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# Microgreens Grower by Urban Micro

Your source for reliable microgreens knowledge

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- [XML Sitemap](https://urbanmicro.ca/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Course 9.2: Expected Microgreens Sales, Yields, and Sowing](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/07/11/course-9-2-expected-microgreens-sales-yields-and-sowing/) - Microgreens crop planning relies on crucial data such as expected crop yields to determine how much to sow and how much you can sell. Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [3. Growing to Order – The Smarter Way to Plan](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/05/04/microgreens-crop-planning-part-iii/) - Growing to Order – The Smarter Way to Plan Introduction Most new microgreens growers start by guessing how much of each crop to grow. But experienced growers know that success comes from working in reverse—starting with your customers and growing exactly what they’ve ordered. This is the foundation of growing to order, and it's the
- [6. Just in Case - Crop Buffers](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/05/11/microgreens-crop-planning-part-vi/) - Just in Case - Crop Buffers Build Crop Buffers Into Your System Resilient crop plans include room to adapt. One of the main ways we do this is through crop buffers. Buffers refer to excess crop sowed above and beyond your order needs. Here we will take look at some methods of using buffers. Buffer
- [9.0 Overview: Microgreens Crop and Financial Planning](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/07/05/9-0-overview-microgreens-crop-and-financial-planning/) - The importance of crop and financial planning for microgreens production is too often overlooked, but is essentially the core of the business! Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [1. Microgreens Crop Planning Principles](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/05/03/microgreens-crop-planning-part-i/) - Microgreens Crop Planning Principles Introduction Microgreens may be small, but growing them efficiently requires some planning. If you've ever struggled to align your planting with your harvest needs—or found yourself tossing unused trays—you’re not alone. That’s where crop planning comes in. In this article, we’ll break down what microgreens crop planning is, why it matters,
- [2. Building Blocks of Your Microgreens Crop Plan](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/05/03/microgreens-crop-planning-part-ii/) - Building Blocks of Your Microgreens Crop Plan Understanding and mastering the foundational elements of a microgreens crop plan is essential for consistent, high-quality harvests that meet customer demand. Whether you're running a commercial grow or refining a home-based setup, clearly mapping out the stages, tasks, and timing will allow you to scale and succeed with
- [4. Building Your Crop Plan – Bringing It All Together](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/05/04/microgreens-crop-planning-part-iv/) - microgreens crop planning Building Your Crop Plan – Bringing It All Together Introduction Once you've established your crop elements, growth stages, and are growing to order, the next step in microgreens crop planning is creating a "crop calendar" or crop plan that reflects your entire production schedule. This crop plan is essentially your operational hub. It brings together
- [5. Shifting Products to Fine Tuning Your Crop Plan](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/05/11/5-microgreens-crop-planning-part-v/) - Shifting Products to Fine Tuning Your Crop Plan Even the best microgreens crop plans will run into challenges. Trays don’t germinate evenly. Deliveries shift. New orders get added. Trays get overwatered or understaffed. The true strength of your crop plan lies not in perfection, but in how adaptable it is when things go off-track. This
- [7. Microgreens Crop Planning for Farmers Markets](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/05/11/microgreens-crop-planning-part-vii/) - Crop Planning for Farmers Markets Balancing Flexibility with Strategy Selling microgreens at a farmers market offers a powerful mix of opportunity and unpredictability. Unlike restaurant or subscription orders, markets are spontaneous—customers vary week to week, weather impacts turnout, and seasonal rhythms shape consumer preferences. This variability makes crop planning for markets both more challenging and
- [8. Common Crop Planning Problems and How to Solve Them](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/05/11/microgreens-crop-planning-part-viii/) - Common Problems and How to Solve Them Early days of crop planning can be difficult. Here are some tips and tricks to get you off to a good start when dealing with crop production and crop planning challenges. 1. Late Germination or Poor Germination Possible causes: Low temperature, dry soil, old seed, poor stacking pressure.
- [Course 9.1: Principles of Microgreens Crop Planning](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/07/11/course-9-1-principles-of-microgreens-crop-planning/) - Crop planning is a crucial component of successful microgreens production and is easy to implement. Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [Microgreens Lighting Part VIIII - Lighting Research](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/07/20/microgreens-lighting-part-viii-lighting-research/) - The following section highlights several peer-reviewed research papers on microgreens lighting. This is a chance to see the variation of lighting that is used in microgreens research as well as a chance to practice recognizing the lighting terms we introduced in this blog series. Effect of Low Light Intensity With Supplemental Far‐Red Light on Growth,
- [Microgreens Lighting Part VIII - Choosing Light Fixtures](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/07/20/microgreens-lighting-part-viii-choosing-light-fixtures/) - Let’s start with a question that no longer needs to be answered, but we will address anyway: Should you use LED or fluorescent lights? In short, LED technology has come so far that fluorescent lights are likely on their way out altogether. LEDs are considered much superior to fluorescents for a few reasons: They use
- [Microgreens Lighting Part VII - Light Reflection, Crop Proximity, and Efficiency](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/07/20/microgreens-lighting-part-vii-light-reflection-crop-proximity-and-efficiency/) - In this post, we cover multiple topics to help supplement the information we have discussed already. Light Reflection Light reflectors and reflective surfaces can play an important role in how light is distributed across your growing space and how light intensity changes based on crop location relative to the light and reflective surfaces (e.g., walls).
- [Microgreens Light Part V - Understanding PPFD and DLI with Calculations](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/07/20/microgreens-light-part-v-understanding-ppfd-and-dli-with-calculations/) - Various academic and online sources suggest wide-ranging PPFD values between 50 and 400 µmol/m2s for microgreens and in our own research we have seen healthy crop growth with PPFD values as low as 25 to 85 µmol/m2s on a 14-hour photoperiod. In our early research, where we typically had a 14-hour photoperiod and an average
- [Microgreens Lighting Part VI - Light Spectra in More Detail](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/07/20/microgreens-lighting-part-vi-light-spectra-in-more-detail/) - When we talk about light quality we are talking about the spectra of the light - the specific wavelengths between 400 and 700 nm - that are emitted by a light source. Light quality is often displayed in a spectral chart (see example to the right) or detailed in accompanying spectrum test reports. Understanding light
- [Microgreens Light Part IV - Photons and Energy](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/07/20/microgreens-light-part-iv-photons-and-energy/) - In this article, we take a little side trip to explore photons and energy as they pertain to different wavelengths of light and help you better understand the intricacies of lighting spectra “Blue light has more energy than red—so why do red-rich lights produce better crops?” It seems backward, but here’s the key: Plants count
- [Microgreens Light Part III - Measuring and Mapping](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/07/14/microgreens-light-part-iii-measuring-and-mapping/) - There are several things to keep in mind when taking light measurements and making lighting calculations, so let’s take a journey through the things you need to consider. Measuring Light with a PAR Meter In order to make lighting calculations, you need to be able to measure the photon output of your lights (PPFD). To
- [Microgreens Light Part II - Lighting Terminology](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/07/14/microgreens-light-part-ii-lighting-terminology/) - Overview Until relatively recently in human history, all photosynthesis was powered by the sun. But with the invention of electric lights, we can now drive the photosynthetic process without sunlight. Because most microgreen production systems tend to rely wholly (sole source) or partially (supplemental) on artificial light, a valuable skill for any grower is the
- [Microgreens Light Part I - Introduction to Lighting](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/07/14/microgreens-light-part-i-introduction-to-lighting/) - Introduction Lighting is a somewhat complicated topic that can intimidate new growers when getting set up to grow microgreens for the first time. But once you learn some of the basic terms and calculations around lighting, it becomes a whole lot easier to understand. The more you understand about lighting, the more knowledge you’ll have
- [Microgreens Crop Planning Part 3 of 3](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/07/12/microgreens-crop-planning-part-3-of-3/) - In this final course in the series we dive into spreadsheets to help you get started in creating your own crop planning tool!
- [Microgreens Crop Planning - Part 1 of 3](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/07/12/microgreens-crop-planning-part-1-of-3/) - In this first of three courses, we introduce the core principles of microgreens crop planning including the concepts of Growing To Order, Crop Cycles, Crop Stages and Production Tasks.
