The Microgreens Entrepreneur Podcast

In this episode I'm joined by Katie and Jon Tlush from Tlush Family Farm near Philadelphia. Among other things, Katie and Jon are growing and selling both mushrooms and microgreens, growing both indoors.This is a really interesting episode, especially if mushroom growing is something you have been considering or are interested in.Katie and Jon have grown their business very quickly, and provide lots of good information and motivation throughout the episode.Discussed in this episode:How within 9 months, Katie and Jon have outgrown their basement grow room, and are ready for a commercial facility.The whole process of mushroom growing - how you do it, the challenges, where to sell them etc.Running a microgreens business as a couple.Hydroponic and aeroponic farming.Indoor edible flower growing.Links mentioned in this episode:Tlush Family Farm Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/tlushfamilyfarm/Tlush Family Farm Website:https://tlushfamilyfarm.com/True Leaf Market Link:https://microgreensentrepreneur.com/trueleafmarketSeeds Ireland Link:https://seedsireland.ieThe Microgreens Business Blueprinthttps://microgreensentrepreneur.com/onlinecourseMicrogreens Business Mini Coursehttps://microgreensentrepreneur.com/minicourseMicrogreens Business Beginners Guide:https://microgreensentrepreneur.com/ebookMicrogreens Entrepreneur Instagram:https://instagram.com/microgreens_entrepreneurhttps://microgreensentrepreneur.com

In this episode I'm joined by Sho Kasuya and Tony Ross from Creative Urban Farms in New Zealand.  Tony and sho are business partners and manage to run their microgreens business from seperate households, while also keeping full time jobs and having young families!An interesting thing about ton and Sho's partnership is that they didn't know each other before going into business together.  So this is a really good episode to listen to if starting a microgreens business in a partnership is something you've been considering.Tony and Sho also have other interesting business projects going on, including bee keeping and designing outdoor growing spaces. We cover this in the episode too.Discussed in this episode:Starting a microgreens business in a partnership.The logistics of running a microgreens business from two locations.What it's like running a microgreens business in New Zealand.What makes a successful business partnership.Renting bee hives and bee keeping as a subscription service.Time management skills.Links mentioned in this episode:Creative Urban Farms Websitehttps://www.creativeurbanfarms.co.nz/Creative Urban Farms Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/creative.urban.farms/Microgreens NZ Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/474840587108230True Leaf Market Link:https://microgreensentrepreneur.com/trueleafmarketThe Microgreens Business Blueprinthttps://microgreensentrepreneur.com/onlinecourseMicrogreens Business Mini Coursehttps://microgreensentrepreneur.com/minicourseMicrogreens Business Beginners Guide:https://microgreensentrepreneur.com/ebookMicrogreens Entrepreneur Instagram:https://instagram.com/microgreens_entrepreneurhttps://microgreensentrepreneur.com

Basil microgreens are a very popular variet with chefs, they have great flavour and their leaves are beautiful too. While it is not the most profitable microgreen to grow, it is certainly a good one to know how to grow. In this episode I share with you the growing tecnique I use grow Basil thats grows tall and is easy to harvest.In this episode you will learn:How to grow Basil microgreens.What seed density to use.How long to keep them in blackout.A way to keep Basil growing straight and long while in darkness.How long until you can harvest Basil.The expected yield.The value of Basil microgreens.Links mentioned in this episode:True Leaf Market Link:https://microgreensentrepreneur.com/trueleafmarketThe Microgreens Business Blueprinthttps://microgreensentrepreneur.com/onlinecourseMicrogreens Business Mini Coursehttps://microgreensentrepreneur.com/minicourseMicrogreens Business Beginners Guide:https://microgreensentrepreneur.com/ebookMicrogreens Entrepreneur Instagram:https://instagram.com/microgreens_entrepreneur

