Episodes
In todays episode of the Microgreens Mastery Podcast, host Jonah Krochmalnek shares practical insights to help microgreens farmers elevate their growing and business practices. He covers key topics like an effective soil recipe, the benefits of vermiculite, and strategic shifts from direct sales to partnering with restaurants and stores. Jonah also discusses managing profits with a cost calculator and explores automation tools to improve farm efficiency. Actionable takeaways include tracking...
Published 11/19/24
In this episode, host Jonah Krochmalnek sits down with Josh Schaver, founder of Greener Harvest Seeds, who shares his inspiring story of building a thriving microgreens business in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Josh takes us through his journey from initial research to growing his first 25-30 trays, securing his first restaurant client, and scaling up to a climate-controlled warehouse. He also delves into launching a seed business in 2021 that tackles quality issues in the industry and...
Published 11/05/24
On todays episode, host Jonah Krochmalnek chats with Cait and Chris from Spira Farms about their growth from a small microgreens farm to a 5,000-square-foot operation in Chicago. They discuss how Chris’s passion for sustainability sparked the business, their shift to working with distributors, and the production challenges and successes they’ve tackled, like climate control and disease management. The duo also highlights the role of automation and data analytics in their success, sharing tips...
Published 10/22/24
In this episode Jonah Krochmalneks sits down with Andy Mussaw from Fresh Source Farms, who launched his microgreens business during the COVID-19 pandemic. Andy shares the evolution of his farm, detailing the unique challenges and advantages of operating in a small town, expanding his commercial space, and transitioning from direct-to-consumer sales to building partnerships with grocery stores and restaurants.
Andy emphasizes the power of collaboration in the microgreens industry, continuous...
Published 10/08/24
On todays episode we dive into answering your questions on microgreens farming. We covers seed shelf life, bulk purchasing tips, the pros and cons of living trays, and optimizing germination with small-scale chambers. Jonah also highlights the benefits of automated watering systems and shares pricing strategies using the Microgreens Cost Calculator. Tune in for expert advice and practical solutions!
Learn More About The Little Green Seeding Machine:...
Published 09/24/24
On today's episode of the Microgreens Mastery Podcast, host Jonah Krochmalnek, founder of one of Canada’s largest microgreens farms, dives into key strategies for expanding a microgreens business. He covers cost-benefit analysis, financial forecasting, securing future sales, and optimizing operations with automation. Jonah shares actionable tips on managing growth, staffing, and maximizing efficiency for a sustainable expansion. Perfect for those ready to scale their microgreens...
Published 09/10/24
In today's episode, we explore how adopting a growth mindset can transform challenges into opportunities, highlighting the synergy between personal and business growth. We'll discuss the importance of valuing time over money and dive into strategies like outsourcing and automation to boost efficiency. Plus, we'll introduce self-reflection techniques, including floating tank experiences, to enhance decision-making and overall success.
FREE RESOURCES:
Learn More About The Little Green...
Published 08/27/24
On todays episode we explore essential environmental controls for high-quality crops, focusing on humidity , temperature , CO2 levels, and airflow. We discuss dehumidification methods, temperature optimization, CO2 management for large farms, and airflow strategies to prevent disease. We also cover scaling practices for commercial use and the benefits of germination rooms. Tune in for actionable tips to achieve consistent crop quality through easy to implement environmental controls.
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Published 08/13/24
In this episode, we dive into Piedmont Microgreens recent expansion into a 1900 square foot facility including lessons learned in the process, tips and recommendations for farming going through an expansion and the role automation plays in Garrett Corwins farm.Garrett shares his insights on construction, budgeting, business growth, and real estate. We also cover financial planning, automation benefits, GAP certification, farm management software, and automation tools including the new...
Published 07/30/24
Join us as we dive into microgreens production! We cover challenges and solutions for shipping, seed mixing, tray usage, biofungicides, drying microgreens, volunteer programs, profitability, blackout processes, and UPC codes. Learn about proper cooling, avoiding mixed seeds with different growth speeds, using germination trays and disinfecting to prevent disease. Discover the balance of volunteer contributions, managing part-time workers, and the profitability of microgreens vs. renting...
Published 07/16/24
On todays episode we dive into the operations of Farmbox Greens in Seattle Washington with Emily Blessington and Rae Simms. We'll explore their roles, their thorough food safety protocols, crop varieties, and automation systems. Learn about their strategies for maintaining work-life balance and their future goals for improving efficiency. Get insights on managing personnel, hydroponic farm maintenance, red vein sorrel growing tips and much more.! Tune in for an in-depth look at sustainable...
Published 07/05/24
Join Jonah Krochmalnek as he interviews Sam Doucet from Kyan Culture in Ontario Canada. Sam started his microgreens business in 2017 from his apartment and now produces 3,000 pounds monthly, mainly for retail stores. They discuss his sales persistence, production strategies, and the importance of cleanliness and GAP certification. Sam highlights the balance of automation and manual quality control, the value of feedback, and cost management. Sam and his team even have plans to expanding sales...