- [Microgreens Crop Planning - Part 2 of 3](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/07/12/microgreens-crop-planning-part-2-of-3/) - In part 2 of this series we go into more detail to help you refine your crop planning strategies by introducing more advanced topics such as buffers, virtual customers, and product mixes
- [Course 9.3: Determining Microgreens Sowing Days](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/07/12/course-9-3-determining-microgreens-sowing-days/) - Your microgreens sowing date is determined by your desired harvest date and a crop's days to maturity. Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [Course 9.4: Microgreens Record Keeping](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/07/12/course-9-4-microgreens-record-keeping/) - Microgreens crop production record keeping is crucial for understanding your crop's cycles and for making your system audit ready. Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [Course 9.5: Microgreens Variable Costs](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/07/12/course-9-5-microgreens-variable-costs/) - Variable costs in your microgreens system change with your level of production and with the costs of inputs such as seeds, soil, and packaging. Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [Course 9.6: Microgreens Infrastructure Costs](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/07/12/course-9-6-microgreens-infrastructure-costs/) - You will have infrastructure costs when you start your business and as you grow your business that can delay how quickly you reach your profitability goals. Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [Course 9.7: Microgreens Business Costs](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/07/12/course-9-7-microgreens-business-costs/) - Simply running a business costs money! These costs can be easy to omit when doing financial planning. Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [Course 9.8: Microgreens Revenue Potential](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/07/12/course-9-8-microgreens-revenue-potential/) - Having realistic revenue goals is crucial to successful business planning. Repeat sales are an important aspect of steady revenue. Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [Course 8.7: Packing Microgreens](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/07/05/course-8-7-packing-microgreens/) - Once your microgreens have been harvested they need to be packed which helps with transport, marketing, and maintaining product freshness. Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [Course 8.6: Picking Microgreens Hulls, Draining, and Spinning](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/07/05/course-8-6-picking-microgreens-hulls-draining-and-spinning/) - For microgreens crops with hulls that get a water bath, this final step is important for maintaining crop quality after harvest. Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [Course 8.4: Microgreens Harvest Flows 1 and 2](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/07/04/course-8-4-microgreens-harvest-flows-1-and-2/) - Here we look at 2 workflows for your microgreens harvest process. Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [Course 8.5: Harvest Flow 3](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/07/05/course-8-5-harvest-flow-3/) - This microgreens harvest flow works best for crops that can handle a water soak and have hulls to remove. Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [Course 8.3: Cutting Microgreens](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/07/04/course-8-3-cutting-microgreens/) - Finally we get to the step of cutting your microgreens crops - the step that transforms your microgreens from a crop to a product. Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [Course 8.2: Microgreens Harvest Equipment and Set-up Overview](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/07/04/course-8-2-microgreens-harvest-equipment-and-set-up-overview/) - In this course we review the equipment and set-up for a successful microgreens harvest. Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [Course 8.1: Microgreens Harvest Overview and Scenarios](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/07/04/course-8-1-microgreens-harvest-overview-and-scenarios/) - In this course we look at the different harvest workflow scenarios you can consider when harvesting your microgreens crops. Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [8.0 Overview: Microgreens Harvest, Packing, Storage, and Transport](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/07/04/8-0-overview-microgreens-harvest-packing-storage-and-transport/) - Here we introduce the processes that follow microgreens crop growth: harvesting, packing, storage, and transport. Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [Course 7.8: Microgreens Workflow Diagram Review](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/07/04/course-7-8-microgreens-workflow-diagram-review/) - Here we do a quick review of the microgreens workflow diagram to help put the production process in context. Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [Course 7.7: Microgreens Crop Growth](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/07/03/course-7-7-microgreens-crop-growth/) - Once exposed to light, your microgreens crops will put on rapid growth and will need attention to their water, light, and airflow needs. Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [Course 7 6: Uncovering Microgreens Trays](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/07/03/course-7-6-uncovering-microgreens-trays/) - Uncovering your microgreens trays takes them out of the germination stage and into the light where they can photosynthesize and put on growth. Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [Course 7.5: Germination: Stacking and Covering Microgreens Trays](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/07/03/course-7-5-germination-stacking-and-covering-microgreens-trays/) - The germination stage gets the microgreens growing process underway and proper set up helps improve germination and make better use of space. Downloadable Audio: Embedded Videio:
- [Course 7.4: Sowing Microgreens Seeds](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/07/03/course-7-4-sowing-microgreens-seeds/) - The sowing process is really what gets your microgreens crop started - so sowing properly is important for getting a successful crop. Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [Course 7.3: Rinsing, Sanitizing, and Soaking Microgreens Seeds](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/07/03/course-7-3-rinsing-sanitizing-and-soaking-microgreens-seeds/) - Several types of microgreens seeds benefit from soaking before the sowing process to help with germination while also giving the opportunity to sanitize your seed. Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [Course 7.2: Preparing Microgreens Trays](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/07/03/course-7-2-preparing-microgreens-trays/) - Properly preparing trays for your microgreens crops ensures seeds have optimum conditions for growth. Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [Course 7.1: Microgreens Workflow Diagram](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/06/23/course-7-1-microgreens-workflow-diagram/) - In this short course we check out the workflow of the microgreens production process to give you a sense of how the different stages relate to each other. Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [7.0 Overview: Microgreens Production Process](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/06/23/7-0-overview-microgreens-production-process/) - In this course we finally dive into the microgreens production process! Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [Course 6 5: Microgreens Food Safety Certification](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/06/23/course-6-5-microgreens-food-safety-certification/) - Acquiring food safety certifications for your microgreens operation can help you better understand production system hygiene and sanitation principles and open up more markets for your products. Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [Course 6.4: Written Microgreens Plan and Recordkeeping](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/06/23/course-6-4-written-microgreens-plan-and-recordkeeping/) - Documenting your processes and activities are important for maintaining a high level of accountability to your customers and to meet regulatory requirements. Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [Course 6.2: Microgreens Soap and Sanitizer](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/06/23/course-6-2-microgreens-soap-and-sanitizer/) - Soap is important for properly cleaning equipment and should be followed by a sanitizer to reduce the presence of pathogens in your microgreens production space. Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [Course 6.1: Microgreens Sanitation and Hygiene](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/06/23/course-6-1-microgreens-sanitation-and-hygiene/) - In this course we cover a wide range of sanitation and hygiene topics related to microgreens. Downloadable Audio Embedded Video:
- [Course 6.3: Sanitizing Microgreens Seed](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/06/23/course-6-3-sanitizing-microgreens-seed/) - Seed is one of the most likely vectors for bringing disease into your microgreens production system and a good sanitizing regime helps reduce this risk. Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [Toxic or Trendy? The Hidden Danger in Borage Microgreens](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/06/11/toxic-or-trendy-the-hidden-danger-in-borage-microgreens/) - Introduction to Borage Microgreens have become a staple in the world of fresh, nutrient-packed produce. They’re quick to grow, colorful, and full of flavor — making them a favorite among urban farmers, chefs, and health-conscious consumers. But not all microgreens are created equal. One crop, in particular, raises serious red flags: borage microgreens. Borago officinalis,
- [1.0 Outline: Introduction to Microgreens](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/06/08/module-1-outline/) - Quick overview of what we'll cover in Module 1 to introduce you to Microgreens and your host, Chris Thoreau.
- [2.0 Outline: Microgreens Growing Space, Work Areas and Equipment](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/06/08/module-2-overview-microgreens-growing-space-work-areas-and-equipment/) - Let's dive into the physical components of a typical microgreens system.
- [3.0 Outline: Primary Microgreens Production Components](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/06/09/microgreens-course-module-3-outline/) - Overview of Microgreens Course Module 3 focused on primary microgreens production components. Downloadable Audio file: Embedded Video File:
- [6.0 Outline: Microgreens Hygiene and Sanitation](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/06/15/6-0-overview-microgreens-hygiene-and-sanitation/) - Microgreens Hygiene and Sanitation is a surprisingly neglected topic in online forums and discussions, but is probably the most important topic for commercial growers to understand. Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [5.0 Outline: Microgreens Regulations and Guidelines](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/06/14/5-0-overview-microgreens-regulations-and-guidelines/) - Regulations regarding microgreens vary across the world. Be sure you know which regulations apply in your region as this can affect many aspects of your business. Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [Course 5.1: Microgreens Regulations Overview](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/06/15/course-5-1-microgreens-regulations-overview/) - Here we start with a quick overview of regulations that may or may not apply to your microgreens operation and what you need to consider! Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [Course 5.2: Canadian Microgreens Regulations](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/06/15/course-5-2-canadian-microgreens-regulations/) - Content currently under review!
- [Course 5.3: US Microgreens Regulations](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/06/15/course-5-3-us-microgreens-regulations/) - Content currently under review!
- [Course 5.4: Microgreens and Local Health Authorities](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/06/15/course-5-4-microgreens-and-local-health-authorities/) - Local health authorities may have jurisdiction over the requirements you may need to follow as a commercial grower. Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [Course 3.2: Microgreens Growing Conditions](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/06/10/course-3-2-microgreens-growing-conditions/) - In this course we take a look at the environmental conditions you need to consider when growing your microgreens, including: light, temperature, airflow, and humidity. Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [Course 3.1: Microgreens Production Process Overview](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/06/10/course-3-1-microgreens-production-process-overview/) - Here we take a quick look at the overall microgreens production process to give you a sense of how things look from start to finish. Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [Course 2.7: Microgreens Supply Storage](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/06/08/course-2-7-microgreens-supply-storage/) - Having proper storage for your microgreens supplies helps you keep organized and contaminant free. Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video
- [Course 2.5: Microgreens Wash up Area](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/06/08/course-2-5-microgreens-wash-up-area/) - A good wash up area is easily neglected, but makes all the difference in an efficient microgreens system. Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [Course 2.4: Microgreens Seed Soaking and Sanitizing Area](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/06/08/course-2-4-microgreens-seed-soaking-and-sanitizing-area/) - For seeds that need to be soaked, having a designated area makes this task much easier. Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [Course 2.3: Microgreens Tray Preparation and Seeding Area](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/06/08/course-2-3-microgreens-tray-preparation-and-seeding-area/) - Having a designated tray prep and seeding area helps keep things organized and reduces the risk of cross contamination in your system. Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [Course 2.2: Microgreens Harvest Area and Equipment](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/06/08/course-2-2-microgreens-harvest-area-and-equipment/) - Your harvest area is an important component of your production system and must be set up well to ensure efficient and hygienic harvesting of your crops. Downloadable Audio File: Embedded Video:
- [Course 2.1: Microgreens Growing Spaces](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/06/08/course-2-1-microgreens-growing-spaces/) - Here we introduce you to some of the many places you can grow microgreens and some of the pros and cons of each. Downloadable Audio File: Embedded Video:
- [Course 1.4: Common Microgreens Crops](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/06/08/course-1-4-common-microgreens-crops/) - Here we look at some of the most common microgreens crop people grow.