In this episode I'm joined by Brigid McNally, a college student running her own successful microgreens business. Brigid has built up a client base of home delivery customers and restaurants. During the summer of 2021 she shut down her business and took a break. Tune in to the episode to hear how it went for her.In this episode you will learn:How to prepare your customers before taking a break.If taking a break had any effect on Brigids business.How Brigid uses email marketing to stay in touch with her customers.Why keeping track of your inventory is so important.Why it's important to not be afraid to spend money to make money.Why starting a business is not only about making money, but also personal growth.Links mentioned in this episode:Brigids Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/pvxfarmsBrigids Website:https://pvxfarms.comBrigids Email:pvxfarms@gmail.comMicrogreens Business Beginners Guide:https://microgreensentrepreneur.com/ebookTrue Leaf Market Link:https://microgreensentrepreneur.com/trueleafmarketMicrogreens Entrepreneur Instagram:https://instagram.com/microgreens_entrepreneurMicrogreens Entrepreneur Website:https://microgreensentrepreneur.com

In this episode I'm joined by Jonah Krochmalnek from Living Earth Farm in Ontario, Canada. Jonah has been growing microgreens professionally since 2013. He has went from starting out in his parents spare bedroom to creating and owning a large scale, automated indoor microgreens farm.Jonah shares so much valuable knowledge in this episode. Here is some of what is discussed:How Jonah scaled from a spare bedroom to growing and selling 1500 trays of microgreens a week.The ideal lighting for microgreens to produce the best results while also being energy efficient.The best climatic conditions for growing microgreens and why everything needs to be in balance to have the best results on your microgreens farm.Why the soil you are using could contribute to your microgreens yields being inconsistent.The costs of the machinery used in large scale microgreens production.Why the system you have in place is so important for the consistency of your business.Links mentioned in this episode:Jonah's consultancy webpage:https://www.livingearthfarm.ca/consultingJonah's email address:jonah@livingearthfarm.caLiving Earth Farm Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/livingearthtorontoJonah's video with Curtis Stone:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9kRQVFeASIMicrogreens Business Beginners Guide:https://microgreensentrepreneur.com/ebookTrue Leaf Market Link:https://microgreensentrepreneur.com/trueleafmarketMicrogreens Entrepreneur Instagram:https://instagram.com/microgreens_entrepreneurMicrogreens Entrepreneur Website:https://microgreensentrepreneur.com

In this episode I'm joined by Patrick Brown for his second appearance as a guest on the podcast. Patrick is running a microgreens business named Moms Micro Garden, and in the last year he has taken a business that did 100 trays of microgreens a week to 500 trays a week! So there is a lot to learn on scaling a microgreens business in this episode.In this episode you will learn:How to scale up a microgreens business.Why taking good care of your employess is so important.Why hiring the right people is vital.The actual costs of having employees.Some great tax tips.Insurance policies to have in place to make sure your business succeeds.Links mentione in this episode:Microgreens Business Beginners Guide:https://microgreensentrepreneur.com/ebookPatrick's Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/moms_microgarden/Patrick's Email:pat@momsmicrogarden.comMoms Micro Garden Tik Tok:https://www.tiktok.com/@moms_microgardenMoms Micro Garden Websitehttps://www.momsmicrogarden.comTrue Leaf Market Link:https://microgreensentrepreneur.com/trueleafmarketMicrogreens Entrepreneur Instagram:https://instagram.com/microgreens_entrepreneurMicrogreens Entrepreneur Website:https://microgreensentrepreneur.com

Do you always find yourself with a full to-do list? But it doesn't seem to be getting you where you want to go? Don't worry, it's really common, and in this episode I'm going to share with you how you can start being more effective with your time and make real progress.In this episode you will learn:How to identify things that aren't working for you in your business (or life).How to deal with these things that aren't working.How to focus on the things that are actualy bringing you results in your business.How to prioritise what's on your to-do list to make sure you make the biggest impact on your business with the time you have available.Links mentioned in this episode:Microgreens Business Beginners Guide:https://microgreensentrepreneur.com/ebookTrue Leaf Market Link:https://microgreensentrepreneur.com/trueleafmarketMicrogreens Entrepreneur Instagram:https://instagram.com/microgreens_entrepreneurMicrogreens Entrepreneur Website:https://microgreensentrepreneur.comThe One Thing Bookhttps://amzn.to/3jMFqTXFocal Point Bookhttps://amzn.to/3DOzMIO

