Microgreens 🌱 Tips for growers that want to start a market stall.

[@willrogers5913]

Cheers for the shout out Pepe. Looking great mate! I've just ordered a bunch of seeds to get started growing these little delights. It's great that you are sharing so much and great watching you grow mate. Keep it up.

[@PepeFassos]

+Will Rogers No worries Will 🤠.. your singing fish vid had me in stitches mate ..lol. Im stoked your getting started!!! Fantastic..! Please keep us updated. Have a great evening mate 🌱

[@elvismom1]

hi pepe enjoyed the last few videos I just subbed. i have been selling at markets for 15 years and still learning. keep up the good work. Wayne springhill farms

[@bonniehoke-scedrov4906]

Hey Pepe! Love your artistic spirit. It’s proving the most motivating thing of all for me. Btw, beautiful display- lots of color, shapes, varieties, different angles, different levels. The bamboo mat is a nice touch. Great work and great tips. Thanks!

[@PepeFassos]

Hey Bonnie !! Thanks so much.. 😊🙏 Its relatively easy to grow microgreens but to remain creative is the hardest. I'm so glad your inspired.. keep going and let the passion flow.. success will follow 😎🙏🌱🌱

[@maonguyen7750]

Thank you so much for your tips, I will start farmer market in June, I love how you display them.

[@PepeFassos]

Thank you Mao 😊.. good luck at the markets 🌱🌱

[@Shaktipaj]

Thanks so much for sharing your experiences. Thanks also for mentioning Brent, he is amazing! I grow but haven't made the jump to marketing. I am still a faithful patron for my locals, especially for new varieties. If you don't mind, I would like to share some thoughts as a customer that might be useful to you. I live in Northern CA, there are 3 separate MG vendors at our single city block, **only** organic meat and veg market. They all do well, but the one I prefer has colorful and especially aromatic herb varieties alongside the tried and true staples like sunflower, radish, and alfalfa. Basil is one of my faves, still makes my mouth water to see and smell it at the market. Don't underestimate the power of a little crushed herb to get people into your MC stand. For me, it is the best way to buy fresh herbs, since they quickly wilt or even spoil because there is only my hubby and myself. The first time I experienced basil as an MC, my fave vendor had grouped it closely and lushly in a flat with about 9 other varieties as a mix and match package. The visual paired with the aroma was intoxicating, as well as irresistible. This really was the specific reason I chose this vendor over the others, who either had nothing but sparsely separated small blocks of sprouts, or huge, tightly packed 10x20 flats of 'monoculture'. As a customer, I like to see a **block** of the lush overwhelm, with lots of smaller bits available to carry away. Plus, it sets us up to try more, a good thing for you, right? 😍 Another thing I liked was that the vendor had small blocks of sprouts in various stages of growth available for the mix and match. The original flat I bought lasted the week because half of the blocks were 2 days behind. But I paid the same, and was glad to do so.😉 The only criticism I have about this vendor I have is the inverted U-shape of their stand. It feels a bit cramped when more than one person is buying, and they do have the issues with chattiness that you mentioned. Thanks again for the knowledge and enthusiasm you share. Here's hoping the best of prosperity for you and yours.

[@PepeFassos]

Good morning Perri 😊... This is a great comment. Sharing is certainly up my alley and i appreciate your effort here. This vid is older now i guess.. (still relevant) but in regards to my stall ------> oh how ive expanded. I like the 'abundance' stall you mentioned. Ironically ive just uploaded a vid about sustainable way to sell pea shoots - but its the beginning of magor changes - again- to my stall and business. Australian laws are obviously different here. Very strict 😥 but im finding ways to gear the stall to package free 'harvested to order' or " living' sales only. You guys over there set the standard 😊. Microgreens are very new here still so we work hard to become as innovative as our leading nations . I want to thank you again for your comment. Occasionally someone writes to me and lets me know there personal experience .. i absolutely appreciate it 😊.. Big waves from down under oz my friend ! Have a great week 🌱🌱

[@CrackerFL]

Your table was so nice! Presentation is everthing! You're awesome, thks for your videos

[@PepeFassos]

Hey Thanks heaps MJ 😊.. Things have certainly evolved since this video but the table still full of colour and goodness.. Thanks for your positive support 😎🌱🙏

[@hotpepper7782]

your idea is super and efficient to manage. wish you all the success in the world.