- [How I Introduced a Single Microgreens Crop to Market (and Priced It to Sell)](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/05/19/how-i-introduced-a-single-microgreens-crop-to-market-and-priced-it-to-sell/) - How I Introduced a Single Microgreens Crop to Market (and Priced it to Sell) Introduction Launching a new product in a competitive market is always a challenge. But sometimes, the key to standing out isn’t bringing more — it’s bringing less and doing it better than anyone else. That was the mindset I had when
- [Essential Work Areas for Microgreens Production: Beyond the Grow Rack](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/05/19/essential-work-areas-for-microgreens-production-beyond-the-grow-rack/) - Essential Work Areas for Microgreens Production: Beyond the Grow Rack Introduction Growing microgreens may begin with a tray and some seeds, but sustaining a microgreens business requires a lot more than just growing. Behind every thriving tray is a network of supporting workspaces that keep the operation organized, clean, efficient, and scalable. From prepping trays
- [Garage-Based Microgreens Production: A Practical Intermediate Step](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/05/19/garage-based-microgreens-production-a-practical-intermediate-step/) - Garage-Based Microgreens Production: A Practical Intermediate Step Introduction If you've outgrown your living room grow rack but aren't quite ready for a commercial lease, a garage can be the perfect transitional space. Garages offer more flexibility and capacity than indoor home setups, while still benefiting from the cost-saving advantages of using property you already own
- [Course 4.5: Microgreens Food Labeling Requirements](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/06/14/course-4-5-microgreens-food-labeling-requirements/) - It is important that you know the food labeling requirements for your region when selling prepackaged microgreens products. Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [Course 4.4: Transporting Microgreens](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/06/12/course-4-4-transporting-microgreens/) - Properly transporting your microgreens ensures they maintain their integrity from your production site to your customers. Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [Course 4.3: Live Microgreens Trays](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/06/12/course-4-3-live-microgreens-trays/) - Selling live microgreens trays is a great alternative to packaging. Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [Course 4.2: Microgreens Packaging Options](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/06/12/course-4-2-microgreens-packaging-options/) - In this course we explore different options for packaging your microgreens for sale. Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video
- [Course: 4.1 : The Role of Microgreens Packaging](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/06/12/course-4-1-the-role-of-microgreens-packaging/) - Packaging plays several important roles in your microgreens business, including marketing and keeping you product fresh on the shelf and in transport. Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [Course 3.6: Microgreens Trays](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/06/12/course-3-6-microgreens-trays/) - In this course we explore the topic of Microgreens Trays, which you will spend hours and hours handling each week as a commercial microgreens grower! Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [4.0 Outline: Microgreens Packaging, Labels, and Transport](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/06/12/4-0-outline-microgreens-packaging-labels-and-transport/) - An often neglected topic, how you package and label your microgreens is important for marketing and for meeting local and federal regulations. Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [Course 3.5: Microgreens Soil](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/06/10/course-3-5-microgreens-soil/) - Soil is another important microgreens production input that is important to understand if you want to optimize crop growth. Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [Course 3.3: Microgreens Crop Types](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/06/10/course-3-3-microgreens-crop-types/) - Here we look at three different ways to classify microgreens crop types which can help you determine their ideal growing conditions: seed size, crop cycle, and temperature preference. Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [Course 3.4: Microgreens Seeds](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/06/10/course-3-4-microgreens-seeds/) - In this course we take a closer look at microgreens seeds - your most important production input! Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [1.0 Microgreens Complete Course Overview](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/06/08/microgreens-course-overview/) - A quick overview video of what the free microgreens course covers over nine modules (despite only 8 in the video!). New content will be added over time. Downloadable Audio file: Embedded Video:
- [Course 2.8: General Microgreens Site Layout and Workflow](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/06/09/course-2-8-general-microgreens-site-layout-and-workflow/) - The layout and workflow of your Microgreens production site is important for efficient and contamination-free microgreens operation. Downloadable Audio: Embedded Video:
- [Course 2.6: Microgreens Soil and Compost Storage](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/06/08/course-2-6-microgreens-soil-and-compost-storage/)
- [Course 1.1: Introduction to Chris Thoreau](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/06/08/course-1-1-introduction-to-chris-thoreau/) - A quick introduction to your host, Chris Thoreau, who has been engaged in microgreens production in one form or another since 2006.
- [Course 1.2: What are Microgreens?](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/06/08/course-1-2-what-are-microgreens/) - Let's look at microgreens in more detail so you better understand what they are!
- [Course 1.3: Why Grow Microgreens](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/06/08/course-1-3-why-grow-microgreens/) - Let's take a look at reasons why so many people want to grow microgreens
- [Course 1.5: Keys to Microgreens Production Success](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/06/08/course-1-5-keys-to-microgreens-production-success/) - Some important insights to get you off to a good start...
- [The Ultimate Cost-Free Microgreens Marketing Strategy: How to Build Your Brand and Win Customers Without Paying for Ads](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/05/20/the-ultimate-cost-free-microgreens-marketing-strategy-how-to-build-your-brand-and-win-customers-without-paying-for-ads/) - The Ultimate Cost-Free Microgreens Marketing Strategy: How to Build Your Brand and Win Customers Without Paying for Ads Introduction One of the biggest challenges for new (and even experienced) microgreens growers is getting their product into people’s hands. With so many options available, how do you stand out? How do you build a client base
- [Why Financial Planning Is Essential for Microgreens Success (And How to Avoid the Profitability Trap)](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/05/20/why-financial-planning-is-essential-for-microgreens-success-and-how-to-avoid-the-profitability-trap/) - Why Financial Planning Is Essential for Microgreens Success (And How to Avoid the Profitability Trap) Financial Planning Overview It’s no secret that microgreens have developed a reputation for being a high-margin crop. A quick Google search or YouTube dive will tell you trays are selling for $25, $30, even $50. And while the numbers can
- [Are Microgreens Really Profitable? 15 Things You Need to Know Before Starting a Microgreens Business](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/05/20/are-microgreens-really-profitable-15-things-you-need-to-know-before-starting-a-microgreens-business/) - Are Microgreens Really Profitable? 15 Things You Need to Know Before Starting a Microgreens Business Introduction You've probably seen bold claims about making thousands of dollars a month growing microgreens. But let’s cut through the hype. The question we hear most often is: "Are microgreens profitable?" The honest answer? It depends. Profitability is not guaranteed
- [Designing Microgreens Workflow and Layout: Creating Flow, Minimizing Risk](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/05/19/designing-microgreens-workflow-and-layout-creating-flow-minimizing-risk/) - Designing a Microgreens Site Layout: Creating Flow, Minimizing Risk Introduction to Microgreens Workflow When setting up a microgreens production site, one of the most impactful — and often underappreciated — tasks is designing a site layout that supports efficient workflow and reduces the risk of contamination. Whether you're working in a greenhouse, warehouse, or backyard
- [Greenhouse Microgreens Production: Harnessing the Power of Sunlight](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/05/19/greenhouse-microgreens-production-harnessing-the-power-of-sunlight/) - Greenhouse Microgreens Production: Harnessing the Power of Sunlight Introduction Greenhouses occupy a unique and powerful middle ground between low-cost outdoor setups and high-investment warehouse systems. They combine the environmental control of indoor production with the natural benefits of sunlight, offering a high-performance space that can scale up or down depending on your needs and climate.
