Urban Farmers Profiting With Microgreens

Urban Farmers Profiting With Microgreens CROPS New Techniques Kyle and Kelsey Foor of Fresh AF Farms LLC do not have any acreage but they’re growing unusual crops that have created a new market in their rural Pennsylvania area They grow many varieties of microgreens vertically in a 200 sq ft insulated shed near their home in Claysburg Penn Planting to harvest takes an average of 10 to14 days The urban farm started in early 2020 when Kyle who liked the idea of indoor farming was between jobs after being laid off as a trucker in the oil field Dissatisfied with produce at the grocery store he set up a shop light and planting tray to grow lettuce for Kelsey a trauma nurse who takes salads to work After Kyle researched microgreens he started growing them for Kelsey and discovered he liked them too After her co-workers tried the microgreens they started ordering regularly The couple recognized an opportunity and over the summer they moved the operation from the basement into a new shed where it is easier to control temperature humidity and water pH by adding lemon juice to the water filtration system Seeds are started in new soil in trays watered and given 17 hrs of LED and fluorescent light The Foors both work full-time jobs besides spending 3 to 4 hrs a day planting watering and caring for the plants Watering is done carefully to prevent mold When the plants are 2 to 3 in tall they are cut The microgreens only weigh 2 oz when packed into containers which is enough for about 5 days of salad Microgreens keep up to 2 weeks when refrigerated Through free samples and providing information at farmers markets and events the Foors are educating people in their rural area and creating a steady market for themselves Microgreens may be small but they pack as much flavor as full grown radishes peas broccoli and other veggies Plus they are 5 to 10 times more nutritious than mature vegetables and grow in a lot less space “We can grow microgreens in 1 to 2 in of soil and water is very minimal ” Kyle adds Currently they plant nearly 30 kinds of microgreens including peas broccoli cauliflower herbs popcorn and sunflowers “We were nervous people wouldn’t want to buy them because they are more expensive at $6 per container ” Kelsey says But they have many repeat customers including restaurant chefs and health center clients as well as regular consumers at work and at farmers markets To attract more consumers to their farmers market stand the Foors added decorated succulents that are used for weddings Plus they plan to add edible flowers to their product line With their growing shed and a few hours of work a day the Foors have figured out how they can grow nutritious foods year round and create a successful sideline business Check out their offerings on Facebook Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Kyle and Kelsey Foor Fresh AF Farms LLC 948 Bedford St Claysburg Penn 16625 ph 814 766-2447; fresh af farms@gmail com; Facebook: Fresh AF Farms LLC

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