In this episode I'm joined by Laura from Hand Grown Greens. Laura is a former nurse turned microgreens business owner.She has an inspiring story to share on how she went about changing her life, by transitioning out of a job she was not so passionate about, to now working at something she really enjoys, while also having time to spend with her family.If you are someone with kids who is thinking about starting a microgreens business, this episode is definitely for you.Discussed in this episode:Laura's story of how she changed her life for the better.How she manages to run her business while caring for 3 young kids.How she grows her microgreens both indoors and outdoors.How selling through a distributor could possibly free up more time in your business. Laura's online prescence and her passion for teaching others about microgreens business.Links mentioned in this episode:Laura's guidehttps://handgrowngreens.com/freeguideLaura's Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/handgrowngreensTrue Leaf Market Link:https://microgreensentrepreneur.com/trueleafmarketMicrogreens Entrepreneur Business Beginners Guide:https://microgreensentrepreneur.com/ebookMicrogreens Entrepreneur Instagram:https://instagram.com/microgreens_entrepreneurMicrogreens Entrepreneur Website:https://microgreensentrepreneur.com

I'm joined in this episode by Wendy Glénisson, a Belgian biologist turned microgreens business owner on a mission to have her business certified organic.Unfortunately, through no fault of her own, Wendy she has not had much luck so far in getting her business certified organic. A European law that is open to different interpretation by different European countries is the problem.Wendy is battling to have this law changed and needs the support of her fellow microgreens growers to sign a petition she has created to have this law changed. The petition can be found here.This episode will be of particular interest to you if you  are based in Europe and you would like your microgreens business to be certified organic, and even if you're not in Europe but becoming certified organic is something you're interested in, this episode will inform you of some information that you'll need to research for your own location.Links mentioned in this episode:Wendys Petition:https://secure.avaaz.org/community_petitions/fr/la_presidente_de_la_commission_europeenne_ursula_v_certifiez_bio_les_micropousses_cultivees_dans_du_terreau_et_pas_sur_un_milieu_inerte_/?cLnFcab&utm_source=sharetools&utm_medium=copy&utm_campaign=petition-1261545-certifiez_bio_les_micropousses_cultivees_dans_du_terreau_et_pas_sur_un_milieu_inerte_&utm_term=LnFcab%2BfrWendys Website:https://www.micropoussesbio.beWendys Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/wendy_glenissonTrue Leaf Market Link:https://microgreensentrepreneur.com/trueleafmarketMicrogreens Business Beginners Guide:https://microgreensentrepreneur.com/ebookMicrogreens Entrepreneur Instagram:https://instagram.com/microgreens_entrepreneurMicrogreens Entrepreneur Website:https://microgreensentrepreneur.com

In this episode I'm Joined by Richard Tricker from Sow Fresh, a business that was born in the pandemic because of Richards passion to help people grow their own food at home.Along with providing the grow kits to the public, Richard supplies them to chefs too, letting them grow their own, and providing them with advice and supplies on an onging basis. Hearing this might give you some food for thought, and help you generate some other ideas of how to deal with chefs and restaurant customers. Richards background is in recruitment, and he also gives some great tips on hiring people. Make sure to tune to in to hear all of this, and Richads story.Discussed in this episode:Why it's important to promote growing more food at home.Why having a business you are passionate about is important.An alternative way of doing business with restaurants as a microgreens business owner.Why recruiting the right people for your business when the time comes is crucial.Links mentioned in this episode:Sow Fresh website:https://www.sowfresh.comSow Fresh Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sowfreshofficialTrue Leaf Market Link:https://microgreensentrepreneur.com/trueleafmarketMicrogreens Business Beginners Guide:https://microgreensentrepreneur.com/ebookMicrogreens Entrepreneur Instagram:https://instagram.com/microgreens_entrepreneurMicrogreens Entrepreneur Website:https://microgreensentrepreneur.com

