"Becoming a Microgreen Master": Your Complete Guide to Growing Microgreens at Home and for Profit
Want to grow nutrient-dense microgreens for your family or start a profitable microgreens business? "Becoming a Microgreen Master" gives you everything you need in one comprehensive 196-page guide—no expensive courses required.
Written by On The Grow founders CJ Vaughn and Mandi Vaughn, this book distills 10,000+ hours of hands-on experience and thousands of real-world experiments into practical, step-by-step instructions you can follow from day one.
Since its release in 2021, growers in over 75 countries have made this their go-to microgreens resource. Many call it "The Microgreens Bible"—and once you see what's inside, you'll understand why.
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Why "Becoming a Microgreen Master" Is Different from Other Microgreens Books
Most Microgreens Resources Get It Backwards
If you've been researching how to grow microgreens, you've probably noticed something: most courses, books, and programs focus heavily on selling microgreens and building a business—before teaching you how to actually grow them successfully.
While business strategy is important, most beginners (and even experienced growers) want to master the fundamentals first:
- How to achieve consistent germination
- Which varieties are easiest to grow
- What equipment you actually need (and what's just marketing hype)
- How to troubleshoot common issues like mold, poor growth, and uneven harvests
- What growing methods produce the best results
That's exactly what this book delivers.
A Book Written by Growers, For Growers
CJ and Mandi didn't write this book sitting in an office theorizing about microgreens. They wrote it after years of real-world testing documented on their YouTube channel (where they've built a community of 144,000+ subscribers).
From 2018 to 2021, they conducted thousands of experiments testing:
- Different grow lights and their actual performance
- Soil vs. coco coir vs. hydroponic systems
- Organic vs. synthetic nutrients
- Seed soaking methods
- Watering techniques
- Harvest timing for optimal nutrition and flavor
- Storage methods for maximum shelf life
All that data, all those lessons learned, all the trial-and-error so you don't have to repeat it—that's what's in this book.
Written in the Same Voice as Our YouTube Videos
If you've watched our videos, you'll feel right at home with this book. We didn't hire ghostwriters or use corporate language. We wrote "Becoming a Microgreen Master" the same way we talk on camera:
- Practical and straightforward
- No fluff or filler
- Focused on what actually works
- With our personality and humor intact
This is a self-published book written in our authentic voice, because we wanted it to feel like you're learning directly from us—not reading some sterile textbook.
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What Makes This the "Microgreens Bible"?
Growers around the world have nicknamed this book "The Microgreens Bible"—and we don't take that lightly. Here's why this guide has earned that reputation:
Complete Step-by-Step Guides for 10 Top Varieties
We don't just list popular microgreens varieties and move on. For each of our Top 10 recommended crops, we provide:
✅ Detailed taste profiles (so you know what to expect)
✅ Exact seeding densities (no guessing or wasting seeds)
✅ Day-by-day grow timelines (when to water, when to uncover, when to harvest)
✅ Troubleshooting specific to that variety (common issues and how to fix them)
✅ Harvest tips (timing, cutting techniques, storage recommendations)
The 10 varieties covered in detail:
Hearty Growers (beginner-friendly):
- Pea Microgreens - Sweet, crunchy, and nearly impossible to mess up
- Radish Microgreens - Spicy kick, fast growth (5-7 days)
- Sunflower Microgreens - Nutty flavor, substantial yield
Regular Growers (easy once you know the basics):
4. Broccoli Microgreens - Mild flavor, packed with sulforaphane
5. Purple Kohlrabi Microgreens - Beautiful color, mild cabbage flavor
6. Mustard Microgreens - Spicy and vibrant
Delicate Growers (require more attention):
7. Red Garnet Amaranth Microgreens - Stunning magenta color, earthy flavor
Semi-Tricky Crops (worth learning for variety and profit):
8. Swiss Chard Microgreens - Colorful stems, mild flavor
9. Basil Microgreens - Aromatic, perfect for Italian dishes
10. Cilantro Microgreens - Essential for Mexican and Asian cuisine
For each variety, you get the exact methods we use after years of testing—not generic advice copied from other sources.
Everything from Kitchen Counter to Commercial Operation
One of the unique aspects of this book is that it scales with you:
For Home Growers:
- How to start with minimal investment (under $100)
- Growing on windowsills, counters, or small shelving units
- Choosing the right varieties for your family's tastes
- Storing and using microgreens in everyday meals
For Small-Scale Sellers:
- Setting up a $300-500 grow operation
- Selling at farmers markets (our proven strategies)
- Direct-to-consumer models
- Pricing for profit while staying competitive
For Commercial Growers:
- $1,500+ professional setups
- Working with chefs and restaurants
- Distributor relationships
- Cottage food laws and business legalities
- Scaling production efficiently
The book meets you where you are and provides a roadmap for growth if you want to expand.