[@PepeFassos]

hot pepper This is one of the loveliest comments ever 😃. Thanks so much.

[@ThePeepingEgg]

HI Pepe! So nice of you to share this with us!! I'm new to the whole "Microgreen Craze" in the US and I LOVE gardening so I thought this would be perfect for me! Very helpful advice. Excellent tip on being approachable, smiling and just having fun :) Markets sound like something fun, I'll have to give that a try when I'm ready to go! Have a great week!

[@PepeFassos]

Thank you for being here my friend 😊... i love your positive and enthusiastic comments and passion for plants !! Im thrilled this information has helped in some way.. 😊🌱🌱🌱🌱

[@C3Voyage]

Thanks for the shout out Pepe! You make me want to take this MG thing to market as well! Lol and it's not something I want to do really. Goes to your video quality and sharing. Thanks buddy.

[@PepeFassos]

Hydroponic Gardening & More with Brent Good morning Brent (5.30am oz time ) its time to farm 🤠. If you decide to do markets etc let me know. PM @ [e-mail] and i can help .. that's if you need any extra inspiration. I truly enjoy myself. Day out for me ..lol. I just answered Continuous harvests questions in brief detail.. he asked questions which i will cover (part 2) very soon. I really enjoy this community and your channel!!! Keep uploading your micro experience when u can. Thanks for dropping in my friend 😊🌱🌱🌱

[@heatherwatson8273]

Well done young man I learnt a lot from this video, I'm not old enough to retire but my health no longer allows me to work.

[@PepeFassos]

+Heather Watson Thanks so much for the compliment 😊... Im here to help so any questions- fire away !! I will upload more vids about this topic soon. Since this one ive learnt a lot more. Gday from the northern rivers 👍

[@seorwulf1049]

Very helpful and easy to watch - Thanks Pepe

[@PepeFassos]

+Andrew Dengel As always my friend..love it when u drop in mate 😊🌱

[@Foreversinging5]

Good afternoon Pepe! Your setup is so organized and lovely, and you are such an expert at what you do! Thank you for taking us on a walk in the marketplace, liked, looking forward to your next vid! :D

[@PepeFassos]

Foreversinging5 Hello dear friend!! Im very grateful for your comments and lovely words. 😊 Thank you so much... Im looking forward to your next song ! Have a nice day 🌱🌱🌱🌱

[@johncline3033]

I'm a newbie so thanks for the advice. Just now experimenting with what grows good and would look good on a plate.

[@PepeFassos]

Thats great John. You have to start somewhere and im sure you will love the results! Good luck with growing. Its good fun 👍🌱 Cheers mate!!

[@CoreysCave]

Nice video, it’s always great to share tips and experiences. Looks like your channel is picking up some steam too which is awesome!

[@PepeFassos]

CoreysCave Thank you brother and Thank you again 😊... Like yourself- sharing is caring so it will continue.. Hope all is well is USA !! 🌱🌱🌱

[@jamesallen5223]

CC brought me here! I'm looking forward to getting into the markets soon.

[@PepeFassos]

James Allen Its such a fun rewarding experience 😊. Corey is a great friend !