I'm joined in this episode by Brian Hebert from Double Rainbow Farm in Eaton New Hampshire. Brian is growing in a passive solar greenhouse that uses a really interesting technology to heat and cool the greenhouse.His greenhouse also has to deal with extreme weather every winter, and he is faced with a number challenges.Brian also packages his microgreens in an uncommon, sustainable way, and he shares all the details of it in this interview.Discussed in this epidode:Growing microgreens in a passive solar greenhouse.The challenges of growing in a greenhouse.The underground technology used to heat and cool the greenhouse.The challenges of growing and working in a harsh cimate.A new way to package microgreens sustainably.Links mentioned in this episode:Double Rainbow Farm Website:https://www.dblebows.comDouble Rainbow Farm Fcebook:https://www.facebook.com/doublerainbowfarmsTrue Leaf Market Link:https://microgreensentrepreneur.com/trueleafmarketMicrogreens Business Beginners Guide:https://microgreensentrepreneur.com/ebookMicrogreens Entrepreneur Instagram:https://instagram.com/microgreens_entrepreneur

In this episode I'm joined by Nicole Harris from Tiny Greens Farm to discuss microgreens nutrition. Not only is Nicole a microgreens business owner, but she is a Certified Clinician in Whole Food Nutrition and a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, meaning she knows her stuff when it comes to this topic!Nicole delivers really great information on this topic throughout the episode, and she also shares her own really interesting personal journey too. So make sure to tune in for all of this.In this episode you will learn:How creating the right conditions in our bodies through nutrition affects our health.How to incorporate microgreens into your diet.How to explain to your customers how they can incorporate microgreens into their diet.What other foods you can pair with microgreens so the nutrients from them are best absorbed into your body.Links mentioned in this episode:Tiny Greens Farm Website:https://www.tinygreensfarm.comTiny Greens Farm Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/tinygreensfarmMicrogreens Studyhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33595583/True Leaf Market Link:https://microgreensentrepreneur.com/trueleafmarketMicrogreens Business Beginners Guide:https://microgreensentrepreneur.com/ebookMicrogreens Entrepreneur Instagram:https://instagram.com/microgreens_entrepreneur

In this episode I share with you 3 of my best tips for staying organised and being efficient with your microgreens business.In this episode you will learn:How to easily distinguish what date your different crops will be ready on.How to put out the exact right amount of seed into your trays without weighing out the seed for every tray.How to stay highly organised even if you are planting 2 crops per week.Links mentioned in this episode:True Leaf Market Link:https://microgreensentrepreneur.com/trueleafmarketMicrogreens Business Beginners Guide:https://microgreensentrepreneur.com/ebookMicrogreens Entrepreneur Instagram:https://instagram.com/microgreens_entrepreneurThe 7 habits of highly effective people bookhttps://amzn.to/3vURjuP

In this episode we take a look at a question that is on the top of most people's minds when they first discover microgreens; is it actually a profitable business?There's 3 main factors that need to be considered when looking at the profitability of a microgreeens business, and they are:1. The market you have to sell to.2. The space you have available.3. Time.These factors will determine how profitable your microgreens business can be. Tune in for all the details, and see if starting a microgreens business is as profitable as it's made out to be.Links mentioned in this episode:The Microgreens Business Blueprint Online Course:https://microgreensentrepreneur.com/onlinecourseTrue Leaf Market Link:https://microgreensentrepreneur.com/trueleafmarket

In this episode, I take on a listeners question about climate control and growing microgreens in an apartment. I go  deep into explaining climatic conditions and why they’re important when we’re growing large amounts of microgreens.  So make sure you tune into this episode, so you have a better understanding of how the climate around us works and what action to take, should you need to manipulate it.Discussed in this episode:Why climatic conditions are important when growing microgreens.How and why humidity rises and how to lower it.The difference between growing in an open space and an enclosed one.How to keep your microgreens dry, so you prevent potential disease problems.Why good climatic conditions will improve the shelf life of your microgreens.Links mentioned in this episode:True Leaf Market Link:https://microgreensentrepreneur.com/trueleafmarketMicrogreens Business Beginners Guide:https://microgreensentrepreneur.com/ebookMicrogreens Entrepreneur Instagram:https://instagram.com/microgreens_entrepreneurHydrometer - USA Amazon Linkhttps://amzn.to/3hngjnsHydrometer - Europe Amazon Linkhttps://amzn.to/3htzOKY