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Comprehensive Topics Covered in 196 Pages
Here's a detailed look at what you'll learn in "Becoming a Microgreen Master":
Section 1: Microgreens Fundamentals
What Are Microgreens?
- Clear definition and how they differ from sprouts and baby greens
- Nutritional benefits backed by research
- Why microgreens have exploded in popularity
How Are Microgreens Used?
- Culinary applications
- Nutritional supplementation
- Commercial opportunities
Cost Analysis:
- Expected startup costs (home vs. commercial)
- Ongoing costs per tray
- Profit potential for different sales channels
Know Your Crops: The Basics
- Different stages of microgreen growth (seed → germination → cotyledon → true leaves)
- Why harvest timing matters for nutrition and flavor
- What makes a "good harvest" vs. a mediocre one
Section 2: Essential Growing Knowledge
Microgreen Lighting: Natural vs. Artificial
- Comprehensive comparison of grow light options
- Data from our 3 major lighting experiments turned into easy-to-read charts
- Which lights actually perform best (and which are marketing hype)
- How to use natural sunlight effectively
- Light duration, intensity, and spectrum explained
Choosing the Right Equipment:
Trays:
- Standard 10x20 trays vs. sprouting trays (when to use each)
- Tray sizing and capacity
- Step-by-step growing methods for different tray types
- Bootstrap Farmer trays and tray clips (our recommendations)
Growing Mediums:
- Coco coir vs. soil vs. hydroponic systems
- Pros and cons of each medium with comparison data
- What to look for in quality soil
- Our preferred growing mediums and why
Nutrients:
- Hydroponic nutrients vs. soil additives
- Organic vs. non-organic options
- Why add nutrients (and when you can skip them)
- Our favorite nutrient ratios and mixing instructions
- How to mix nutrients properly
- pH balancing water (what it is, why it matters, how to do it)
Section 3: How to Grow Microgreens (The Core Process)
Watering Methods:
- Bottom-watering technique (our preferred method)
- Top-watering considerations
- When to water and how much
- Preventing overwatering and damping off
Growing Schedule:
- How to rotate crops for continuous harvests
- Timing multiple trays for consistent supply
- Planning for home use vs. commercial demand
Seed Soaking:
- Which seeds benefit from soaking
- Soaking times and methods
- Seeds that should NOT be soaked
- How soaking affects germination
Section 4: Troubleshooting and Problem Prevention
Identify, Manage, and Prevent Crop Issues:
- Damping off (causes and prevention)
- Crops lying over (why it happens and how to fix it)
- Overwatering symptoms and solutions
- Poor germination troubleshooting
- Dealing with sticky (mucilaginous) seeds
- Small cotyledons and lanky growth
Root Hairs vs. Mold:
- How to tell the difference (with clear images)
- When "white fuzz" is normal
- When to be concerned about actual mold
- Prevention strategies
This section alone will save you hours of frustration and prevent you from throwing away perfectly healthy trays.
Section 5: Harvest, Storage, and Sanitation
Harvesting Microgreens:
- Knife vs. scissors (short-term and long-term considerations)
- Why sharp tools matter
- How to sharpen your knife
- Our exact harvesting method
- What to do with leftover roots and medium
Sanitizing Equipment:
- Our favorite cleaning and sanitizing methods
- Preventing cross-contamination between trays
- Storing equipment properly
- UV sanitation options
Storing Microgreens:
- Washing vs. not washing (when to do each)
- Best container types
- Controlling moisture in storage
- Average shelf life by variety
- Maximizing freshness for customers
Recording Grow Data:
- Why tracking matters
- What data to record
- How to use data to improve results
Section 6: Commercial Growing and Business
Commercial Setup Budgets:
- ~$100 Budget: Bare minimum starter setup
- ~$300 Budget: Solid home/small market setup
- ~$1,500 Budget: Professional commercial operation
- Options for reducing costs when getting started
Growing Indoors vs. Outdoors:
- Pros and cons of each approach
- Climate considerations
- Pest and contamination risks
- When outdoor growing makes sense
Selling Your Microgreens:
Farmers Markets:
- Why farmers markets are the easiest entry point
- How to stand out from other vendors
- Pricing strategies
- Building a customer base
Direct to Consumer:
- Setting up delivery routes
- Subscription models
- Online ordering systems
Chefs and Restaurants:
- How to approach chefs
- What chefs want in a microgreens supplier
- Pricing for wholesale
- Building reliable relationships
Distributors and Grocery Stores:
- When to scale to distributors
- Meeting larger volume demands
- Navigating grocery store requirements
Business Legalities:
- What is the Cottage Food Law?