- [Warehouse Microgreens Production: Scaling Up for Commercial Volume](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/05/19/warehouse-microgreens-production-scaling-up-for-commercial-volume/) - Warehouse Microgreens Production: Scaling Up for Commercial Volume Introduction When demand grows beyond what a garage can handle, many growers consider moving into a commercial warehouse space. This is a major step — both in operational complexity and in cost. A warehouse can support hundreds of trays per week, but it also requires serious investment
- [Indoor Home Production: From Basements to Bedrooms to Living Rooms ](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/05/19/indoor-home-production-from-basements-to-bedrooms-to-living-rooms/) - Indoor Home Production: From Basements to Bedrooms to Living Rooms Introduction For many aspiring growers, the easiest place to begin producing microgreens is indoors at home — especially during colder seasons or in dense urban areas with limited outdoor space. Indoor home production can be as modest as a metal rack with a few lights
- [Choosing the Right Microgreens Growing Space for Your Operation: A Practical Introduction](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/05/19/choosing-your-microgreens-growing-space/) - Choosing the Right Microgreens Growing Space for Your Operation: A Practical Introduction Introduction to Microgreens Growing Spaces Starting a microgreens business comes with its fair share of excitement — quick crop cycles, low startup costs, and the ability to grow nutritious food in surprisingly small spaces. But as you dig into the nuts and bolts
- [Covered Benches: An Accessible, Expandable Outdoor Microgreens Growing Space](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/05/19/microgreens-growing-bench-an-accessible-expandable-outdoor-microgreens-growing-space/) - Covered Benches: An Accessible, Expandable Outdoor Microgreens Growing Space Introduction to Microgreens Growing Benches Microgreens growing benches are one of the simplest and most effective ways to begin producing microgreens, particularly in milder climates. They represent a low-barrier, semi-outdoor infrastructure option that provides a surprising amount of flexibility. Originally developed out of necessity for low-cost
- [Is a Microgreens Business Right For Me?](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/05/19/is-a-microgreens-business-right-for-me/) - Is a Microgreens Business Right For Me? Introduction Microgreens have exploded in popularity over the past decade, often touted as the perfect small business. High crop value, minimal space requirements, and fast turnaround times make them seem like a no-brainer for aspiring growers. But is that glossy surface hiding a less glamorous reality? While the
- [Microgreens as a Side Hustle: Fun Gig or Future Regret?](https://urbanmicro.ca/2025/05/19/microgreens-as-a-side-hustle-fun-gig-or-future-regret/) - Introduction “Side hustle” — it’s a phrase that’s been pitched at us from every corner of the internet. Whether it's flipping sneakers, selling print-on-demand mugs, or renting out your car to strangers, everyone’s looking for a way to make a few extra bucks without quitting their day job. Into that hustle-hungry void walks the humble
- [Calculating Your Crop Needs](https://urbanmicro.ca/2021/08/23/calculating-your-crop-needs/) - So after that detailed intro to the principles of microgreens crop planning, let's now see how this works to calculate your crop needs. Now, here we'll take another quick step back to remind you why crop planning is so important. In short, the goal of crop planning is twofold: To ensure you have enough crop
- [Principles of Microgreens Crop Planning](https://urbanmicro.ca/2021/08/13/principles-of-microgreens-crop-planning/) - Let's look at some important principles of crop planning to help set a strong foundation for us to work with in coming tutorials and blog posts While I will assume you know enough about microgreens production to even be considering looking at crop planning, let's start with an overview of the growing process: Let's assume
- [Microgreens Crop Planning Tips](https://urbanmicro.ca/2021/07/28/microgreens-crop-planning-tips/) - Welcome to the microgreens crop planning blog! Microgreens crop planning, you say? Is that really needed? Well, to each their own. But, in general, as you scale up your microgreens operation crop planning becomes important for managing your crop production relative to orders as well as for developing financial forecasts. But crop planning is valuable
- [Reducing Soil N20 Emissions in Canadian Agricultural Soils](https://urbanmicro.ca/2019/12/09/reducing-soil-n20-emissions/) - Canada has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 30% below 2005 level by 2030. In 2017, Canada's GHG emissions, in CO2 equivalents (CO2e) were 716 Mt - just 2% lower than 2005 emissions. Agriculture represented 8.4% (60 Mt CO2e) of Canada GHG emissions in 2017, 42% (25 Mt CO2e) of which was
- [Thoughts on Transcription](https://urbanmicro.ca/2018/06/16/thoughts-on-transcription/) - One piece of advice I have received a number of times is to hire someone to do my interview transcriptions for me. However, this has never felt quite right for a couple of reasons: These are personal conversations and I don't feel comfortable sharing them with just anyone - in terms of what is shared
- [Features of Interest in the BC Seed System](https://urbanmicro.ca/2018/05/09/features-of-interest-in-the-bc-seed-system/) - Features of Interest in the BC Seed System Why is BC seed of interest? What follows are features of interest of seed production and community engagement in BC - items I can draw upon and build on in my research. Focus on vegetable seed While Canada is a major exporter of cereal and legume
- [The Stories of Seed in BC](https://urbanmicro.ca/2018/05/06/the-stories-of-seed-in-bc/) - May 2018 While reading through a textbook on qualitative research recently (Patton, 2015), I came across a relatively benign-looking text box. My current reading subject was resilience, which is why this text box stood out. It was titled, Family Stories Support Resiliency. While it was “resiliency” that first caught my eye, it was “Family” that
- [Spending time with the data](https://urbanmicro.ca/2018/02/04/spending-time-with-the-data/) - I recently noticed I spend a lot of time with my data. I sometimes think it's a type of procrastination. As I review focus group notes and interview notes and document review notes I find myself exploring and writing about the process and sometimes feel like it is a strategy which delays progress in my
- [Interdisciplinarity - choosing which discipline to grow](https://urbanmicro.ca/2018/01/21/interdisciplinarity-choosing-which-discipline-to-grow/) - Interdisciplinarity is the combination of two or more scientific disciplines for the sake of joint research. While it can pose many challenges, it also presents opportunities - the most important thing I feel it offers is the use of multiple lenses, simultaneously and in an integrated way, to view a topic of research. This is
- [Interdisciplinarity - choosing which discipline to grow](https://urbanmicro.ca/2018/01/21/interdisciplinarity-choosing-which-discipline-to-grow/) - Interdisciplinarity is the combination of two or more scientific disciplines for the sake of joint research. While it can pose many challenges, it also presents opportunities - the most important thing I feel it offers is the use of multiple lenses, simultaneously and in an integrated way, to view a topic of research. This is
- [Continuing with Sustainability](https://urbanmicro.ca/2018/01/09/continuing-with-sustainability/) - In my first blog post I talked about a number of topics including how to define sustainability. And thanks to the holidays I was able to clear a bit of head space to think a bit more about this post. The reason for defining sustainability, or the spectrum of sustainability, is so you can be
- [Continuing with Sustainability](https://urbanmicro.ca/2018/01/09/continuing-with-sustainability-2/) - In my first blog post I talked about a number of topics including how to define sustainability. And thanks to the holidays I was able to clear a bit of head space to think a bit more about this post. The reason for defining sustainability, or the spectrum of sustainability, is so you can be
- [Empathy in Research: thinking along a spectrum to aid in understanding the complexity of agricultural sustainability](https://urbanmicro.ca/2017/12/20/spectrum-thinking-and-empathy/) - Introduction In my work in the field of agriculture I have found it useful to draw from other disciplines to help guide my work. Where I draw from often is the realm of what I call self-investigation. In short, by getting to better know myself I find I am better able to understand others
- [More Diet Babbling, Travel Diet Kit, and Technique](https://urbanmicro.ca/2015/09/19/more-diet-babbling-travel-diet-kit-and-technique/) - Yup, it’s official. I’m that guy who can’t stop talking about his diet and all the benefits it brings and how much it has changed my life. Damn. I’m about to start doing it again here as well! Pretty soon I’ll be telling people about the power of positive thought…egad! Today’s insight comes as I
- [Seymour Run and Ketosis and Feast of Fields](https://urbanmicro.ca/2015/09/13/seymour-run-and-ketosis-and-feast-of-fields/) - So after pretty good results at both the Whistler and Seymour 5 Peaks races I can definitely see the benefits of the Ketogenic diet. I had lots of energy for both races and had no difficulty with recovery whatsoever. In fact, I was ready for another run after my Seymour Race yesterday! Though the week
- [Sodium, Coffee, and the Next Race](https://urbanmicro.ca/2015/09/08/sodium-coffee-and-the-next-race/) - This blog looks like it may contain a lot of info! But lets see how far we get. I'm not sure where to start, which may soon make sense, so let's start with sodium. I have talked a little about sodium already, In short, when in Ketosis the body expels extra water and takes sodium
- [An Almost Intentional Experiment](https://urbanmicro.ca/2015/08/30/an-almost-intentional-experiment/) - Transitioning into Ketosis was a process that requires a lot of attention and effort as well as time. This meant be very mindful with every meal and often saying to people, "Sorry, I can't eat that." A very perplexing thing for friends who have seen me eat "that" many times! One of the questions I
- [An Almost Intentional Experiment](https://urbanmicro.ca/2015/08/30/an-almost-intentional-experiment-2/) - Transitioning into Ketosis was a process that requires a lot of attention and effort as well as time. This meant be very mindful with every meal and often saying to people, "Sorry, I can't eat that." A very perplexing thing for friends who have seen me eat "that" many times! One of the questions I
- [The Whistler Result](https://urbanmicro.ca/2015/08/30/the-whistler-result/) - An interesting thing about experimentation is trying to understand all the different factors at play when trying to determine what the fuck is going on. So today had a lot of factors, but I'll get to those. The basic experiment here is: Can I perform just as well in Ketosis as I do in Glycolysis.
- [The Whistler Result](https://urbanmicro.ca/2015/08/30/the-whistler-result-2/) - An interesting thing about experimentation is trying to understand all the different factors at play when trying to determine what the fuck is going on. So today had a lot of factors, but I'll get to those. The basic experiment here is: Can I perform just as well in Ketosis as I do in Glycolysis.