[@martysgarden]

Just what the public needs regarding starting up a stall at the markets, it can be a bit tough the first few markets. Love the first tip about getting there early, so important,,,hate that cue. I have a few tips to that may help newbies, Make sure you have a few paper copies of your insurance,,,the managers can lose them. I know this from experience. My top tip would be, to have a few other products other than microgreens to attract them to your stall,,,like bunches of Herbs and leafy greens. Then introduce them to your micros for those who want to learn more- then cross or up sell them. Awesome Pepe that your sharing this valuable content,,,your presentation on the stall is awesome. You have a real eye for this! Keep on charging my friend. Warm Regards Marty

[@PepeFassos]

+martysgarden Fantastic advice mate 😎.. as matter of fact ----> from our prior conversations, im in motion of doing just that .. Your absolutely right. A very special leafy mix is in creation !! Its also another way for them to try microgreens and also have a good staple (leaf) in the fridge! That cue is a nightmare..argh. But worth it ! Thanks for contributing Marty. Its great to see this community interaction. Take care my friend. 🌱

[@martysgarden]

Nice one Pepe, I look forward to hearing more on your mix in the future!

[@ronniegautrey4360]

Great information and very helpful. Keep up the good work Pepe. Ronnie G.

[@PepeFassos]

+Ronnie g Autrey Gday Ronnie!! ..thanks so much. Im glad it helped. Hopefully i can add more as time goes on 😊. Hope your well !

[@sciencesaves]

great vid and tips, thanks :) quick tip, you're losing a lot of light with it spilling out. get a roll of tin foil and lay it out over the top of you light housings, that will force the extra light light down onto your microgreens, instead of in your eyes, camera and room :)

[@lavendergal2508]

That fresh Sheet looks pretty familiar :-). I think Nate uses it also. It’s part of his course

[@mreightytwenty8709]

Your the MAN !!!!!! You forgot THE most important thing at the markets or any where else for that matter......TAKE the MONEY.....

[@PepeFassos]

Kim Rauch Hahaha 😂...nice one Dr Kim !! Absolutely !! This is certainly THE most important advice. Thanks for being here mate 👍👍🌱🌱

[@martysgarden]

Good one Kim,,,get that cash hahaha

[@kazmiksage6433]

Great video! Keep up the good work.

[@PepeFassos]

Soul Husker Thanks so much 😊 Glad it was useful to you... Have a great day 🌱🌱🌱🌱

[@lavendergal2508]

Another important tip is to take cash in small bills. People come to farmers market with big bills! It amazes me. I did a couple farmers market this past weekend here in the United States and I had two different ladies come to me to buy a pack of micro greens with $100 bill each. Holy smokes

[@rabranch32]

Hi Pepe, First off thanks so much for sharing your knowledge! For someone keen on having a go in business (and being from Victoria), would you advise starting with live potted plants only, or going through the rigamarole of getting the commercial license?

[@PepeFassos]

Hey Brightstar 🌱 After running for nearly 3 years... after all the trials and tribulations... It's come down to a solid 50/50 market of both living and harvested. The rigmarole of licensing is really only insurance and council approval from your local councils food safety standards officer. It's easy. Tjey are all you need to talk too. 😊... You'll be fine.. 👌 Nothing stops passion from manifestations that one mind didn't believe possible. 😉 I look forward to hearing of your new microgreens business 🙏🌱

[@knowone-sts2263]

U R cool dude. Thanks Pepe

[@rgilroy1909]

Great video, just sub'd you're channel. Great packaging ideas. I just ordered some free samples for trials. I've got a ton of questions for you about packaging and marketing, but I'll watch some more of your videos first.

[@PepeFassos]

RAD Aquatics Hey buddy... just subbed you back 😊.. gotta help out for fellow youtubers. Thanks for your kind words. Fire away with any questions - would love to help. If its heaps just email me.. [e-mail]

[@ondrejv416]

great advises man! I would personally lose those plastic boxes (even though there are there for a good reason)

[@PepeFassos]

Thanks man !! Newer videos show evolution and efforts towards 'Greener' methods. I'm almost plastic free now. I see stalls packaging everything.. it's sad if the grower is not consciously taking steps over time.

[@badvibesnosleep975]

Get tips, maybe one day. Btw your setup is so well layed out.

