Microgreen Growers - Should You Become One?

[@DonnyGreens]

What is your WHY?! Let me know here in the comments

[@samanthaspectra]

For the first time, I purchased a container of microgreens locally and LOVE them! I found you today and signed up for your challenge - passing your info on to my best friend as well. Can't wait to try this for myself, family and friends!

[@shayneTillieRose-Acres19]

my WHY, health benefits and to help people get healthy

[@basi-vega35]

To be honest,the first thing I thought about was me working for myself(my own boss) and the profit.Keep it small,but enough to make a living off of. But as I ask myself more on why I want to do this, I really do believe that I can support someone with a healthy lifestyle. There are 2 gyms,high end restaurants,an all natural ice cream parlor(2 of them),and smoothies shops on every corner,with plenty of health conscious people in the community. It could work, and I feel like it could be great additions to my community.

[@ronaldhutcheson2321]

I have been a gardener most of my life whenever I could. The economy retired me 32 years ago when I was only 52. I started growing vegetables to sell at farmers markets and after quite a few years, I decided to sell microgreens to supplement my vegetable sales as no one else had microgreens. I have only had marginal success growing especially with arugula. Broccoli has been better. My main problem has been watering as I usually overwatered or underwatered. I have never seen any videos on watering , only trial and error so I will try to measure my water better and keep better records.Go luck with your watering.

[@DonnyGreens]

Awesome ronald! yes watering can definitely be tricky. Its the first main skill I tell new growers to focus on and master. It really is the secret to growing high quality microgreens!

[@UnhingedAdventures_LolliPop]

Great video! My personal WHY is that I suffer from severe Crohn’s disease as well as celiac disease. I have seen the cost of food rise dramatically over the past few years making it difficult to obtain healthy clean affordable food. I know I’m not the only one suffering so I want to create better options that are affordable for everyone but especially those like myself that have extensive food allergies.

[@DonnyGreens]

That’s such an amazing why, thank you so much for sharing! Its very true, rising cost of foods despite the decline in quality makes growing your own a fantastic idea. Much love, great thinking!

[@Brad_Atkins]

So stoked, I’ve been actually note taking on your videos on my white board in my home office for the past few months. I’m jumping! Just waiting for payday this Friday to kit up! Plus this aligned with my small farm idea I’ve been working on since last year.

[@DonnyGreens]

Awesome brad that sounds amazing!! Im so glad my videos have been helpful for you! When you say “kit up” does that mean you’re joining the March challenge!?

[@Brad_Atkins]

@@DonnyGreens Yes it does, thought it was a cool way to say 😄

[@Brad_Atkins]

And “I’m jumping” was just a play on jumping out the window and going for it, not looking or holding back.

[@DonnyGreens]

Haha awesome im pumped to have you!

[@Brad_Atkins]

@@DonnyGreens Hey Donny, it’s almost time! I have a quick question, does the seedlings once under lighting need total darkness as well? Meaning should I cover the entire shelving with a black out covering of sorts when the lights are off.

[@Reverse.retirement]

Duuuuude. Your channel is packed full of sooooo much amazing content! It’s 3:07am here and I can’t stop watching! 😂

[@alleytruter9618]

Love agriculture had cattle before and started an avocado nursery. Absolutely love growing plants and care for them. Love the business side of it too.

[@DonnyGreens]

Yes absolutely!!

[@bushmonky1]

I’m on my 7th micro greens crop. I have been a mechanic for 30 years. I have recently been diagnosed with MS. I grew up farming & have greatly wanted to get back to farming. Now with MS I have to find a job easier on my body.

[@mathewwilliams11]

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial mindset and looking for ways to provide value to others. I just started growing microgreens a few weeks ago in my apartment to get the fundamentals down. Learning about microgreens from you and others here on YT also opened my eyes to how many health benefits they can provide and has helped me focus on my own health and nutrition. My first 2 test trays were a huge success thanks to content like yours. Tasted delicious and really felt the difference eating them over the next week. Really got me motivated on wanting to provide my community with an amazing and healthy product that no one else in my area is offering right now.

[@DonnyGreens]

hell yeah thats awesome!! thanks for sharing!!

[@lorraineconrado4878]

Clean eating and I love any sort of gardening. Working with soil and seeds makes me happy.

[@DonnyGreens]

Absolutely i totally agree!! Best life everr

[@craigdawson7632]

All reasons. Clean, organic, avoiding harmful chems and fills a gap in my garden overflow that gives me some pocket money and people something cheap thats healthy to munch on 👍

[@DonnyGreens]

Awesoeee love those reasons!!