- [The Whistler Situation](https://urbanmicro.ca/2015/08/29/the-whistler-situation/) - Ok, maybe it;s a bit dramatic to call it a situation, but...it's raining. Now rain is often a good thing for a race, except for two things in this case: Rain could be snow in the alpine I don't like wet feet Yup, drives me nuts to have wet feet. I think I'll cope, but
- [Ready for Whistler?](https://urbanmicro.ca/2015/08/27/ready-for-whistler/) - So after 4 weeks on the Ketogenic diet, the question is: "Am I ready for Whistler?". O Saturday I race the 5 Peaks race at Whistler - a 6.6 km with a good amount of climbing and a huge descent to finish. Whistler is actually the first trail race I did last year so this
- [Approaching Keto-Adaptation](https://urbanmicro.ca/2015/08/17/approaching-keto-adaptation/) - Every day my brain asks me, "Chris, when the fuck are we going to eat some pasta?" And I say to my brain, "Sorry, brain, we're not eating pasta for a while." And my brain replies, "You're a jerk." Such is my life at the moment. But in reality #lifeafterpasta isn't so bad. Because there
- [Firsts and Other Things](https://urbanmicro.ca/2015/08/12/firsts-and-other-things/) - So I am 8 days into low carbs today and have been thinking that this is the longest I have gone without pasta in a very very long time - perhaps my whole life. In fact, I'm pretty sure when I was born the doctor looked at me and said, "Is that a piece of
- [Firsts and Other Things](https://urbanmicro.ca/2015/08/12/firsts-and-other-things-2/) - So I am 8 days into low carbs today and have been thinking that this is the longest I have gone without pasta in a very very long time - perhaps my whole life. In fact, I'm pretty sure when I was born the doctor looked at me and said, "Is that a piece of
- [In Ketosis](https://urbanmicro.ca/2015/08/09/in-ketosis/) - Well, I have never been much of a diet person. I eat what I eat and that is that. My diet is generally high carb to fuel an active lifestyle. Of course, fat is also a fuel but only accessible once glycogen stores are all used up. Once you are burning fat instead of glycogen
- [In Ketosis](https://urbanmicro.ca/2015/08/09/in-ketosis-2/) - Well, I have never been much of a diet person. I eat what I eat and that is that. My diet is generally high carb to fuel an active lifestyle. Of course, fat is also a fuel but only accessible once glycogen stores are all used up. Once you are burning fat instead of glycogen
- [Intro and Cutting Carbs](https://urbanmicro.ca/2015/08/08/intro-and-cutting-carbs/) - Ok, so maybe I will and maybe I won't be able to keep this blog going. What's it to you? Whatever I get down here will be enough. I am exploring a low-carb (ketogenic diet) to see how it effects my energy level and helps me reduce weight. I currently sit at about 190 lbs
- [Terra Madre Bad Blogger](https://urbanmicro.ca/2012/10/29/terra-madre-bad-blogger/) - Ok, I admit it. While I think blogging is a great idea it sure is hard to keep it up! I've been so engulfed in just being here it's been hard to find time at the computer. So how do I possible sum up the last 3 days. How about: overwhelming; awesome; gastronomical! Not gonna
- [First day in Turin](https://urbanmicro.ca/2012/10/26/first-day-in-turin/) - Well, our first day in Turin was a good one. And long. After a very late first night many of our delegation slept in and missed the early (too early) bus heading to the venue. But splitting a cab between several of us was not costly at all. Once we are at the Terra Madre
- [Getting settled in Turin](https://urbanmicro.ca/2012/10/25/getting-settled-in-turin/) - Alright, I am half way through my first day at Terra Madre/ Salone del Gusto and already I am exhausted. Upon arriving in Turin after 18 hours or so of continuous transport I was picked up at the airport and taken right to the event venue. There I met up with many other Canadian delegates
- [Getting settled in Turin](https://urbanmicro.ca/2012/10/25/getting-settled-in-turin-2/) - Alright, I am half way through my first day at Terra Madre/ Salone del Gusto and already I am exhausted. Upon arriving in Turin after 18 hours or so of continuous transport I was picked up at the airport and taken right to the event venue. There I met up with many other Canadian delegates
- [Resisting Jet Lag](https://urbanmicro.ca/2012/10/22/resisting-jet-lag/) - Well, I love to travel overseas - but I get some pretty mean jet lag going east over the pond. So I've had to come up with good strategy to ward it off as I will be going direct to Terra Madre from the airport when I arrive. So - when we are going to
- [Resisting Jet Lag](https://urbanmicro.ca/2012/10/22/resisting-jet-lag-2/) - Well, I love to travel overseas - but I get some pretty mean jet lag going east over the pond. So I've had to come up with good strategy to ward it off as I will be going direct to Terra Madre from the airport when I arrive. So - when we are going to
- [Heading off to Turin via Seattle](https://urbanmicro.ca/2012/10/22/heading-off-to-turin-via-seattle/) - Well, I am off to Terra Madre 2012 in Turin, Italy. Via Seattle that is. Terra Madre is Slow Food International's biannual celebration of all things food. I am attending the event as part of a delegation of close to 60 participants coming from Canada including a dozen of us coming from BC. It is
- [Heading off to Turin via Seattle](https://urbanmicro.ca/2012/10/22/heading-off-to-turin-via-seattle-2/) - Well, I am off to Terra Madre 2012 in Turin, Italy. Via Seattle that is. Terra Madre is Slow Food International's biannual celebration of all things food. I am attending the event as part of a delegation of close to 60 participants coming from Canada including a dozen of us coming from BC. It is
- [6 more days until sprout season](https://urbanmicro.ca/2011/04/20/6-more-days-until-sprout-season/) - Sprout season is just around the corner! I just finished interviewing 8 potential apprentices and will be making my decision today. Not an easy task picking from a group of very enthusiastic candidates - but I think I have made a decision... The site is looking great and I can't wait to get rolling on
- [Setting up for 2011](https://urbanmicro.ca/2011/04/11/setting-up-for-2011/) - So I started prepping the sprout site for the season. I'll have a few changes this year, but nothing too drastic. Today I rebuilt the prep table and built a permanent cover over it. This will make it easier to maintain and much easier to work in adverse weather. Additional cover will still need to
- [Site Secure for Another Year](https://urbanmicro.ca/2011/03/23/site-secure-for-another-year/) - Well I have really neglected this blog! But I am happy to say that I have now secured my sunflower sprout site for another season which is a nice relief. And a bonus on top of that is even though I offered, I will not be charged any rent for the season. That makes me
- [Urban Farming Connections](https://urbanmicro.ca/2011/03/23/urban-farming-connections/) - So last week I sent an update about this project to Toronto Urban Growers which has turned out to be a very good idea! We were made aware of a grant that we applied for and have had a number of inquiries, including from Joe Nasr who has done a lot of UA work in
- [Urban Farming Forum](https://urbanmicro.ca/2011/03/16/urban-farming-forum/) - We met with some city planners yesterday to talk about about city policy and how it affects urban farmers and what needs to happen to change that policy. The two main things we discussed were finding policy precedents and reporting about them back to the city and holding a public forum on urban farming with
- [Urban Farming and Food Policy Council](https://urbanmicro.ca/2011/03/14/urban-farming-and-food-policy-council/) - I know. I'm a bad blogger. Respect to you who do this daily. Though hopefully you get some people time in there, too. Lots has happened (not all work), so no time to write it seems. The UFN is now an official external working group of the Food Policy Council. So that means much of
- [Urban farming, of course.](https://urbanmicro.ca/2011/02/16/urban-farming-of-course/) - So I need to reflect on the Jan 30 meeting a bit to process what was achieved. The Hopes and Fears exercise really demonstrated people'e desire to work together. This will be important in determining the success of the network. It also demonstrated the fear of the network not being able to follow through -
- [Urban Farming Chugs Along in Vancouver - Second Urban Farmer Meeting](https://urbanmicro.ca/2011/02/14/urban-farming-chugs-along-in-vancouver-second-urban-farmer-meeting/) - So on January 30 we had our second urban farmer meeting in an effort to develop an urban farming network. This meeting was meant to act as a chance to more clearly define our shared goals and visions. It was attended by about 25 urban farmers on a cold but sunny Sunday afternoon. The meeting
- [Urban Farming Subsidies](https://urbanmicro.ca/2011/01/30/urban-farming-subsidies/) - I have been thinking a bit about subsidies lately. I kind of like them. Especially for small growers. I was thinking that we need to be careful about how we talk about subsidies. We often have a negative take on them, especially when contrasting local food with imported food. "Imported food comes from large subsidized
- [Will Allen and Urban Farming in Vancouver!](https://urbanmicro.ca/2011/01/28/will-allen-and-urban-farming-in-vancouver/) - What a brilliant two days for urban farming in Vancouver! Will Allen has been in town for the past two days and it has been a great time! Last night we had an intimate Q and A with him and about 30-40 urban farmers at Chapel Arts. He actually asked all of us to introduce
- [Next Urban Farmer Meeting Coming Soon!](https://urbanmicro.ca/2011/01/26/next-urban-farmer-meeting-coming-soon/) - This Sunday (Jan, 30, 2011) is our next scheduled urban farmer meeting. I am excited and also nervous about how it will go! we have about 17 people RSVP'd so far and hope for a few more in the next couple days. This is actually an exciting week for urban farming in Vancouver with Will
- [Urban Farming in 2011](https://urbanmicro.ca/2011/01/26/urban-farming-in-2011/) - It's so hard to get back in gear after the holidays! But lot's is going on so I should try and keep up on the blog! On Thursday, Wes and I and Shirley (BOB CEO) met with Vancity to discuss how they can help move the development of an urban farming network forward. It was
- [Urban Farming in 2011](https://urbanmicro.ca/2011/01/26/urban-farming-in-2011/) - It's so hard to get back in gear after the holidays! But lot's is going on so I should try and keep up on the blog! On Thursday, Wes and I and Shirley (BOB CEO) met with Vancity to discuss how they can help move the development of an urban farming network forward. It was
- [Preparing for urban farming working groups](https://urbanmicro.ca/2010/12/22/preparing-for-urban-farming-working-groups/) - Well, we met with a facilitator today to start structuring the working groups and how to carry forward. It was good to have a little structure suggested to keep us on track. So now we are going to come up with a one page mission document so as to guide our process and develop a
- [Urban Farmer Meeting Summary](https://urbanmicro.ca/2010/12/21/urban-farmer-meeting-summary/) - So nearly a month after the urban farmer meeting we are ready to release the summary document and project introduction. I have pasted the Executive Summary here with a link to the full pdf below: Advancing Urban Farming in Vancouver Executive Summary As Canadians become more and more aware of the effects of modern industrial
- [Second Urban farmer Meeting (a wee bit smaller than the first one)](https://urbanmicro.ca/2010/12/17/second-urban-farmer-meeting-a-wee-bit-smaller-than-the-first-one/) - Well today we had another urban farmer meeting - this one a bit smaller, but still a good time! Although this one was on very short notice, we still had 12 people turn out. And three of those people were new to the group - including another urban farm: City Farm Girls. The idea of
- [Slowing down for holidays](https://urbanmicro.ca/2010/12/14/slowing-down-for-holidays/) - Well, things are still moving, but definitely slowing down for the holidays. We are going to have a brainstorming session this Thursday to start developing ideas for the working groups in January. This will help get me out of my head a bit and start creating a more solid vision for carrying forward. It looks
- [Successful Urban Farmer Meeting!  Phew...](https://urbanmicro.ca/2010/12/02/successful-urban-farmer-meeting-phew/) - So the November 22 urban Farmer meeting was a smashing success! My apologies that I have not written about it sooner. It's been a very busy time. 50 people were confirmed for the meeting and we only had 4 no shows. The energy for the evening was great and I we managed to stay fairly
