Planting Pea shoots, Sun shoots, and Micro radish Steps overview. 1a.! Wash and sterilize your trays 1b.! Soak and sterilize your seed (pea and sun only) 1.! Fill trays with peat based soil mix 2.! Make sure the mix is finely ground up 3.! Use a tamper to flatten the soil firmly 4.! Water before spreading seeds (not for micro radish) 5.! Spread seeds out with your hands evenly 6.! Cover the seeds with an empty flat, make sure it s sterile. Step 1a. Wash and sterilize your trays First, scrub your trays with a brush to remove all visible organic residue. You can also use a pressure washer if you have access to one. Wash your trays. Spray off any left over residue.
Then you need to sterilize the trays. (soak them in a 1/100 bleach water solution for 5-10 seconds). 3/100 ratio for food grade hydrogen peroxide. Step 1b. Sterilize your seed It s important to sterilize so that you reduce fungus problems on your shoots. I use a mesh or cheese cloth like bags to soak my seeds. I sterilize the seeds in this bag, and they stay in there when you rinse and drain them. To sterilize them. Fill a small clean and sterile tote or bucket with 2 liters of water, then add 20 ml of white vinegar and 20 ml of food grade hydrogen peroxide. If you need to add more water, just adjust the mix ratio accordingly. Let them soak with the solution for 10 minutes, no more. It can kill the seed if they soak too long. After sterilizing, rinse them out, then fill the bucket or tote with warm water, and let them soak overnight. Drain, rinse, and plant them the next day. You can take a little more time to plant if you need to, but don t like the sprouts get any longer than 2 mm. If they get too long, they take longer to reorientate themselves when planted, which can affect your yield. SEEDING RATES: Pea! Sun! 300g dry seed / flat 150g dry seed / flat
Planting pea shoots. (same protocol for sun shoots) Step 1. Spread out the soil. Fill trays with peat based soil mix. I use sunshine mix 3. I use 1 deep trays. If you don t have them, 2 will work. For the sake of my demonstration fill them almost all the way to the top of the tray. When you add the seed, it will almost be at the edge. That s what we want. Makes harvesting all the shoots right to the very bottom of the stem possible. Higher yield! Step 2. Tamper down the soil very firmly. You want a very flat surface where the soil doesn t easily move around. Step 3. Water before spreading seeds (not for micro radish) I water in a very even pattern moving all the way around the edges of the tray, then once more over the entire tray zig zagging evenly throughout. You will essentially be going over the edges twice.
Step 4. Spread seeds out with your hands evenly. Step 5. Cover the seeds with an empty flat, make sure it s sterile.
Step 6. Add some weight on top of the trays. Could be a couple 2x4 pieces of wood. I use a sheet of coroplast, then put a batch of previous week micros on top. Planting Micro radish Steps 1 and 2 are the same as pea and sunflower, except you don t need to water before you plant the seed. Because we re going to be covering these seeds with a dusting of soil, we need to water afterwards anyways. If you happen to accidentally water before spreading the seed, it s not that big a deal, you just need to water again after you sprinkler some soil. Use an accurate measuring cup. Fill to 80-100 ml and sprinkler gently over the tray. Try to get the most distributed even covering as possible.
Next, sprinkle some soil over the seed. This is just a light covering and it helps achieve an even germination rate. Follow all the same next steps as sun and pea. Watering, then covering with a clean tray, then leaving for 5-7 days. Keep and eye on them. They re ready to uncover and put under the light after 5-7 days. Radish pops up quicker than both. And pea is usually a day or two before sunflower. After 4-6 days of germinating, the radish will have emerged and will lift up the trays on top. At this point, take your hand, and rub gently over the tray, this will break up any excess soil on top. Otherwise you can get uneven growth. Don t water the day you expose them to light. Wait until the next morning. When you first uncover the crop, they will still have a decent amount of moisture in the soil. Too much can lead to early fungus problems.