[@bhazleton]

Thank you for being so open and honest.

[@DonnyGreens]

You are very welcome!

[@Bullfrog0302]

I have a passion for growing gardenand I'm retiring this year, so I'm looking to bring more than just a side hustle. Have a passion for health. And I'm ready to start sharing some of that information as well. I love listening to your t gian's and we'll be signing up for the challenge

[@DonnyGreens]

Love to hear that and im pumped to have you in the challenge! I hope you signed up already, registration closes tonight at 11pm!

[@joekroetsch9645]

love growing my garden, would love to grow fulltime. indoors and outdoors

[@DonnyGreens]

Awesome, i think thats a great ideaa!! get growing!!!

[@jamesrodda7133]

So me personally, I’ve been growing fruit and vegetables for a little over 10 years now. I went to a tech school to become a machinist and I graduated in 2018, got a job in that field and it turned out I didn’t want to do machining for a career but throughout this time I was growing all different stuff in my parents yard. I learned very quickly that there was something about growing and producing my own food that lit a spark in me and as of last year I’ve been working full time at a hydroponic farm that grows and distributes basil year round and it’s hot and fast paced but each day I go in and work it never feels like a day of work because of the enjoyment I find. For the last 6 years I’ve wanted to start my own farm so I could bring fresh and locally grown food to people but I’m limited on land I can actually use to grow so I figured microgreens would be a great place to start.

[@DonnyGreens]

Awesome story thanks so much for sharing!!! You definitely have passion behind you and also a ton of hands on experience. Love to hear this james, keep up the great work! Hopefully ill see you in the next challenge so we can dive in deep and get you all set up!

[@lareinaolson3460]

Passions: healthy/nutrious eating/lifestyle, love growing microgreens and other food, beekeeper, want to help others include healthier options for their lives/bodies, love of people, extrovert, sales, and entrepreneurship. I have the time and the money to make this into a business. I haven't signed up for yours or Freedom Farmers course yet. I know you are the one that really set the tone for home delivery which is the business model I prefer. I guess what I want to know is what sets your course apart from Freedom Farmers? I already know how to grow several types of greens and know that I will enjoy it. I guess I'm trying to say I'm already past the "one tray away" challenge. I would like to know how your course can help me start my business? Will you share your systems with us so we can duplicate your business to the best of our abilities?

[@DonnyGreens]

We can talk about anything you like when you upgrade the challenge to VIP. This is where we dive deep on the business side of things for 10 days. My challenge isnt a full-on course. My full on business course will be launching later this year

[@goodvibes6487]

Health purposes, In my younger years I was so much healthier. I have put on a significant amount of weight and want to work on eating better. I also think growing could be therapeutic in a way.

[@christinagoetsch3547]

Two of my favorite things in the world have always been gardening...and eating! I love to cook, especially with herbs and vegetables i grew myself. I winter over my tender herbs and perennials, and start my own plants under my plant lights i have in my basement. I tried microgreens from my local health food store, and fell in love. I have grown a few small trays at home, and enjoy them in my smoothies, and as a side dish. I have been thinking about growing them as a side job since last fall, but I'm still trying to get the courage to take the leap. I'm hoping to grow them part time initially, and pursue it full time.🤞

[@DonnyGreens]

thats awesome!! just start super small and grow for just a few additional people outside of your self. That will be a great way to start testing the waters for the business side of things!

[@christinagoetsch3547]

thanks for the insight! hoping to join the next "One Tray Away " on March 1st.@@DonnyGreens

[@DonnyGreens]

Get registered! Registration closes in less than a week!

[@jasonh3220]

I am growing for the health of my family. Maybe later on I will start working towards selling 😁

[@Balootheshepsky]

the honesty in that smirk though lol I felt that this is def a struggle

[@pattirobertson4069]

I love to plant seeds and watch them grow. Trying to teach my granddaughter to grow food, because their generation will need all the help they can get. I started with chicken fodder, cuz the chickens need winter greens. Then moved onto broccoli sprouts for us, as well as spicy lettuce, and plan to keep trying different varieties. Granddaughter loves how fast the micro greens grow, which helps to keep her interested . She loves to experiment dirt vs hydroponics. Retired Husband is going to sell, plants, and vegetables as a road side stand. Goal is to be competent with a few verities and be able to offer them at the stand. If the demand is there we move forward. If not my Granddaughter will have learned a skill, I will have learned how to use the greens for a healthier diet, and my chicken will never lack greens in their diet. And don’t think I won’t try selling the chicken fodder as well. 😉

[@DonnyGreens]

Super awesome, I love hearing stories like this, you are absolutely crushing it, thanks for sharing!!! Best of luck getting the microgreens into the mix!