- [Urban Farming Meeting Imminent](https://urbanmicro.ca/2010/11/18/urban-farming-meeting-imminent/) - Well, our first urban farming meeting is taking place this Monday, Nov. 22. The response has been great with 48 people confirming their attendance. It's actually a little more than we have room for, but its hard to complain about success! The interest in this meeting is encouraging as an indicator for the future of
- [Successful Planning Meeting](https://urbanmicro.ca/2010/11/04/successful-plannin-meeting/) - We had a good planning meeting on Monday to prepare for the meeting on the 22nd. There were 8 people in attendance which is a manageable number. The general feedback on the event was positive and it seems that so far we are fairly organized and on top of things. One of the challenges right
- [Urban Farming To Do list](https://urbanmicro.ca/2010/11/03/urban-farming-to-do-list/) - I needed to write this somewhere! - Compile list of urban farmers/urban food producers for profit - Compile list of 'questions' for flip charts at urban farmer meeting - Write bog about planning meeting! - Get letters of support for grant. - Get more sleep - poster idea for urban farmers Does anyone else use
- [Making a Living by Urban Farming](https://urbanmicro.ca/2010/10/29/making-a-living-by-urban-farming/) - As I started this project, one of my goals was to explore urban farming as a way of making a viable living in the city. While viable means different things to different people, I would say it means generating enough income to significantly contribute to one's regular expenses, if not cover most of them. Not
- [Urban Farming Shmooser](https://urbanmicro.ca/2010/10/28/urban-farming-shmooser/) - Well, I have been a busy body in the last while, meeting with all sorts of people and talking about urban farming. So, what has happened: It looks like I have secured some funding for the urban farming working groups, though the exact amount is not yet determined. I am hoping to generate more donations
- [First Urban Farming Meeting Scheduled!](https://urbanmicro.ca/2010/10/24/first-urban-farming-meeting-scheduled/) - Well, our potential urban farming network meeting is off and running. We are scheduled for November 22nd - the first, of hopefully many, urban farmer get togethers. The past few weeks have been intense. Besides reading and research, I have been meeting with lots of folks interested in urban farming. I realized (and maybe I
- [Urban Agriculture Office in new US Senate Bill: Greening Food Deserts Act](https://urbanmicro.ca/2010/10/21/urban-agriculture-office-in-new-us-senate-bill-greening-food-deserts-act/) - This is some encouraging news in the US, which contrary to the perceptions of most Canadians, is usually much more progressive on sustainability issues then us conservatives here in Canada. Obviously good for urban farming as well as community gardens and peri-urban farmers. Points from the Bill (http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h111-4971): To increase the emphasis on urban agricultural
- [Organizational Planning for Urban Farming Network](https://urbanmicro.ca/2010/10/16/organizational-planning-urban-farming-network/) - I think that many of the key challenges around building a successful urban farming movement/network have an organizational basis. One likely key to the success of urban farming is in developing and maintaining a cohesive organization to maintain relationships between farmers while simultaneously building opportunities for farmers and advancing the image of urban farming as
- [Organizational Planning for Urban Farming Network](https://urbanmicro.ca/2010/10/16/organizational-planning-urban-farming-network-2/) - I think that many of the key challenges around building a successful urban farming movement/network have an organizational basis. One likely key to the success of urban farming is in developing and maintaining a cohesive organization to maintain relationships between farmers while simultaneously building opportunities for farmers and advancing the image of urban farming as
- [Defining Urban Farming](https://urbanmicro.ca/2010/10/15/defining-urban-farming/) - In order to ensure I stay on task I am going to develop a working definition of urban farming so as to track how my perspective on urban farming changes and evolves. Accompanying the definition will be essential components of urban farming that should be considered as important aspects of the definition, though not within
- [Defining Urban Farming](https://urbanmicro.ca/2010/10/15/defining-urban-farming-2/) - In order to ensure I stay on task I am going to develop a working definition of urban farming so as to track how my perspective on urban farming changes and evolves. Accompanying the definition will be essential components of urban farming that should be considered as important aspects of the definition, though not within
- [Can't keep up](https://urbanmicro.ca/2010/10/12/cant-keep-up/) - I have so much information and so many ideas going through my head right now about what is happening in the world of urban ag. that I can't keep up. Let's try to get some of them out here... 1. There is a good amount of literature coming around on urban ag., but much of
- [Can't keep up](https://urbanmicro.ca/2010/10/12/cant-keep-up-2/) - I have so much information and so many ideas going through my head right now about what is happening in the world of urban ag. that I can't keep up. Let's try to get some of them out here... 1. There is a good amount of literature coming around on urban ag., but much of
- [More Land Thoughts](https://urbanmicro.ca/2010/09/29/more-land-thoughts/) - After writing my last post I realized I was already trapped in the "give me give me give me" mind set and was neglecting what it is that urban arming can offer in return. Realistically, for everything that urban farmers ask for they need to be able to give something in return. So when it
- [More Land Thoughts](https://urbanmicro.ca/2010/09/29/more-land-thoughts/) - After writing my last post I realized I was already trapped in the "give me give me give me" mind set and was neglecting what it is that urban arming can offer in return. Realistically, for everything that urban farmers ask for they need to be able to give something in return. So when it
- [First Brainstorm](https://urbanmicro.ca/2010/09/28/first-brainstorm/) - As I look into the future working groups that this project aims to facilitate I keep getting ideas and thoughts that I need to get written down before I lose them. Which really is the whole point of this blog. I have lately been thinking about working group topics related to urban farming - what
- [Reading and Research](https://urbanmicro.ca/2010/09/27/reading-and-research/) - Well, I am off and running with some research already. One of my focuses right now is finding literature on urban farming as a business. Found a few good academic papers as well as some urban farmer websites. I am hoping to be able to contact other urban farmers and get an idea of their
- [Bad weather, but decent sprouts](https://urbanmicro.ca/2010/05/28/bad-weather-but-decent-sprouts/) - Well, the weather is still crap, but with the heating cables the sprouts are still doing decently. They are still only about 70% of what their potential is, but I have planted extra trays to make up for it. I thought I would post a picture of the new sprout site, to show its urban
- [Weather Sucks](https://urbanmicro.ca/2010/05/24/weather-sucks/) - Well, the weather really sucks right now for growing sprouts so I have been utilizing heat cables as a supplement. They work very well and really improve growth. Depending on the day temperature I either leave them on just at night or all day and night. They have definitely helped salvage a few batches! As
- [Back to the Blog](https://urbanmicro.ca/2010/05/23/back-to-the-blog/) - Well, I have been a very naughty blogger (insert spanking joke here), so I am going to try and give an update to bring ya'll up to speed. After a difficult search for land I finally found a spot about 5 minutes from my house. The location is perfect for sprouts - good sun, fenced
- [Reviving the Yellow Bucket Project - kind of...](https://urbanmicro.ca/2010/01/11/reviving-the-yellow-bucket-project-kind-of/) - Well, after a long hiatus I am back on track for composting my waste. My original idea was a mobile composting toilet, but it was just too challenging to keep up with. I had to carry around this bucket at school and then take it to the bathroom with me every time. It was just
- [On the lookout for land!](https://urbanmicro.ca/2009/11/14/on-the-lookout-for-land/) - Well, after a very successful season I am pretty much fully wrapped up now. I should have my production manual finished within the next 2 months and will soon start doing seed trials for next season as I am considering trying to get my production Certified Organic. There may be a few challenges since I
- [improved machete shot](https://urbanmicro.ca/2009/11/08/improved-machete-shot/) - Thought I would post, for redemption's sake, some new and improved videos of the machete harvest. One is a close up of the cut and the other is a longer version of a series of cuts to give you an idea how the harvest operates: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBh93BEtU34] [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kggRr9hGthY]
- [improved machete shot](https://urbanmicro.ca/2009/11/08/improved-machete-shot-2/) - Thought I would post, for redemption's sake, some new and improved videos of the machete harvest. One is a close up of the cut and the other is a longer version of a series of cuts to give you an idea how the harvest operates: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBh93BEtU34] [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kggRr9hGthY]
- [Deconstruction](https://urbanmicro.ca/2009/10/21/deconstruction/) - Well, I have started taking apart the sprouting system to store it for the winter. It was the first time I had been out to the set up in a fgew weeks and it felt pretty strange to not be growing sprouts! As promised I have a video for you of me on my bike
- [Deconstruction](https://urbanmicro.ca/2009/10/21/deconstruction-2/) - Well, I have started taking apart the sprouting system to store it for the winter. It was the first time I had been out to the set up in a fgew weeks and it felt pretty strange to not be growing sprouts! As promised I have a video for you of me on my bike
- [A week without sprouts](https://urbanmicro.ca/2009/09/30/a-week-without-sprouts/) - Well, the sprout season is over and the downtime is nice. But I am already looking ahead to next season. My biggest challenge will be finding a piece of suitable land in the city for production. I do have a few leads but still have some looking to do. I will also be making a
- [All done!](https://urbanmicro.ca/2009/09/28/all-done/) - Well, that's it. The season is now over! 2500 bags of sprouts later! I am now about to get into writing about the project. It feels good to be done, but I am already thinking about next year. I am still hoping to get a mechanical sprout harvester designed and built (though this is becoming
- [The dreaded manual](https://urbanmicro.ca/2009/08/09/the-dreaded-manual/) - Well, now that production is mostly under control it is timeto start writing the production manual for small-scale and urban sunflower sprout production. This will be quite a project and wil include an annotated version of the Code of Practice for the Hygienic Production of Sprouts (CFIA document) and all documents referenced therein; a step-by-step
- [Onward and Upward](https://urbanmicro.ca/2009/08/02/368/) - And on we go still. Just did the Saturday market today after doing the Friday harvest by myself for the first time. It took two of us six hours to do the harvest and it took me seven on my own. Go figure. However, I find it was easier to keep the harevst area cleaner
- [Yikes, it's hot!](https://urbanmicro.ca/2009/07/31/yikes-its-hot/) - I wish I had the time to update this blog mroe regularly, but the sprouts take a lot of time. Let's go over a few glitches we have come up against and worked out. As a start we are still having great success with the machete as a harvesting tool. We have also refined our
- [More Success](https://urbanmicro.ca/2009/06/29/more-success/) - Well, the past few 2weeks has been a wild ride! I shift between being elated and overwhelmed with anxiety. The sprouts have been selling well at the market. I do 2 markets each week - Wednesday and Saturday. The Wednesday market has been inconsistent so it is hard to determine production levels for that market.
