Can I Grow Microgreens at Home to Save Money?
Yes, growing microgreens at home can absolutely save money — and in many cases, you can grow them for a fraction of what they cost in the store. With a small tray, a little soil, and a handful of seeds, you can produce fresh microgreens in about a week that would normally cost $20–$30 at the grocery store.
I’ve seen this firsthand through my work with Wagner Greens, where we’ve tested seed densities, yields, and growing methods to make microgreens simple for beginners. The truth is, microgreens are one of the easiest crops a person can grow at home.
Let’s break down the real numbers.
How Much Do Microgreens Cost at the Store?
Microgreens are considered a premium product in most grocery stores.
Typically you’ll find them sold in small containers:
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1.5–2 oz container: $4–$6
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Equivalent per pound: $32–$48+
That means a small handful of greens can cost almost as much as a full salad.
For example, if you buy five containers of broccoli microgreens at the store, you could easily spend $20–$30.
What Does It Cost to Grow Microgreens at Home?
Let’s use broccoli microgreens as a real example.
When growing microgreens, a standard tray typically produces 250–350 grams (about 9–12 ounces) of greens.
Here’s the actual cost breakdown using real growing numbers.
Seed Cost
A 4.5-lb bag of broccoli seeds costs about $185.
A single tray uses about 20 grams of seed, which works out to about:
$1.80 per tray
Soil Cost
A 3 cubic foot bale of growing mix costs around $65 and fills roughly 40 trays.
So soil cost per tray is about:
$1.60 per tray
Total Cost Per Tray
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Seeds | $1.80 |
| Soil | $1.60 |
| Total | $3.40 per tray |
That tray produces about 10 ounces of microgreens.
If you bought that same amount at the grocery store, it would likely cost $20–$30.
That means growing at home can save $16–$26 per tray.
Why Microgreens Are Perfect for Growing at Home
One of the reasons I love microgreens is how beginner-friendly they are.
Before starting Wagner Greens, I spent a lot of time researching how to grow food safely at home. Like many people, I became interested in growing my own food after hearing about contamination issues with grocery store produce.
What surprised me was how fast microgreens grow.
Unlike a traditional garden where you might wait months for a harvest, microgreens grow incredibly fast.
Most varieties are ready in:
7–10 days
That speed is important for beginners. You see results quickly, which builds confidence and keeps people motivated to keep growing.
Microgreens also have several advantages over traditional gardening:
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They grow extremely fast
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They require very little space
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They are nutrient dense
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They are easy to grow indoors
You can grow them in a kitchen, on a shelf, or even on a windowsill.
Common Mistakes Beginners Make
Helping people learn to grow microgreens has taught me that beginners usually struggle with a few simple things.
The biggest mistakes I see are:
Overwatering
Microgreens need moisture, but too much water can cause mold or weak plants.
Using too many seeds
People often think more seeds means more greens, but overcrowding actually reduces airflow and can cause problems.
Not paying attention to the trays
Sometimes people plant a tray and simply forget about it. Microgreens grow fast, so they need a quick check each day.
Not taking action
This might be the biggest one. Many people want to grow their own food but never start. Microgreens are one of the easiest ways to get started.
Microgreens vs Sprouts
Some people also ask whether they should grow sprouts or microgreens.
Both are great options.
Sprouts grow in jars using just water and typically take 3–5 days.
Microgreens grow in soil and take 7–10 days, but they usually produce larger harvests.
For example, a tray of broccoli microgreens can produce 250–350 grams, which is often more food than a single sprouting jar.
Both are healthy and easy to grow, so many people enjoy growing both.
Final Thoughts
Growing microgreens at home is one of the simplest ways to produce fresh food while saving money.
For just a few dollars in seeds and soil, you can grow trays of greens that would normally cost $20 or more at the store.
They grow quickly, require very little space, and are one of the easiest crops for beginners to succeed with.
From my experience building Wagner Greens and helping people start growing at home, microgreens are often the crop that gives people their first real success growing food.
And once people see how easy it is, they usually keep growing.