[@jordanmathieus6214]

I haven’t started yet but I used to garden. My job demands so much time and I have 7 kids, not much time left… lol… but I’ve learned to make time. I don’t really have the patience to sit and wait for 4 months for your regular vegetables to grow and no longer have the yard space. I’ve worked for others, letting my ideas turn profits and efficiency into a well run business and I guess I’m tired of being told what to do by others when I know what needs to be done… I want to be my own boss and control my own destiny. I love growing, I find it peaceful, and a world surrounded by beautiful little sprouts, would make me happy, I know that for a fact. I just didn’t realize that this could be profitable. I thought no one else cared so I gave up years ago on this dream. The nutrition, the way it adds to a plate, the flavors, really the possibilities… this is what I want to do. I have drive, the passion, and like you, I just realized after 20yrs as a machinist, this is what I want to do. 😊

[@DonnyGreens]

Amazing Jordan i love to hear that!! Id love to help you get started off on the right foot. Where are you in your microgreens journey? Have you started growing yet?

[@jordanmathieus6214]

@@DonnyGreens at the very beginning. I’ve grown in some 5x5 bins and had success, time to move forward. I have a ways to go but I’ve located a grow space in an office building in a basement where it’ll be easy to regulate temp. A fan a dehumidifier, got my seed lineup, now I need to invest in the equipment. There’s one grower in my area and it’s a large city, any route could be handled in half a day from this location. It’s smack dab in the middle of every hub N E S W. I’ve got my brand, I know where I’m going but the big battles are gonna be eduction, no one seems to know what a micro green even is, but that’s good! I get to help them like you helped me, and it also means, hella untapped market!

[@DonnyGreens]

Awesome thats sounds amazing! Crushing it already and definitely making moves. Id love to help you out and i have a microgreens challenge coming up this May that could help a bunch. Theres a VIP option thats geared more towards the business side where you will be live with me every night for 10 days straight. No pressure but feel free to check out the program at onetrayaway.com/ and let me know if you have any questions or if there’s anything I can do to help ensure your success!

[@jordanmathieus6214]

@@DonnyGreens I was looking into the 30 min zoom for sort of like a meet and greet. Very limited funds atm. Packaging. I’m stuck on that portion. Labeling and packaging is my last hurdle… once I’ve got that locked in, just personality, educating the population, and elbow grease. Putting boots on the ground. 😉 checking into usda startup grants for beginning farmers, especially for clean, healthy, urban setups in my area, sounds like they could possibly be able to help with resources as far as grants as well as their requirements for all things required at what levels. My state usda is super geared towards sustainability in all areas of the agricultural industry, farms included. And you are very correct sir, it’s a lot of work. Moving to the next phase is borderline overwhelming with so many products to choose from and tallying up startup costs, finding balance between good quality equipment and seeds, saving on the things I can, vs making an investment (liability) and turning it into an asset. Then, figuring out aggressive but profitable pricing, etc… numbers, numbers, numbers… lol. Good thing I’m a machinist, my life is always numbers!

[@jordanmathieus6214]

@@DonnyGreens it’s important for ppl to realize that a business doesn’t just produce a living. You get what you’re willing to put in for sure. You’ve got to be willing to push yourself, take that one extra step when your tired and don’t want to, keep your drive/passion even when you feel like you have none (there are times), being willing to take that knock the head and not cry about it but learn from it. Never lose sight of your ultimate goal. Working on a mission statement, not only for the customers but mostly for myself for that specific reason. I know what I’m getting into but I have what it takes. I’m ready to reap what I sow, finally benefit from the heart and care that I have to put into my business, build a better future for me, my family, and my community.

[@Wonder_Bee1]

I want to be a microgreens grower bc I love to garden and have always been fascinated by the whole process of growing healthy food and I want to work for myself.. I'm very passionate about growing and if I can grow microgreens and be able to share that with other people and also make money doing it then that would be very gratifying. 😎

[@DonnyGreens]

Love to hear that!!! great reasons!

[@kylesnyder3757]

Would you be able to share what you’re now charging in 2024 per clamshell and per sunny sampler I didn’t feel comfortable signing into your website seeing that I am not from the Long Island area to see your pricing. Are you still at five dollars per 2 ounce clamshell and how much do you charge for your sunny sampler of nearly 12 1/2 ounces? Also, are the Donny Green exclusive sunflower seeds? Are they the small seeded variety or are they large?