Indoor Small Scale
Indoor Small Scale Model INDOOR LOW COST MODEL Operation REVENUE BENCH MARK Operation REVENUE BENCH MARK 1.5 staff, 1 self employed 1 person 20 hours / week Double unit 6 levels 48 flats, twice per week same size unit 96 flats at $15 each / week 96 $15 $1440 30 flats / week 30 $15 $450 per month $5760 per month $1,800 Gross first year (4,608 flats/year) $69120 Gross first year (4,608 flats/year) $21,600 Asset investments -$2,446 Asset investments -$2,446 Operational expenses -$7,132.15 Operational expenses -$2,406.50 Employee - 20 hours / week labour ($15/hr) yearly -$14,400 Employee - 20 hours / week labour ($15/hr) yearly First year net revenue (self employed income) $45,141.85 First year net revenue (self employed income $16,747.50 Second year and thereafter NET $47,587.85 Second year and thereafter NET $19,193.50 Equipment Cost # Total Equipment Cost # Total Start up expenses Growing Equipment Processing / Post Harvest Equipment light ballasts / 2 bulbs $25 12 $300 harvest knives $20 2 $40 power bars $20 2 $40 harvest bins $8 8 $64 shelving units. 40 flats $200 1 $200 rubbermaid totes $8 15 $120 electric timer $20 1 $20 spinner (washing machine) $100 1 $100 hardware for fixtures $30 1 $30 mesh washing bags for spinni $10 6 $60 watering wand $30 1 $30 drying rack $50 1 $50 wood tamper $2 1 $2 cooler (basic fridge) $250 1 $250 1" flats case 100 $160 2 $320 work tables $150 1 $150 hoses and manifolds $100 1 $100 scales $60 2 $120 dehumidifier $200 1 $200 stand up fan $50 1 $50 infrared heater (optional) $200 1 $200 Total $2,446 Operating costs Operating costs peat based soil mix (50 flats) $28 92 $2,576 peat based soil mix (50 flats) $28 29 $812 pea seed 25 kg $31 20 $620 pea seed 25 kg $31 8 $248 sun seed 10 kg $54.90 26 $1,427.40 sun seed 10 kg $54.90 10 $549 radish seed 25 kg $157.50 4.5 $708.75 radish seed 25 kg $157.50 1 $157.50 compostable packaging case 1000 ($. $150 2 $300 compostable packaging case $150 2 $300 utility per month $100 12 $1,200 utility per month $20 12 $240 bulk packaging, bags and ties $300 1 $300 bulk packaging, bags and ties $100 1 $100 Total $7,132.15 $2,406.50
Field Micro s
Field Micro s Model FIELD MICROS MODEL Operation REVENUE BENCH MARK Operation REVENUE BENCH MARK 20 hour week model 10 hour week model 1 person 20 hours / week (self employed) 12'x50' greenhouse/shade tunnel. 32 6' beds 1 person 10 hours / week (self employed) 12'x50' greenhouse/shade tunnel. 32 6' beds $162 / bed @ 8 beds / week. $1,296 $162 / bed @ 4 beds / week. $648 per month (April thru September, 6 $5,184 per month (April thru $2,592 months) September, 6 months) Gross first year 6 month season (2,073.6 lbs/year) $31,104 Gross first year 6 month season (1,036.8 lbs/year) $15,552 Asset investments -$6,074 Asset investments -$6,074 Operational expenses -$1,652.80 Operational expenses -$876.40 First year net revenue (self employed income) Second year and thereafter NET $23,377.20 First year net revenue (self employed income) $29,451.20 Second year and thereafter NET $8,601.60 $14,675.60 Equipment Cost # Total Equipment Cost # Total Growing Equipment Processing / Post Harvest Equipment Bed boards. 30"x72" $5 8 $40 harvest knives $20 2 $40 Buckets for soaking free $0 harvest bins $8 8 $64 rototiller $4,000 1 $4,000 rubbermaid totes $8 15 $120 greenhouse 12x50 (johnny's $500 1 $500 spinner (washing machine) $100 1 $100 caterpiller) shade cloth $200 1 $200 mesh washing bags for $10 6 $60 spinning greenhouse irrigation $350 1 $350 drying rack $50 1 $50 watering wand $30 1 $30 cooler (basic fridge) $250 1 $250 work tables $150 1 $150 scales $60 2 $120 Total $6,074 Operating costs for 20 hour Operating costs for 10 hour pea seed 25 kg $31 9 $279 pea seed 25 kg $31 4.5 $139.50 sun seed 10 kg $54.90 12 $658.80 sun seed 10 kg $54.90 6 $329.40 radish seed 25 kg $157.50 2 $315 radish seed 25 kg $157.50 1 $157.50 compostable packaging case 1000 ($.15) $150 2 $300 compostable packaging case 1000 ($.15) $150 1 $150 bulk packaging, bags and ties $100 1 $100 bulk packaging, bags and $100 1 $100 ties Total $1,652.80 Total $876.40
Medium Scale Greenhouse