[@PepeFassos]

Ive begun to really love the markets and the lifestyle.. Its a great way to involve your kids in dealing with business in a fun gardening type way 😊👍🌱

[@rothar6501]

Hello I have a question. So i live in near SF California so weather is getting pretty hot 80-90deg F in the day. I want to grow microgreens outdoors on a metal rack. Where should i place the rack to keep my greens alive and well. Should my rack gets morning sunshine or late afternoon shine or even mid day sunshine? Should I also put the trays under direct sunlight or try to cover and make a shady area? And one last question is when germinating with 1020 stacked up on each other, should they be place the metal rack also in the sunlight or in a shady and cool place?

[@PepeFassos]

Hey mate.. This is a big question!! Lol... (The following answer is how i do things... it works but i cant guarantee for you) You sound like your growing in a similar climate to me so i concur and have dealt with this situation.. You will need a 70% UV filtered shadehouse to grow outside on metal racks. Never place microgreens in direct sunlight of this intensity or you will not achieve any volume or 'legginess' to your sprout.. You can germinate in trays outside but you will ventilation big time on both aspects (germination and growing).. fans basically or a decent 'breeze' at all times. Humidity is going to be your challenge. Growing outside has many benefits... im big on it . Taste, colours and longevity are better with sun hardened produce. Good luck with it.. Jusr drop me questions along the way if problems arise. Its expected but are easily fixed 👍🌱

[@rothar6501]

Thanks for the advice and will look into a shade cloth.

[@yvonneangove8546]

Great video. I grow in SA and am finding a hard time with containers to grow in. My difficulty is getting the depth of the lid to grow in and the height to cover them when closed without crushing the tops. Can you recommend a supplier for the containers thankyou

[@PepeFassos]

Hi Yvonne 😊 As for suppliers it's always a hard one to find a container you like. I will find you the link to a brand I use. It's always good to order through a local packaging supply store so you don't need to buy boxes of them each time.

[@PepeFassos]

www.marinucci.com.au/shop/product/53031/plastic-containers-clamshell-punnets--1kg-clear-pet-produce-clamshell.html This brand is the exact one I've used in this video. 🌱

[@yvonneangove8546]

@@PepeFassos Thank you. I totally agree with you regarding a local supplier, but I've hunted them all through Adelaide and come up empty. I was at the point that I have been communicating with a manufacturer to make me one. So I was up for dye costs etc from overseas. My local chefs prefer the live trays, so that is not a problem, but I want to go further and need the clam shells for freight. Thank you once again. Do you know if there is an Australian group that get together.

[@trixiecraig]

I am enjoying your presentations if I may oh I ve got lots of questions lol my question is this, going by what you know now what would be the aprox up front cost to starting this size of business where your getting a return and how long do you feel it would take to get to break even.

[@PepeFassos]

Gday Peter.. Thanks so much 😎.. I made a video not so long ago called 'My first 12 months of microgreens' .. its recent on my channel. I explain a fair bit there about investment.. returns etc. I'm basically 'bootstrap farmer'.. no debt and seeing fantastic capital beginning. I've added a market garden also which lifts profits significantly. I can say that my investment paid off quickly but I pumped 70 to 90% of profit back into it for expansion etc. That was a risk that payed off and I still continue to reinvest. In my most recent vid I've now made my own tray and am having them imported to sell here in Oz.. this again was funded by the business and feel fine with the risk. Play your cards 'slowly and surely' and I dare say you'll win 😉👍🌱

[@TallowQueen]

I have been learning from you and others on KZbin. And I do see that the most nutritious way to tell to people is live. I feel a little guilty now if I decide to harvest and sell. Maybe some restaurants mainly like the taste. Do you feel is is always better to sell live?

[@PepeFassos]

Don't feel guilty.. 😊. Selling live is huge in Australia and mostly to the hospitality industry. Although a lot of the general public like the novelty as well. You can't beat fresh so yes it's my most preferred way... You will work out what they like as you get to know your customer base. All the best 😎🤙🌱🌱

[@continuousharvest5822]

Very helpful info, your table looks great. Glad to see those inverted clamshells working well. How much $ do you make? Is it worth your time? How do you know how much product to bring? Do you keep most of it in a cooler until there is space?

