The Simple South African Guide to Growing Microgreens
If you’re looking for an easy way to grow food from home and even make extra money, microgreens are the answer. You don’t need a farm, a greenhouse, or lots of space. Just a small tray, some seeds, and a little water. In this guide, I’ll show you — step by step — how to start growing your own microgreens in South Africa, whether you’re in a flat, house, or rural area.
🌿 What Are Microgreens?
Microgreens are young plants harvested a few days after they sprout. They’re small, colorful, and packed with nutrients, even more than fully grown veggies. You can grow them quickly at home and use them in salads, sandwiches, wraps, smoothies, and more.
🇿🇦 Why They’re Perfect for South Africa
In South Africa, many families want fresh, healthy food without spending a lot. Microgreens solve this problem because:
- They grow in just 7 to 14 days
- You don’t need big land or fancy tools
- You can grow them indoors or outside
- They can help you earn money by selling to others
People are selling microgreens to restaurants, health shops, or just to neighbours who want clean, fresh greens!
🧾 What You Need to Start
Here’s what you need, and you may already have some of it at home:
- Trays (black plastic seed trays or even old food containers)
- Microgreen seeds (sunflower, radish, pea, or broccoli are great to start)
- Soil or coco coir (available at garden shops)
- Spray bottle for watering
- Sunlight or a grow light
🪴 Easy Steps to Grow Microgreens
1. Get Your Tray Ready
Fill your tray with soil or coco coir. Pat it flat. Spray water to make it moist.
2. Add the Seeds
Sprinkle seeds over the whole tray (not too thick). Gently press them down with your hand.
3. Cover and Wait
Put a second tray or cardboard on top to block the light. Leave it for 2 to 3 days. Spray water twice a day.
4. Let Them Grow
Remove the cover. Place the tray where there’s sunlight or use a grow light. Spray with water every morning and evening.
5. Harvest and Eat or Sell
After 7 to 14 days, when the plants are 5–8cm tall, cut them with clean scissors. Rinse and eat, or pack and sell them!
🌞 Best Microgreens for South Africa
| Easy to Grow | Great in Cooler Areas | Good in Warmer Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Sunflower, Radish | Kale, Broccoli, Rocket | Basil, Amaranth, Mustard |
💰 How Much Can You Make?
It costs around R10 to R20 per tray to grow microgreens. You can sell each tray’s harvest of 150g for R100 to R250. If you grow 10 trays a week, that’s R3,600–R9,200/month in extra income, and more as you grow!
🛠️ Extra Tips for Better Results
- Don’t overwater. Use a spray bottle, not a jug.
- Keep the area clean. Wash trays between uses.
- Give good light. No light = weak growth.
- Use a fan indoors if it’s humid, to stop mould.
- Try mixing varieties for colour and taste.
📦 Want to Sell? Start Here:
- Offer samples to friends and neighbours
- Sell at markets or on Facebook / WhatsApp
- Talk to cafés and juice bars
- Use a clean label and tell people it’s fresh and local!
👣 Next Steps
Start with just 1 or 2 trays. Get the feel of it. Then slowly grow. When you’re confident, turn it into a small business and sell from home. You’re not only feeding your family, you’re building something real.
Join the MicroRoots family and let us help you grow. 🌱
Happy growing, South Africa!