and great texture
🥬 Kale Seeds – easy to grow, mild flavor

Buying quality seed is 100% worth it — it reduces disease risk and increases yields dramatically.

Optional (But Helpful) Add-Ons

These items make things easier and more efficient — and they’re super affordable.

📏 Digital Scale ($9) – for measuring yields and packaging
📦 24oz Clamshell Packaging ($75) – one size fits all crops
🌫️ Vermiculite ($17) – helps keep seeds moist during germination
⏲️ WiFi Timer ($8) – automate your lighting and forget about it

💸 Total Startup Cost: $700–$1,000

That gets you a complete, profitable microgreens setup — fast-growing crops, high-quality gear, and the tools to scale as you grow.

Even better? With 20 trays, many growers earn $1,500–$2,000/month, so your setup can pay for itself in just a few weeks.

📘 Free Help to Get You Growing Faster

I've created a bunch of free and affordable tools to help you launch your business with confidence:

🎓 Complete Step-by-Step Microgreens Course Covers setup, growing, sales, pricing, and more — perfect if you want to go from idea to income.
📘 Free Growing GuideStep-by-step help for total beginners. Includes crop recipes, setup instructions, and troubleshooting.
🎥 Microgreens YouTube ChannelWatch how other farms grow, sell, and succeed — plus deep dives into tools and techniques I use every day.

Final Thoughts: Why Microgreens Are Still One of the Best Businesses to Start

Microgreens changed my life. I went from growing in a spare bedroom to running one of the top farms in Canada — and eventually sold the business. Whether you want a side hustle or full-time income, microgreens are low-cost, low-risk, and high-reward.

Got questions? I’d love to help — just drop a comment on one of my videos or connect through Microgreens Consulting.

Happy growing,

Jonah