Medium Scale Greenhouse Model GREENHOUSE LOW TECH MODEL Operation REVENUE BENCH MARK Operation REVENUE BENCH MARK 2.5 staff. 1.5 employees 8 months 1 person 25 hours / week 12'x50' greenhouse/shade tunnel. Verticalize 2 levels 12'x50' greenhouse/shade tunnel. Verticalize 2 levels 200 flats/week @ $15 / flat 200 $15 $3,000 200 flats/week @ $15 / flat 50 $15 $750 per month (March thru October, 8 $12,000 per month (March thru October, 8 $3,000 months) months) Gross first year 8 month season (6,400 flats/year) $96,000 Gross first year 8 month season (6,400 flats/year) $24,000 Asset investments -$3,886 Asset investments -$3,886 Operational expenses -$10,073.40 Operational expenses -$2,568.35 Employee - 40 hours / week labour ($15/hr) yearly -$43,200 25 hours / week First year net revenue (self employed income) $38,840.60 First year net revenue (self employed income) $17,545.65 Second year and thereafter NET $42,726.60 Second year and thereafter NET $21,431.65 Equipment Cost # Total Equipment Cost # Total Growing Equipment greenhouse 12x50 (johnny's caterpiller tunnel) Processing / Post Harvest Equipment $500 1 $500 harvest knives $20 2 $40 shelving $500 1 $500 harvest bins $8 8 $64 shade cloth $200 1 $200 rubbermaid totes $8 15 $120 greenhouse irrigation $500 1 $500 spinner (washing machine) $100 1 $100 watering wand $30 1 $30 mesh washing bags for spinning $10 6 $60 electric timer $20 1 $20 drying rack $50 1 $50 hardware for fixtures $30 1 $30 cooler (basic fridge) $250 1 $250 watering wand $30 1 $30 work tables $150 1 $150 wood tamper $2 1 $2 scales $60 2 $120 1" flats case 100 $160 2 $320 hoses and manifolds $100 1 $100 fans $100 3 $300 infrared heater $200 2 $400 Total $3,886 Operating costs 2.5 staff Operating costs 1 staff peat based soil mix (50 flats) $28 128 $3,584 peat based soil mix (50 flats) $28 32 $896 pea seed 25 kg $31 28 $868 pea seed 25 kg $31 7 $217 sun seed 10 kg $54.90 36 $1,976.40 sun seed 10 kg $54.90 9 $494.10 radish seed 25 kg $157.50 6 $945 radish seed 25 kg $157.50 1.5 $236.25 compostable packaging case 1000 ($. $150 6 $900 compostable packaging case 1000 $150 1.5 $225 15) ($.15) utility per month $300 4 $1,200 utility per month $300 1 $300 bulk packaging, bags and ties $600 1 $600 bulk packaging, bags and ties $200 1 $200 Total $10,073.40 Total $2,568.35
Indoor Large Scale
Indoor High Tech Model INDOOR HIGH TECH MODEL Operation REVENUE BENCH MARK Operation REVENUE BENCH MARK 6 staff, 5 people full time year round (one self employed) 2 staff, coop model. profit share C-can production C-can production 420 flats at $15 each / week 420 $15 $6300 140 flats at $15 each / week 140 $15 $2,100 per month $25200 per month $8,400 Gross first year (20,160 flats/year) $302400 Gross first year (20,160 flats/year) $100,800 Asset investments -$40,442 Asset investments -$40,442 Operational expenses -$27,951.60 Operational expenses -$9,183.87 Employees - 200 hours / week labour ($15/hr) ye -$144,000 2 members 33 hours / week First year net revenue (self employed income) $90,006.40 First year net revenue (self employed income) $51,174.13 Second year and thereafter NET $130,448.40 Second year and thereafter NET $91,616.13 Equipment Cost # Total Equipment Cost # Total Start up expenses Processing / Post Harvest Equipment harvest knives $20 4 $80 Growing Equipment harvest bins $8 20 $160 40' shipping container with all $37,000 rubbermaid totes $8 25 $200 custom welding work, lights, poly carb, doors, ect watering wand $30 1 $30 spinner (washing machine) $100 1 $100 wood tamper $2 1 $2 mesh washing bags for spinni $10 10 $100 1" flats case 100 $160 5 $800 drying rack $50 1 $50 hoses and manifolds $100 4 $400 cooler (basic fridge) $250 1 $250 dehumidifier $200 1 $200 work tables $150 1 $150 fans $50 4 $200 scales $60 2 $120 infrared heater or propane $200 2 $400 sink $200 1 $200 Total $40,442 Operating costs Operating costs peat based soil mix (50 flats) $28 403 $11,284 peat based soil mix (50 flats) $28 134.3 $3,761.33 pea seed 25 kg $31 89 $2759 pea seed 25 kg $31 29.67 $919.67 sun seed 10 kg $54.90 114 $6,258.60 sun seed 10 kg $54.90 38 $2,086.20 radish seed 25 kg $157.50 20 $3,150 radish seed 25 kg $157.50 6.667 $1,050 compostable packaging case 10 $150 2 $300 compostable packaging case $150 0.667 $100 utility per month $300 12 $3,600 utility per month $300 4 $1,200 bulk packaging, bags and ties $600 1 $600 bulk packaging, bags and ties $200 0.333 $66.67 Total $27,951.60 Total $9,183.87
