This course provides a structured approach to learning microgreens cultivation, covering all aspects from crop selection to distribution. It incorporates technological solutions suitable for various scales of operation, ensuring relevance for hobbyists, small business owners, and large-scale producers alike. The course is taught on a pass-fail basis. Students completing all modules will receive a certificate of proficiency. Modules and topics may not necessarily be taught in the order shown here, and specific topics may be presented in alternate modules, depending on scheduling and prior preparation of particular cohorts of students..

At the end of this course, the student will be able to...

• Describe and promote indoor vertical farming including microgreens to a community or clientele. Why do this?
• Describe utilization of product(s), e.g., recipes.
• Grow microgreens, steps = seeding, propagation, cultivation , harvesting, packaging, delivery.
• Control processes associated with the above.
• Identify elements of managing a home-based or small commercial indoor farming enterprise.

The course is taught on a pass-fail bais. Students completing all modules will receive a certificate of proficiency.

The course includes an on-site practicum at our training center in Lynnwood, Washington.

• The Urban Food Desert
• Conventional Agriculture
• Monoculture: Advantages & disadvantages
• Hydroponics & vertical farming
• Definition and characteristics of microgreens
• Nutritional benefits and culinary applications
• Market demand and business opportunities

Classroom discussion.

• Advantages and disadvantages of soil-free, controlled environment agriculture (CEA)
• Lighting requirements (natural vs. artificial lighting systems)
• Temperature and humidity control
• Ventilation and air circulation
• Automated climate control systems for larger operations
• Cost considerations

Laboratory: Introduction to laboratory and associated regulations and practices.

• What: Popular microgreen varieties & growth characteristics (cilantro, arugula, basil, cabbage, kale, ...)
• Who: Factors influencing crop selection(growth rate, flavor, nutritional value, ethnic (client) preference)
• When: Seasonal considerations & crop rotation strategies, as appropriate
• Why: Economic & practical considerations

Laboratory: Review of available seed types in site catalog. Written justification of crop selection with class presentation.

• Seed selection and quality assessment
• Soaking and pre-treatment methods for enhanced germination
• Seeding techniques and density calculations
• Growing media options (soil, soilless, hydroponic systems)

Laboratory: Sowing the first crop.

• Watering techniques (top-watering, bottom-watering, misting)
• Nutrient requirements and fertilization strategies
• Automated irrigation systems for efficiency

Laboratory: Monitoring, adjusting, reporting.

• Common pests and diseases affecting microgreens
• Preventive measures and organic control methods
• Sanitation and hygiene practices
• Response and difficult decisions

Laboratory: Inspection, remediation, reporting.

• Determining optimal harvest time
• Proper harvesting methods to maintain quality
• Post-harvest handling and storage
• To cut or not to cut? That is the question.

Laboratory: Harvesting and preparing for distribution.

• Cleaning and sorting harvested microgreens
• Packaging options for different market segments
• Labeling and branding considerations

Laboratory: Presentation for sale.

A look forward to our introductory microgreens business course, which covers such topics as

Advanced Growing Techniques

Hydroponic and aeroponic systems for microgreens

Vertical farming solutions for space optimization

LED lighting technology for enhanced growth

Sustainable Practices

Organic certification process

Waste reduction and composting

Energy-efficient growing systems

Sales and marketing

Direct-to-consumer sales strategies

Wholesale and restaurant partnerships

Online marketing and e-commerce solutions

Designing efficient production layouts

Implementing automation for larger-scale production

Crop planning software for inventory management

Microgreens Business Management

Financial planning and budgeting

Record-keeping and data analysis

Labor management and training

Food Safety and Other Regulations

Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification

Food safety regulations for microgreen production

Traceability and recall procedures

Future Trends and Innovations

Emerging technologies in microgreens cultivation

Market trends and consumer preferences

Research and development opportunities

Students will write a final report on their evaluation of the place of controlled environment agriculture, especially hydroponics and microgreens, in the US agricultural environment, with specific reference to the applicability of the concept in their own communities. The report will be evaluated on comprehensiveness and aptness of thought, not on literary style or exact correspondence to course content.

What are the best technological tools for automating microgreens cultivation?

How can I integrate LED grow lights into my microgreens setup?

What are the benefits of using hydroponic systems for growing microgreens?

How do smart thermostats and humidity sensors improve microgreens growth?

What are the key factors to consider when choosing an automated irrigation system for microgreens?

Hands-on growing exercises
Field trips to commercial microgreens operations
Guest lectures from industry experts