- [More Success](https://urbanmicro.ca/2009/06/29/more-success-2/) - Well, the past few 2weeks has been a wild ride! I shift between being elated and overwhelmed with anxiety. The sprouts have been selling well at the market. I do 2 markets each week - Wednesday and Saturday. The Wednesday market has been inconsistent so it is hard to determine production levels for that market.
- [Off to the Market...](https://urbanmicro.ca/2009/06/11/off-to-the-market/) - I feel bad that I have not been keeping this blog too up to date, but here we are again! I have now done my first two markets. The first one was on Saturday and I sold out before the market was over. The second was on Wednesday and did not go as well. It
- [Success and Catastrophe!](https://urbanmicro.ca/2009/05/26/success-and-catastrophe/) - Well, we are now rolling with the sprouts! I did my first harvest on Friday (May 22) and harvested much more than I expected. 12 trays gave me 78 bags!, which is 6.5 bags per tray - much more than the 4 I predicted. I sold 36 bags to local retailers and a few to
- [Almost Soil!](https://urbanmicro.ca/2009/05/21/almost-soil/) - Well, due to the overwhelming attention required of the sunflower project, I have to admit the no-till project is getting a bit neglected. But it is still proceeding nonetheless. But it is still going without me. I pulled off part of the tarp to take a look at the soil yesterday and most of the
- [Just a few glitches](https://urbanmicro.ca/2009/05/21/just-a-few-glitches/) - Well, after a few test runs, which are still running, the system seems to be holding up pretty well. But there are a few glitches still - mostly in process, but a few infrastructure problems as well. As I am preparing the batches I am noticing little sources of potential contamination. For example, the buckets
- [First Batch Started!](https://urbanmicro.ca/2009/05/18/first-batch-started/) - And we're off. I have started my first batch of sprouts so we are officially in production. I did only 13 trays to start off with which I am going to sell in front of my house this Saturday. I will also approach some grocers to see about regular sales to them as well. I
- [Ready to go](https://urbanmicro.ca/2009/05/10/ready-to-go/) - Well, I have officially have one bench all ready to go. Now I just need to find someone to sell sprouts to. The first market is not until June 6 so I would like to do a few test runs before then. Perhaps to a few supermarkets or restaurants and SPUD. Here is a picture
- [building benches](https://urbanmicro.ca/2009/05/05/building-benches/) - Well, after a reinvigorating week in Mexico, (cough, cough) I am back at it! Today I started with bench assembly. My friend Dale, who will be helping me with production was helping me build benches today. Before starting bench assembly we covered the sprouting area with bark mulch. The mulch was free (left over from
- [irrigation is in...](https://urbanmicro.ca/2009/04/20/irrigation-is-in/) - Well, The irrigation line to the sunflower and no-till area wen tin last week. I spent a day on a machine digging trenches and then had the Farm apprentices to help with the installation and filling of the trenches. Here is the water line leading to where the sprout harvest table will be: So I
- [Market Dates Established](https://urbanmicro.ca/2009/04/17/market-dates-established/) - I got my market dates confirmed yesterday and I will be doing at least 35 markets this year. I think I can! I think I can! I think I can! I had budgeted 40, but 35 is OK - and I will not have full production for all of them as I wil sometimes to
- [Here Comes the Seeds, doo doo doo doo](https://urbanmicro.ca/2009/04/15/here-comes-the-seeds-doo-doo-doo-doo/) - Today, the first batch of seed arrived!! It was a bit crazy receiving these big bags of seeds today. I guess I really am committed to this project! I have not yet established a good storage space at the farm so the seeds are currently being stored in a second floor closet at home: I
- [Reflections](https://urbanmicro.ca/2009/04/15/reflections/) - I am currently running two personal projects at UBC Farm. The main one is developing a model for urban sunflower sprout production under the direction of Brent Skura; the other is the development of a permanent "no-till" field at the farm. It is the no-till project that is the focus of my CSL, which has
- [Building Benches and Clearing Land](https://urbanmicro.ca/2009/04/12/building-benches-and-clearing-land/) - Well, I started building my benches this week, and the sprout area has been mostly cleared of blackberries but it looks like i will still have to do some by hand. When the tractor was in clearing the brush a salmon berry stem punctured the radiator!! For the benches I have just built the bench
- [Next Trials](https://urbanmicro.ca/2009/04/06/next-trials/) - Well, after a relatively successful first trial I am happy to say that I can now demonstrate how not to do a trial! It's not that bad, but because I am so busy it is hard to be as precise with details. These trials are looking at different growing mediums - mixes of sand and
- [Bring on the Seeds](https://urbanmicro.ca/2009/04/01/bring-on-the-seeds/) - So I mentioned briefly I my last post that I bought my seeds. I purchased 15 bags @ $90 (US) each, so now I am definitely committed to this project! Based on my greenhouse growing trials I really had no choice - these seeds just performed too well! So that should be enough seeds for
- [irrigation](https://urbanmicro.ca/2009/04/01/irrigation/) - So this is my first post that will be included in two of my blogs. Big whoopty doo. I touched base with Tim Carter at UBC Farm today about preparing the site for the sunflower sprout project and the no-till project. I let him know I had purchased my seeds - oh, did I mention
- [The choice is made](https://urbanmicro.ca/2009/03/29/the-choice-is-made/) - So, I will be using the black oil seeds after all! Funny how things go. I was so reluctant to use them in the beginning, but they just performed too well! Their biomass/grams of seed was three times that of the confection variety and they were very consistent in all measurements related to the confection
- [Some urine stuff](https://urbanmicro.ca/2009/03/28/some-urine-stuff/) - Ok, well, my yellow bucket has been sitting in my locker at school for about 5 weeks now. I have not been using it that much lately as I am quite busy and a bit disorganized these days. The bucket contains a mix of urine, of course, as well as saw dust and bokashi (selected
- [Slowly but surely](https://urbanmicro.ca/2009/03/27/slowly-but-surely/) - Well, things are moving along, but as they do in the no-till world, they are moving slowly. But a few things are happening. First, in the larger area I have finished all my soil sampling and processed some of the data. I don't have the results handy right now, but it looks like high OM,
- [Moving Right Along](https://urbanmicro.ca/2009/03/25/moving-right-along/) - Well, one day you are growing sprouts and the next day you are measuring them in a laboratory! Day , Monday ended up being measurement day because the sprouts had been growing so well that they had already reached the size they would be outside. In fact, by day 9 they had already become tall
- [Day 6 Whoa!](https://urbanmicro.ca/2009/03/22/day-6-whoa/) - So today is Saturday and I thought I should check on the sprouts even though I wasn't really planning on going to campus. They made a such huge growth in the last 24 hours it was almost unbelievable. Sprouts were sticking out the side of the trays; the trays were sliding off the top of
- [Day 5 Sprouts](https://urbanmicro.ca/2009/03/21/day-5-sprouts/) - Well, things are still looking good besides the mess the rats leave behind! The sprouts are now starting to push up on their covering trays so by Monday we should really be able to see where things are at. I can see with some of the higher density plantings that some of the seeds are
- [And Day Four](https://urbanmicro.ca/2009/03/20/and-day-four/) - Well, day four has been reassuring as the sprouts are growing very well, but the rodents were back! I will be really curious to see how production is at the different seed planting densities, especially taking into account the different germination rates for the two seed types. The black oil germed at close to 100%,
- [One Week of Plastic Mulch](https://urbanmicro.ca/2009/03/20/one-week-of-plastic-mulch/) - Well, I took a peek under the plastic of the no-till area. Nothing too exciting, and I wasn't expecting too much change. The weather has been quite cold, which is a definite factor. I will have to run this trial again in the summer somewhere to see how the heat changes things. When I took
- [Trials Day Three](https://urbanmicro.ca/2009/03/18/trials-day-three/) - So technically, day one is the day I soak the seeds, day two is the day I 'sow' the seeds, and day three is, well, the next day after that. The sprout grown on an eleven day cycle. I was a bit nervous about these trials as I can usually see signs of germiantion after
- [Sprout trials begin](https://urbanmicro.ca/2009/03/18/sprout-trials-begin/) - And off we go. I started sprout trials in the horticulture greenhouse at UBC yesterday. Last night I prepared trays of growing medium and soaked seeds to be planted this morning. Everything went according to plan! I have posted three videos and a picture below detailing some of the work I did yesterday and today.
- [Moving along](https://urbanmicro.ca/2009/03/16/moving-along/) - Well, things are moving along quite nicely now. I applied the synthetic mulch to the smaller area and now just have to play the waiting game. The videos below will provide a much better summary then I could ever hope to write at this time of night: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbKJyPg15h8] [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iApHoWFcvAs]
- [...but still at it](https://urbanmicro.ca/2009/03/12/but-still-at-it/) - Well, stressed out or not, on the project continues. I met with Professor Andrew Riseman today to discuss my proposal to do some sprouting trials in the greenhouse at UBC. I want to learn more about planting density, soil type and depth, and other growing criteria about the sprouts, so I will do a bunch
- [stressed out](https://urbanmicro.ca/2009/03/11/stressed-out/) - Well, as much as I love this project and am dedicated to it, I am seriously considering putting it on hold until next season. even though I am already more than a hundred hours into planning this year, it may have to wait. I have a meeting with UBC Farm on Thursday and a meeting
- [No-till Videos](https://urbanmicro.ca/2009/03/11/no-till-videos/) - Ok, Here is a video of the blackberry area [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuyAZbuAQgM] And here is the upper grass area: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmZriSOvMiU]
- [starting to process samples](https://urbanmicro.ca/2009/03/11/starting-to-process-samples/) - Well,I am starting to get through soil sample processing which has been a good learning experience. I have finished recording data for my bulk density tests for the two different areas: a heavily 'compacted', high traffic grass area, and an area covered in blackberries. The blackberry soil was beautiful, very loose, and crumbly. The other
- [Almost Sprouting](https://urbanmicro.ca/2009/03/03/almost-sprouting/) - Argh. I have been wanting to write about this project so much, but am so busy that it is difficult to even get to the computer at times. So, here is a quick summary of what I have done and where I am at. This project has been in the works for well over a
- [Welcome](https://urbanmicro.ca/2009/03/03/welcome/) - Welcome to my AGRO 260 Personal Blog. I have nothing to say right now, but believe my - I will!