[@PepeFassos]

Continuous Harvest Hello my friend! .. great questions. These questions almost inspired a part 2 but ill wait till i have more footage for example. 1) All markets i sell out. I make anywhere from $250 to $300 AUD before costs. Costs for me are approx $70 (which includes stall fees, seed, containers, pots, fuel etc) .. so in all - profitable! 2)Im a very social person so its worth my time. Im always making connections, regulars and being inspired by other stalls to push the limits with business growth. Basically its all leading up to expansion through networking. 3)I can never really gauge how much to bring... but i follow the 'under promise- over deliver principle for this. Also i do not want to bring anything home. So my salesman kicks in overdrive if i have a couple of pots left by closing. 4)I keep my stock inside a air condition car until setup. But thats why choosing your site and setting up quick is very important all until my profits will allow for a dedicated cooling trailer or van. Find a shaded spot or have a gazebo to suit with fans and mist your plants with water. I hope i answered sufficiently.. i will certainty upload a part 2 soon. Cover some more nitty gritty of business behind it all. I also sell to other venues so markets are just extra income. Thanks so much for your comment 😊🌱🌱🌱

[@PepeFassos]

Continuous Harvest I forget... I keep a bunch of extra stock under my tables for replacing sold ones. They stay cool and safe there. 😊

[@blueexplorer88]

Hi Pepe, Where did you get the shelves from please?

[@PepeFassos]

From Bunnings . Quite cheap and strong .

[@heatherwatson8273]

I'm interested in doing what you are doing south of Sydney, can you tell me what type of insurance you had to get to sell at the markets? Also do you know the cost of being permanent?

[@PepeFassos]

+Heather Watson Hello Heather 😊. Welcome aboard the microgreens express! My insurance is 20 million public liability with a couple of extra covers for selling in supermarkets etc. It costs me $1300 for the year. Its not necessary for you to take such as because farmers market etc often have insurance you can buy from them for the day from $10 to $25 per market. The cost of being permanent is no cheaper than casual. Ranging from $15 to $35 per market in my area. Being permanent has better perks in other areas. Please keep me informed on your moves.. im happy to help you in any way i can 😊

[@Ausradian]

Where did you score the shelving from mate?

[@PepeFassos]

www.bunnings.com.au/pinnacle-2090-x-2100-x-540mm-5-tier-heavy-duty-shelving-unit_p2760476 This is the best for 1020 trays mate. The chrome racks are from Fantastic Furniture . 👍🌱

[@66bigbuds]

If they're in the middle of the isle and look my way I say, hey how are you doing? The next thing you know we're talking and they're buying.

[@PepeFassos]

You sound like my type of salesperson 😉.. like 👍🌱

[@heatherwatson8273]

Hi again Pepe, Registration to sell, how do you get that?

[@PepeFassos]

+Heather Watson Registration to sell is a 'shire ' or suburb based registration. If you wanted to sell in another councils area other than where you live you would also need registration from them. Its silly but its law. You can apply at council under fruit and vegetable sales 😊...

[@Giddyup0]

hey where'd you get your racks?

[@PepeFassos]

Hey there... The racks i use are mostly from a store called 'fantastic furniture' .. 👍😊

[@Giddyup0]

Pepe Fassos hey thanx for your quick reply.. And bugger no fantastic here.. Hmm might have to check bunnings. Thanx again

[@PepeFassos]

Bee Clandestino No worries mate... im up at 4.30am. Bunnings are a bit more pricey but definitely an option. Ebay has a good one for about $50 frieght included. But for size bunnings is the go 👍.. Good luck .

[@zacpackman9186]

hi pepe can you plese do a vid on how you come up with your epiery dates ? thanks for the vid

[@PepeFassos]

Hey buddy 😀. No worries... that's a good idea. I'll try and get it done soon because it's a quick easy vid . But may help many. Thanks 👍🌱

[@zacpackman9186]

thanks mate. i think will help. have a epic week end mate