[@DonnyGreens]

You can snoop around on my microgreens site to see what im selling an for what price. The seeds i sell are typically larger. i like the larger ones. finestfoodsny.com and sunflowersuperseeds.com

[@farmerjeffmays9858]

Always Valuable Content 💰

[@DonnyGreens]

Awesome thank you! Glad you’re enjoying it!

[@voiceoftheparrot]

Great video! Excellent info!

[@DonnyGreens]

Thank you!

[@elrichepooo1968]

I like growing plants.

[@darrenssosborne3536]

yes going to go auto got pump need to sort pressure and watertime but first grow the buggers lol, so going to start growing to learn consistent of grows thanks, for the prompt reply mate

[@DonnyGreens]

no problem!

[@michaelmoreno7357]

Donny I see you link sunblasters but you use T5 not LEDs correct? Do you have any opinions on sunglasses LED lights?

[@DonnyGreens]

You can use either!

[@tribalwind]

We actually met years ago at HealthyPlanet vegan Thanksgiving, Molloy college sustainability center in Farmingdale. I'm now in PA developing an urban microfarm/food forest. I love the idea of MG as side/supplemental income, especially in winter.. what worries me is that it seems very monotonous, tedious,routine and mechanical. I feel it could get boring fast and the initial enjoyment will wear off and become drudgery. We have a plant room with 6 racks,120 tray capacity for annual seedlings etc. They're usually half full by mid spring then empty by mid summer. so MGs seems a good use the rest of the time.

[@DonnyGreens]

yes microgreens are awesome and i love them to bring in some extra cash year round. IM building my food forest now too since i have property. Definitely look out for ym update videos that will be coming out in the next months so we can share what we're both up to!! The farm tasks do get repetitive for microgreens but its worth it and if you grow big enough, you can hire someone to do the work!

[@darrenssosborne3536]

QUESTION, WHEN AWAY AT festivals how do I keep microgrens growing perfectly if I cannot water them for 2 days a week? short on money so a cheap fix is needed or will they be ok for 2 days? 20ft container to grow in thank you

[@DonnyGreens]

Maybe you have a friend or family member who can water for you. Or you can set up automated watering. Our next festival will be Mondegreen and my dad will be watering 2-3 days for us

[@t2cloysgarden]

Thank you very much for this video Donny! I've been growing some vegetables and some fruit trees on our backyard here in Southeastern Pennsylvania. I would like to try growing microgreen for ourselves, for health and variety. Will growing microgreens in an unfinished basement going to work, specially now that it is still cold ?

[@DonnyGreens]

Yes thats exactly where im growing my microgreens now! From my basement!

[@t2cloysgarden]

@@DonnyGreens thank you !

[@DonnyGreens]

you got it

[@RobertLaursen-l1b]

Thank you for all of videos. Which soil are you using currently? How many trays do you think one bag/cube will fill? Thank you again!

[@DonnyGreens]

About 60 trays per bale. Im still using the promix mp organik 👍🏼. You are very welcome for the videos!

[@RobertLaursen-l1b]

@@DonnyGreens i'm having a tough time finding the organik promix down here in florida or any organic alternative that seems similar. Do you have an idea of what the % composition is for the mix you are using? It may be easier for me to just mix my own at this point.

[@DonnyGreens]

experiment!! Research!!

[@kylesnyder3757]

Curious to how much product in 0z do you fill your clamshells. I know from watching your interview with Curtis Stone that your Sunny sampler is about 12.5 ounces worth of product. Would you be able to share how many ounces of product you package for each of your other varieties such as sunflower on its own sweet pea, radish, broccoli, etc.. Also, you mentioned that you sell clam shells from $5 to $20. How much product does a person get for $10 $15 or $20?

[@DonnyGreens]

You can see this right on my microgreens website www.finestfoodsny.com/signup

[@jed88]

Grow. Health and wealth. Care and accountability.

[@DonnyGreens]

Love it jed! Lets get you growing!! Join the challenge at onetrayaway.com/

[@dannylachman1]

I inherited land that i dont want to sell, but also don't want to live on. I'm an entrepreneur, have a technical background, and have good connections within agri business. I have the money to do this and want to move to safer and better food

[@DonnyGreens]

Wow thats super cool! Great bonus that you wont have to do the work haha

[@dannylachman1]

@@DonnyGreens welllllll, i think ib need to get the designs right (building, set up, Logistics, etc), and start building....

[@DonnyGreens]

absolutely!