Published 06/18/24
In this episode, we dive into the world of microgreens, covering market trends, insurance tips, germination techniques, marketing strategies, and scaling up efficiently. We discuss cost-effective soil alternatives, mold and temperature management, and Canadian grant applications. Tune in for practical insights and actionable advice!
FREE RESOURCES:
Microgreens Mastery Growing Guide https://www.microgreensconsulting.com
Starting A Microgreens Business Easily From Home...
Published 06/04/24
Charlie Perez transitioned from a restaurant career to start Charlie's Microgreens during covid lockdowns, utilizing social media and chef connections for feedback. He turned his small farm into a profitable operation focusing on high-demand microgreens. Efficiency is crucial for him, evident in his high-density setup and mold control measures. Despite challenges in customer acquisition, Charlie emphasizes freshness, consistency, and competitive pricing to build strong restaurant...
Published 05/21/24
Dive into the world of microgreens with Jonah Krochmalnek as he shares expert tips on cultivation of cilantro microgreens. Learn about seed selection, soil recipes, watering, and lighting practices for robust growth. Enhance your crop quality and explore culinary delights with micro cilantro's exceptional flavor. Whether you're a hobbyist or a business owner, this podcast equips you with essential knowledge for successful cultivation of cilantro microgreens.
FREE RESOURCES:
Microgreens...
Published 04/30/24
Join Jonah Krochmalnek & Jeffrey Orkin from Greener Roots as they discuss selling their farm businesses. They highlight the importance of exit strategies, trustworthy brokers, & finding buyers aligned with values. Learn about valuation, scalability, & post-sale changes, emphasizing SOPs, certifications, & digital tools for efficiency. Discover the rewarding nature of farming entrepreneurship from seed to sale!
To learn more about Jeffrey check out:...
Published 04/23/24
Join Jonah Krochmalnek as he delves into optimizing efficiency in microgreens farming, stressing small changes for big impacts. Discover insights on growing buckwheat as a microgreen. Learn about insurance, tray stacking, and creating educational materials for customers. Explore factory-like optimization techniques, balancing time and money investments, and choosing the right soil like Pro Mix for profitability. Get invaluable tips on watering practices, soil mixing, and tray filling. Don't...
Published 04/16/24
Join us on today’s episode as Ashleigh Hackland shares insights on running Metro Greens, integrating microgreens into meals, and navigating market demands. Discover the importance of nutrient-dense foods, regional growing challenges, and innovative farming solutions. Learn about tailoring products to customer preferences, managing time effectively, and fostering organic business growth. Jonah discusses microgreens varieties, climate influences, and delivery challenges in Johannesburg. Explore...
Published 04/09/24
In today’s episode we explore the microgreens industry's nuances as we teach you to adapt to trends and customer preferences. We use tools like Google Trends to gauge market potential and delve into online searches for pricing, product offerings, and competition in your city or town. Local scouting and engaging with store managers provide insights into consumer preferences and quality assessment. By utilizing existing microgreens offerings with distributors, we uncover pricing details and...
Published 04/02/24
Dive into the Microgreens Mastery podcast for an exclusive chat with Jordan Miranda from Legacy Greens in Tallahassee, Florida. Discover their journey through microgreen cultivation, pest management, and business strategies. From pandemic pivots to expansion plans, Jordan shares insights on indoor farming, product diversification, and market reach. Learn about the value of incorporating edible flowers, tackling pests, and streamlining communication with chefs. Stay tuned for expert advice on...
Published 03/26/24
Welcome to the Microgreens Mastery podcast with host Jonah Krochmalnek! In this episode, Jonah shares insights on starting a microgreens business, removing sunflower hulls, and providing samples to restaurants. He advises against using bleach for seed sanitation and recommends proper ventilation when working with vinegar. Jonah suggests providing full-size clamshells or cylindrical containers with flavor guides to restaurants. He discusses the Initial investment needed for a one-rack...
Published 03/19/24
Join host Jonah Krochmalnek in a captivating conversation with Junior Vo, the executive chef and partner of Noko Nashville, as they delve into the world of microgreens farming and culinary applications. Gain insights into the criteria for selecting microgreens growers, including reliability, quality, and understanding customer needs. Learn about Junior's positive partnership with Pinky’s Micros and the importance of trust in the chef-grower relationship. Don't miss out on this enriching...
Published 03/12/24
On this episode you'll learn the crucial factors for crop selection, from market demand to growth speed. Discover the top five crops for a thriving microgreens business. Each crop's profitability, growth ease, and market demand are expertly dissected. Embrace self-reliance and explore valuable resources for mastering farming techniques. This episode can take your farm from making a few bucks on the side to a money printing machine!
FREE RESOURCES:
Microgreens Mastery Growing Guide...
Published 03/05/24