From greens to greenbacks: How micro-farming is creating new income paths in the city

Microgreens are one of the fastest-growing sectors in urban farming—and it’s not just because they grow fast. With low startup costs, a short growing cycle, and high market value, these tiny greens offer a smart entry point into small-scale food production.

At Moonflower Farms in Houston, founder Federico Marques has helped dozens of students launch their own microgreens businesses. His approach? Start small, think modular, and design for real life—especially if you're juggling a full-time job or family responsibilities.

Why Microgreens Make a Great Side Business

Unlike many types of farming, microgreens don’t require acres of land or large equipment. You can start with one indoor grow pod, a few LED lights, and a solid understanding of how to manage production.

Here's what makes microgreens ideal for working adults:

1. Quick turnover: Most microgreens are harvest-ready in 7–14 days. That means you can plan your schedule around weekly or bi-weekly cycles.
2. Small footprint: You can grow trays on shelves, in a closet, or even in your kitchen—with no backyard required.
3. Local demand: Chefs, home cooks, and health-conscious shoppers are increasingly interested in hyper-fresh, nutrient-rich greens. And because they’re perishable, they sell best locally.

It’s not about quitting your job. It’s about creating a smart, manageable pathway into food entrepreneurship—one tray at a time.

What You’ll Need to Get Started

Launching a microgreens business isn’t free—but it’s one of the lowest-barrier ways to enter the world of urban farming.

Here’s what you'll need:

1. Seeds and trays: Start with one or two popular crops like sunflower or radish. Experiment to find your favorites.
2. A grow rack or shelf system: Many growers repurpose bookshelves or utility racks.
3. Lights: LED shop lights work fine to start. You don’t need fancy grow lights unless scaling up.
4. Water system: Hand-watering works for small batches, but automated misting can save time.
5. Clean space: Sanitation is key. You’ll need a clean area for growing and packaging.

Most importantly, you’ll need the right mindset: curiosity, patience, and a willingness to tweak and improve your system as you learn.

From Hobby to Business: What to Expect

Moonflower’s course walks you through each step of turning your greens into income:

1. Building your brand and understanding your audience
2. Pricing and packaging your greens for restaurants or home customers
3. Navigating food safety and local regulations
4. Managing delivery logistics and keeping costs low

Some students go on to sell to chefs. Others supply friends, farmers markets, or neighborhood drop-offs. A few just use the skills to feed their families and reduce grocery bills.

One recent visitor to Moonflower shared:

"I didn’t know anything about hydroponics before this and now I want to try it at home. They made it easy to understand and really fun."

Another said:

“Super friendly team, answered all our questions and didn’t rush us. They know their stuff and you can tell they love sharing it.”

You Don’t Have to Go It Alone

Too many first-time growers burn out trying to reinvent the wheel. That’s why Moonflower designed this experience to be practical, accessible, and rooted in real-world trial and error.

You'll leave with:

1. A step-by-step understanding of what makes microgreens viable as a business
2. Clarity on costs, timelines, and pathways to scale
3. A community of growers and educators who want to see you succeed

Want to See How It’s Done?

Take a hands-on class at a real hydroponic farm where dozens of new growers have launched their side businesses. You’ll learn about production, pricing, restaurant partnerships, and what it really takes to succeed with microgreens—without needing acres of land or a full-time commitment.

👉 Book a group for the Microgreens Business & Restaurant Sales Class, or sign up for notifications for the next chance to join as an individual.

Learn More About Sustainable Urban Farming

If you’re curious about how indoor farming fits into larger sustainability efforts, we recommend reading:

1. How One Indoor Farm Is Helping Houston Rethink Sustainability
2. Why Traditional Farming Is So Hard in Houston

You can also browse additional Delve experiences related to hydroponics, microgreens, and school garden programs here.