[@lareinaolson3460]

Passions: healthy/nutrious eating/lifestyle, love growing microgreens and other food, beekeeper, want to help others include healthier options for their lives/bodies, love of people, extrovert, sales, and entrepreneurship. I have the time and the money to make this into a business. I haven't signed up for yours or Freedom Farmers course yet. I know you are the one that really set the tone for home delivery which is the business model I prefer. I guess what I want to know is what sets your course apart from Freedom Farmers? I already know how to grow several types of greens and know that I will enjoy it. I guess I'm trying to say I'm already past the "one tray away" challenge. I would like to know how your course can help me start my business? Will you share your systems with us so we can duplicate your business to the best of our abilities?

[@DonnyGreens]

Very cool!! Although the One Tray Away Challenge focuses on growing, there is a VIP option to upgrade and go live with me for the 10 days of the challenge. This is where we dive deep on business stuff and you can ask any questions you like. I don't have a full-on business course yet but I plan on releasing one this year! Hope this helps, id love to see you in the challenge in the meantime!

[@lareinaolson3460]

How much is it to upgrade to the VIP status?

[@DonnyGreens]

Only $67 for the 10 days 🌱🚀

[@KIRANNagaraj-v6n]

I see the current food too contaminated with pesticides & artificial fertilizers. I want build a healthy community or for the upcoming generations, because i see my daughter growing up eating unhealthy foods. Plus also earn good with his new method of farming.

[@dreen7911]

I love life. I want better lives and more health for the people in my sphere. I've been growing some gourmet mushrooms here and there for a few years, and I'm really intent upon nutritional quality and nutrient dense food because the average grocery store fare is abysmally low in good nutrients. So, in my world, I'm like Boxer from Animal Farm. Lol. I am good at setting up processes and growing things. I am not good at sales. Enter my husband and daughter, who are both much more extroverted than I. My husband was really, really hurt by the original Covid and he can only do the physical work he's very good at for perhaps four hours a day now. And it's so, so much better than it was. But I know he can sell and he's all about talking to people. Apologies for excessive length! Nutshell, for health both for our family and for others.

[@DonnyGreens]

Love to hear that and sorry about your husband. Teaming up with your family is a great way to maximize everybody’s strengths! You definitely have some passion behind you as well, thanks for sharing this story!!!

[@aitzaforde3069]

Health Empowerment

[@Figforestfarmer]

Money, health, fun and the health trends.

[@DonnyGreens]

Nice thats awesome. Where are you at in your journey? Have you started growing yet?

[@Figforestfarmer]

@@DonnyGreens I do just for our family. I am currently figuring out space and size of our beginning grow operation. We have a restaurant, so we have a small venue to sell. But I like a direct to customer model.

[@DonnyGreens]

super cool, i love that!

[@otownslinky]

i want to grow for myself what do i eed

[@DonnyGreens]

My challenge is the best way to start. You can join at onetrayaway.com/ !! Theres also links to supplies and equipment in the description of this video

[@NothingtoitbuttodoitAT24]

To eat good clean healthy food and to inform other people of the health benefits of microgreens. If they dont known5gey cant buy or eat healthy.

[@DonnyGreens]

Love it!! I definitely focus on the health niche as well, thats where its at!!

[@eta7771]

Thanks..

[@DonnyGreens]

You're welcome!

[@DoloresMackay-s6s]

Want to be a business owner again. I work with flowers and plants now

[@DonnyGreens]

Thats awesome so you were already a business owner and you have the passion for the plants, love it. What was your last business that you were the owner of?

[@DoloresMackay-s6s]

@DonnyGreens I owned an event floral company as well as a bridal boutique at the same time for many years and sold them. I am working with plants and flowers in a Corporate position. I truly miss working for myself

[@DoloresMackay-s6s]

Donny to you have a video to set up virtual farm/ website?

[@DonnyGreens]

That will be coming very soon via the software I created called Farmstar

[@unoffendable3496]

I just want to learn how to grow this stuff for myself and you throw so much shade on the whole idea.

[@DonnyGreens]

Did you watch the video? I absolutely did not throw any shade, especially not on growing for yourself

[@CryptoDailyNews1]

I have the Biggest Green Thumb south and east of Pennsylvania 😂

[@DonnyGreens]

Hahah thats awesome, im sure it will apply nicely to growing microgreens!

[@CryptoDailyNews1]

@@DonnyGreens Oops ,I meant West not East.

[@DonnyGreens]

all gucci

[@garytaylor1026]

*Promo sm*

[@DonnyGreens]

Yes, i use CTAs in my videos…