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market-farming - Re: [Market-farming] starting out with micro-greens

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  • From: Richard Stewart <rstewart AT zoomtown.com>
  • To: Market Farming <market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [Market-farming] starting out with micro-greens
  • Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:09:12 -0500

Curtis

I sell flats of micros to restaurants.  I am in the testing stage right now supplying 1 restaurant with orders of up to 8 flats a week and two other restaurants with random weekly orders from one to six.

I use a chrome type rung metal shelf system with 40w fluorescent tube lights at each level.  I use a second shelf for germination.  I grow in plastic flats that measure 10"x13" and are 1" deep.

I water the soil prior to seeding and then mist the dry seeds once set.  Seeds are simply on the surface of the medium.  This gives me about four days with need to water.

I am currently growing Mizuna and Radish micros.  Mizuna is sprouting within three days and sold in nine.  Radishes are close to that.  I am doing beets as well, usually Bull's Blood and will be trying out Arugula here soon.

I sell each tray for 13.00.  Locally a lot of growers are using 1020 trays which provide a bit more area and sell for around 15.00.

I am hoping to sell micros at one of winter markets, fresh cut from a tray.  Still working on the pricing there.

My medium is a mix of river bottom sand (fine as mortar sand) with composted leaf/garden soil and 3+ year composted horse manure.  it makes for a light fluffy material.  Seed density is such that after I get the trays back I have a second growth which I eventually plan on feeding to chickens in a large rotation plan that I am hoping to start at a small scale in 2010.  I figure the seed and micros are perfect for the chickens.

Richard Stewart
Carriage House Farm
North Bend, Ohio

An Ohio Century Farm Est. 1855

(513) 967-1106



On Nov 10, 2009, at 10:42 AM, Curtis Millsap wrote:

Does anyone out there produce microgreens for restuarants or grocery stores?  We are looking at starting this, and I have a couple questions: What are most people using for growing mediums?  I've been told that Baby Blanket from Mumms is good stuff, but I don't understand if it's reuseable, and if so how, or if it can be composted, or what.  I'm also curious what kind of seed mixes people are having success with, and where is the best source of info for small scale commercial production of this type. I'd appreciate any info anyone has. 
Thanks,
Curtis
 
Curtis and Sarah Millsap
Millsap Farm
Springfield MO
C 839-0847 
www.millsapfarms.com




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