$1000 / week sales breakdown Date Customer Items Units Unit Wgt Lbs. Total Weight Lbs Total Weight Grams Price Value Total Sold Notes Tuesday Restaurant 1 micro radish flat 2 1 2 907.18 22.50 45 delivery charge 1 0 0 5 5 total 50 50 Tuesday Restaurant 2 sun shoots bk 2 2 4 1814.4 30 60 pea shoots bk 1 2 2 907.18 15 15 total 75 75 Tuesday Retail 1/ Distributer pea shoots 25 0.125 3.125 1417.5 2.15 53.75 sun shoots 26 0.125 3.25 1474.2 2.15 55.9 radish shoots 20 0.125 2.5 1134 2.15 43 total 152.65 152.65 Friday Restaurant 3 sun shoots bk 3 2 6 2721.6 30 90 micro radish bk 1 2 2 907.18 20 20 total 110 110 Friday Co-op CSA pea shoots 40 0.125 5 2268 2.15 86 sun shoots 40 0.125 5 2268 2.15 86 radish shoots 30 0.125 3.75 1701 2.15 64.5 total 236.5 236.5 Saturday Saturday Market pea shoots 50 0.125 6.25 2835 2.5 125 sun shoots 50 0.125 6.25 2835 2.5 125 radish shoots 30 0.125 3.75 1701 2.5 75 micros mix 30 0.125 3.75 1701 2.5 75 mix of pea, sun, radish mustard mgmf 12 0.082 0.984 446.33 2.5 30 Micro Green Mini Flat. One flat total arugula mgmf 12 0.082 0.984 446.33 2.5 30 Micro Green Mini Flat. One flat total basil mgmf 12 0.082 0.984 446.33 4 48 Micro Green Mini Flat. One flat total total 508 508 Total flats / week Total Sales / Week 61.577 1132.15
Sunflower Shoots Growing Germinates slow but grows fast Grows better if seed is soaked and sterilized Average DTM 14 days at 12 hours light can finish in 10-12 days at 16 hours and warmer temperatures Production Average yield per flat 1 lb / 453 grams Seeding rate 170 g dry seed / flat (variation with seed varieties. (I use Mumms sprouting seeds) Don t plant dry. Soak the night before Best results at steady 20c and minimum 12 hours light. Marketability Popular at farmers markets and CSA s. Offer a 2 oz / 56g clam shell at $2.50- $3.50 Not as popular for high end restaurants, but health conscious outlets like them for wraps, salads, and juice. Selling by the flat is easier but can get costly if you re loosing flats. Price at $15 - $20 / flat or $15 - $20 / lb for bulk orders. Technicalities Prone to fungus problems Removing hulls can be tedious Rodents love sun seeds. Keep work area clear of hulls to prevent attracting them. 7-12 days shelf life once harvested
Pea Shoots Growing Germinates and grows fast Grows better if seed is soaked. Seed usually doesn t need to be sterilized. Average DTM 12 days at 12 hours light Easiest crop to grow Production Average yield per flat.88 lb / 400 grams, highest yields occur with greenhouse prod. with cooler nights Seeding rate 332 g dry seed / flat (variation with seed varieties. (I use Mumms sprouting seeds) Don t plant dry. Soak the night before Best results at steady 15-20c and minimum 12 hours light. Doesn t like too much heat. Hard to grow in summer. Marketability Popular at farmers markets and CSA s. Offer a 2 oz / 56g clam shell at $2.50- $3.50 High end restaurants prefer a short shoot with small tendrils. Price at $15 - $20 / flat or $15 - $20 / lb for bulk orders. Technicalities Easiest for production. No need to wash. Does best in the spring and fall in a greenhouse Longest shelf life. Up to 2 weeks
Radish Shoots Growing Germinates and grows fast Seed gets sprinkled on dry Average DTM 10-12 days at 12 hours light Easy to grow Production Average yield per flat.9 lb / 408 grams Seeding rate 100 ml / 74 g dry seed / flat (variation with seed varieties. (I use Mumms sprouting seeds) Flexible with temperatures. Can handle heat, but will sprout true leaves fast. When they re ready, they re ready. Can be difficult for selling flats for this reason. For selling flats decrease the seed density to 50 grams Marketability Most popular among high end restaurants Not as popular for CSA s and farmers markets Better to sell bulk as they spoil quickly after they re mature More of a niche market item compared to sun and pea $20 / lb for bulk, $20 / flat Technicalities Fairly easy to produce Has a very short shelf life once harvested. Average 5 days, 7 days at best. Making sure they are dry will give you 7 days shelf life
Drying Rack