In this episode I speak with Raghu Raman, a high school student from New Jersey who has taken to entrepreneurship at an early age, and started a microgreens business at home in his basement.Raghu is an inspiring and talented young man, so tune in today to hear his story.Discussed in this episode:What it's like starting a microgreens business while still attending high school.A simple microgreens business model that could be used anywhere.How bi-weekly deliveries may suit some customers better.The importance of climate awareness.Links mentioned in this episode:The Green Wave websitehttps://www.thegreenwave.store/The Green Wave Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Urban-Farm/The-Green-Wave-102873484790562/True Leaf Market Link:https://microgreensentrepreneur.com/trueleafmarketMicrogreens Business Beginners Guide:https://microgreensentrepreneur.com/ebookMicrogreens Entrepreneur Instagram:https://instagram.com/microgreens_entrepreneur

In this episode I go through a key fundamental that is vitally important to have success in your microgreens business, or in any area of your life for that matter.Discussed in this episode:The magic of compounding.Why small consistent actions beat big one time grandiose actions every time.How a mcrogreens business could start small and grow into something that generates you a full time income.Why a microgreens business is a good vehicle to make money.Links mentioned in this episode:True Leaf Market Link:https://microgreensentrepreneur.com/trueleafmarketMicrogreens Business Beginners Guide:https://microgreensentrepreneur.com/ebookMicrogreens Entrepreneur Instagram:https://instagram.com/microgreens_entrepreneurBooks Recommended:The Compound Effect:Amazon USA: https://amzn.to/3dP6MpkAmazon Europe: https://amzn.to/3nlOH5K The Slight Edge:Amazon USA: https://amzn.to/3nvbHPPAmazon Europe: https://amzn.to/2RTosaS

In this episode we talk about the important role temperature plays in the growth of microgreens. It is really the main factor that will determine when your microgreens will be ready for harvest after planting.I also share how I control the heat in my grow room cheaply and easily. So make sure you tune in for all of this!Discussed in this episode:The main factors that affect the growth of microgreens.The role temperature plays in the growing cycle of microgreens.Why consistent temperatures are important.A system that is used in agriculture and horticulture to determine exactly when a plant will reach certain stages of growth.How to quickly and easily keep the heat in your grow room consistent.Links mentioned in this episode:True Leaf Market Link:https://microgreensentrepreneur.com/trueleafmarketMicrogreens Business Beginners Guide:https://microgreensentrepreneur.com/ebookMicrogreens Entrepreneur Instagram:https://instagram.com/microgreens_entrepreneurTemperature control plug socket US link:https://amzn.to/3wPVoBlTemperature control plug socket EU link:https://amzn.to/3uFzYow

Removing sunflower microgreens seed hulls can be quite a laboursome task. The hulls are quite stubborn and stick to the leaves of the sunflowers, making it difficult to get them off!Water is key to softening the hulls and and making them easier to remove. There are many ways to do this process, but the one I describe in this episode is quickest and most efficient I've found.So this will save you time! Our one limited resource, saving time and being efficient is so important. Tune in for all the details on this method.Discussed in this episode:Why our time is so important.Recommended ways NOT to do this process.How to remove sunflower microgreens seed hulls quickly and quite passively.Why our microgreens need to be packaged when they are dry.Links mentioned in this episode:True Leaf Market Link:https://microgreensentrepreneur.com/trueleafmarketMicrogreens Business Beginners Guide:https://microgreensentrepreneur.com/ebookMicrogreens Entrepreneur Instagram:https://instagram.com/microgreens_entrepreneur

In this episode I talk about what to do if there's already competition in your area when you're starting a microgreens business. We look at the different options you have available when you have to deal with competition. I also share the mindset I try to adopt that makes worrying about competition irrelevant.Discussed in this episode:The possibilties of a microgreens business.Researching your competition.What to do when you have competition to deal with.The mindset needed so you don't worry about your competition.Links mentioned in this episode:True Leaf Market Link:https://microgreensentrepreneur.com/trueleafmarketMicrogreens Business Beginners Guide:https://microgreensentrepreneur.com/ebookThe Science Of Getting Rich Book:https://amzn.to/2O1w6P3The History Of Money Video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nBPN-MKefAMicrogreens Entrepreneur Instagram:https://instagram.com/microgreens_entrepreneur