- [The Yellow Bucket Birth](https://urbanmicro.ca/2009/03/03/the-yellow-bucket-birth/) - Ok, lets get this project started. My first orders of business are four-fold: 1. To track my urination patterns for one week 2. Use this data to determine the nutrient value of a week's worth of urine and what this represents in terms of its potential as a soil fertility enhancing resource 3. To research
- [Still Breaking Ground!](https://urbanmicro.ca/2009/03/03/still-breaking-ground/) - Well, I am still soil sampling and getting along pretty well. Last Friday I collected bulk density samples from the larger no-till area as well samples for pH and OM tests. I will also perform these tests on the smaller area (see last blog). I did not yet do penetrometer testing in the larger area
- [Breaking Ground](https://urbanmicro.ca/2009/02/18/breaking-ground/) - Today was the official start of the no-till project. Woo-hoo! The project consists of two areas: one large and one small. The large area is currently in blackberries and the small area is currently in sod. Today we started soil sampling in the small area (about 24' x 20.5'). I did this work with Melissa

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- [Microgreens Crop Planning Course](https://urbanmicro.ca/microgreens-crop-planning-course/) - Microgreens Crop Planning Mini-Course In this three-part mini-course we originally hosted with Hand-Grown Greens, we cover the principles of microgreens crop planning in detail to help you understand its importance in successful commercial microgreens production. You can also check out the crop and financial planning section in our free online microgreens course here. If you
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- [Microgreens Podcasts](https://urbanmicro.ca/podcasts/) - Today we are going to start the series, by going back to the beginning. This is the story of how urban farmer Chris Thoreau started his microgreens farm back in 2009. Microgreen Farmer Chris Thoreau and I discuss 10 base principles for growing high quality microgreens. Think 10 things that are critical to growing a good
- [Introduction to Chris Thoreau](https://urbanmicro.ca/introduction-to-chris-thoreau/) - Meet Chris Thoreau... Grower, Educator, Researcher, Problem-Solver, and Oxford Comma Advocate... I’m Chris Thoreau — a long-time microgreens grower, seed nerd, and believer in the power of small-scale food systems. I started growing microgreens back in 1999 in my home kitchen, just out of curiosity. That curiosity eventually grew into a full-time venture, and in
- [Financial Planning for Microgreens](https://urbanmicro.ca/topics/financial-planning-for-microgreens/) - Financial Planning for Microgreens If you’re serious about starting or scaling a microgreens business, then financial planning isn’t optional — it’s foundational. It’s what separates a hobby that costs money from a business that makes money. It’s how you avoid burnout, plan for sustainability, and eventually, build something that pays you back for your time.
- [Introduction to Microgreens](https://urbanmicro.ca/introduction-to-microgreens/) - #Introduction to Microgreens
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- [Getting Ready to Grow Microgreens](https://urbanmicro.ca/topics/getting-ready-to-grow-microgreens/) - Getting Ready to Grow Microgreens It is easy to just jump right into growing microgreens and learn as you go. But this can be an expensive approach to trying something you may not actually like very much. Check out some of our articles here to help you make some good decisions in the early part
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- [Crop Planning Series](https://urbanmicro.ca/category/crop-planning-series/)
- [Urban Farming in Vancouver](https://urbanmicro.ca/category/urban-farming-in-vancouver/)
- [Sunflower Blog](https://urbanmicro.ca/category/sunflower-blog/)
- [Academia](https://urbanmicro.ca/category/academia/)
- [Blogroll](https://urbanmicro.ca/category/blogroll/)
- [Running](https://urbanmicro.ca/category/running/)

## Tags

- [crop planning](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/crop-planning/)
- [microgreens](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/microgreens/)
- [seedleaf](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/seedleaf/)
- [spreadsheets](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/spreadsheets/)
- [How to Grow Microgreens](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/how-to-grow-microgreens/)
- [Introduction to Microgreens](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/introduction-to-microgreens/)
- [microgreens seeds](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/microgreens-seeds/)
- [getting ready](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/getting-ready/)
- [microrgreens](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/microrgreens/)
- [side hustle](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/side-hustle/)
- [growing space](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/growing-space/)
- [equipment](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/equipment/)
- [growing spaces](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/growing-spaces/)
- [benches](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/benches/)
- [garage](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/garage/)
- [greenhouse](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/greenhouse/)
- [work space](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/work-space/)
- [sunflower shoots](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/sunflower-shoots/)
- [financial planning](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/financial-planning/)
- [chris thoreau](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/chris-thoreau/)
- [Free Microgreens Course Overview](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/free-microgreens-course-overview/)
- [Free Microgreens Course](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/free-microgreens-course/)
- [microgreens marketing](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/microgreens-marketing/)
- [marketing](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/marketing/)
- [microgreens toxic](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/microgreens-toxic/)
- [microgreens safety](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/microgreens-safety/)
- [borage microgreens](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/borage-microgreens/)
- [crops](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/crops/)
- [regulations](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/regulations/)
- [health and safety](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/health-and-safety/)
- [microgreens lighting](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/microgreens-lighting/)
- [chris thoreau vancouver](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/chris-thoreau-vancouver/)
- [growing sunflower sprouts](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/growing-sunflower-sprouts/)
- [sunflower sprouts](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/sunflower-sprouts/)
- [UBC Farm](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/ubc-farm/)
- [urban agriculture](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/urban-agriculture/)
- [urban farming](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/urban-farming/)
- [carbon footprint](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/carbon-footprint/)
- [composting](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/composting/)
- [human waste](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/human-waste/)
- [yellow bucket](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/yellow-bucket/)
- [bokashi](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/bokashi/)
- [no till](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/no-till/)
- [human urine fertilizer](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/human-urine-fertilizer/)
- [chris thoreau sprouts](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/chris-thoreau-sprouts/)
- [harvesting sunflower sprouts](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/harvesting-sunflower-sprouts/)
- [urban agriculture vancouver](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/urban-agriculture-vancouver/)
- [urban agrciulture](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/urban-agrciulture/)
- [no-till agriculture](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/no-till-agriculture/)
- [sunflower sprouts vancouver](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/sunflower-sprouts-vancouver/)
- [urban farming business](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/urban-farming-business/)
- [urban farming chris thoreau](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/urban-farming-chris-thoreau/)
- [urban farming income](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/urban-farming-income/)
- [urban farming vancouver](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/urban-farming-vancouver/)
- [sunflower sprout production](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/sunflower-sprout-production/)
- [sunflower sprout production](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/sunflower-sprout-production-2/)
- [composting urine](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/composting-urine/)
- [humanure](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/humanure/)
- [urban feces composting](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/urban-feces-composting/)
- [urban humanure](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/urban-humanure/)
- [urine as fertilizer](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/urine-as-fertilizer/)
- [growing sprouts](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/growing-sprouts/)
- [vancouver sunflower sprouts](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/vancouver-sunflower-sprouts/)
- [sprouting bench](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/sprouting-bench/)
- [Advancing Urban Farming in Vancouver](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/advancing-urban-farming-in-vancouver/)
- [diet](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/diet/)
- [ketogenic](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/ketogenic/)
- [ketosis](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/ketosis/)
- [procrastinating](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/procrastinating/)
- [running](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/running-2/)
- [ketogenic diet](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/ketogenic-diet/)
- [low-carb diet](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/low-carb-diet/)
- [trail running](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/trail-running/)
- [5peaks](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/5peaks/)
- [empathy](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/empathy/)
- [participatory research](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/participatory-research/)
- [resilience](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/resilience/)
- [spectrum thinking](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/spectrum-thinking/)
- [sustainability](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/sustainability/)
- [sustainable development](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/sustainable-development/)
- [academic blogging](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/academic-blogging/)
- [BC seeds](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/bc-seeds/)
- [farmfolk cityfolk](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/farmfolk-cityfolk/)
- [interdisciplinarity](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/interdisciplinarity/)
- [seed production](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/seed-production/)
- [data analysis](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/data-analysis/)
- [ffcf](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/ffcf/)
- [open source seed](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/open-source-seed/)
- [belonging](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/belonging/)
- [stories](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/stories/)
- [storytelling](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/storytelling/)
- [NVivo](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/nvivo/)
- [transcribing audio](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/transcribing-audio/)
- [ubc](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/ubc/)
- [crop planner](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/crop-planner/)
- [microgreens crop planner](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/microgreens-crop-planner/)
- [microgreens crop planning](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/microgreens-crop-planning/)
- [organic farming](https://urbanmicro.ca/tag/organic-farming/)

## Product categories

- [Crop Planning](https://urbanmicro.ca/product-category/crop-planning/)

## Product tags

- [microgreens](https://urbanmicro.ca/product-tag/microgreens/)
- [microgreens crop planner](https://urbanmicro.ca/product-tag/microgreens-crop-planner/)