- Basic supplies needed for commercial growing
- Food safety considerations
- Branding and marketing basics
Section 7: Tips, Tricks, and Advanced Techniques
This section is packed with practical wisdom from years of growing:
Growing Tips:
- Airflow management for mold control
- Dealing with seed clingers
- Achieving red-stemmed sunflowers
- Using heat mats properly (and when NOT to use them)
- Getting "organic" certification for your produce
- Tool for removing roots after harvest
- Cold treatment techniques
- Creating "microgreen blondies" (pale greens for specific uses)
- Microgreen art and presentation
- Removing seed hulls from sunflowers
- Break-down technique for dense crops
Equipment Hacks:
- Creating an easy DIY tamping device
- Using webcams and Wi-Fi for monitoring
- Best tools for misting microgreens
- Cutting bulk hydroponic mats efficiently
- Keeping in-home water damage to a minimum
- Making a blackout dome
- $8 Dollar Tree grow setup (budget hack)
- Seed shaker for even seeding
- Automatic watering systems
Advanced Techniques:
- Musical micro-boost (does sound affect growth?)
- Positive encouragement experiments
- Color boosting with specific lights
- Dehydrating microgreens for long-term storage
Seed Sourcing:
- Where to source quality microgreens seeds
- Buying in bulk vs. small batches
- Storing seeds for maximum viability
- Conducting your own experiments with new varieties (the On The Grow way)
- Making your own microgreens seed mixes
- Note on bird seed: Why we DO NOT recommend it (food safety concerns)
Business and Branding:
- Going online for branding
- Listening to your intuition in business decisions
- Building your unique brand
Section 8: Bonus Content
On The Grow's Original Microgreens Recipes:
The book includes our favorite recipes featuring microgreens:
Main Dishes:
- Sunflower Microgreen ABJ Sandwich
- Easy Peasy Microgreen Breakfast Croissant Roll
- Spicy Sweet Potato Soup with Pea & Amaranth Microgreens
Side Dishes:
- Microgreen Potatoes Colcannon
- Delicious Microgreen Cornbread with Microgreen Honey Butter
- Greens, Egg, and Ham Appetizer
Desserts:
- On The Grow's Favorite Chocolate Cake + Floral Chocolate Cupcakes with Edible Marigold Microgreens
- Microgreen-Enhanced Carrot Cake with Micro-Cream Cheese Filling
All recipes were created, photographed, and taste-tested by us (and Mandi's mom)!
Additional Resources:
- Where to buy seeds (our trusted suppliers)
- Where to buy trays and equipment
- Where to buy nutrients and grow mediums
- Supplies for automated system builds
- Branding and legal resources
- Scientific studies referenced in the book
- Nutritional research citations
- Contact information
Reference Materials:
- Glossary of microgreens terms
- Complete index for quick lookups
- Microgreen seeding guide with tray-specific recommendations
- Nutrient ratio cheat sheet
- Basic "how to grow" quick reference sheet
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Why a Physical Book? The Benefits of a Printed Reference
In the age of digital everything, why choose a physical book? Here's why thousands of growers prefer having "Becoming a Microgreen Master" in print:
No Screens, No Distractions:
- Keep it at your grow station without worrying about water damage to devices
- No dead batteries or screen glare under grow lights
- Flip to the page you need without scrolling
- Works perfectly even when your hands are dirty
Quick Reference:
- Tabs and bookmarks for frequently-used sections
- Visual learning with full-color images on every topic
- Side-by-side comparison while working with trays
- No internet required
Long-Term Durability:
- Won't become obsolete or incompatible
- Can be shared with family, friends, or employees
- Makes a meaningful gift for gardening enthusiasts
Two Format Options:
- Durable and practical for everyday use
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Full-color images throughout all 196 pages
- Perfect for growers who want a comprehensive reference they can use while working
- Premium construction with enhanced paper quality
- Built for long-term durability in grow environments
- Full-color images throughout all 196 pages
- Ideal for growers who want a lasting reference or a special gift
- Professional appearance for commercial operations
Both versions feature identical content, detailed crop guides, and full-color photography throughout.
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What Readers Are Saying About "Becoming a Microgreen Master"
Don't just take our word for it. Here's what growers worldwide are saying:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Simply put, if you want to grow microgreens this book is The Bible. You won't need another book. 5 Stars doesn't convey enough."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "CJ and Mandi cover EVERYTHING so you're never left scratching your head wondering what you should do next. From basic equipment to grow mediums and nutrients, which crops are good to start with, how to handle mold—they leave no stone unturned."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Full of quality and honest info on the process of growing microgreens! A great resource for me as a beginner starting out!"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Their information is as easy to read and navigate as they are to follow in their YouTube videos. This is my new go-to guide!"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I've been able to use the microgreens I grow at home as a seasonal and fresh addition to menu items at work. It's allowed me to supplement my income and avoid picking up a second job."
Sold in over 75 countries since 2021, this book continues to help growers at every level achieve success.
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Who Should Read This Book?
"Becoming a Microgreen Master" is for anyone who wants to:
Home Growers
- Grow nutrient-dense food for your family year-round
- Save money on expensive store-bought greens
- Control exactly what goes into the food you eat
- Create a sustainable kitchen garden
- Add fresh, flavorful greens to every meal
Aspiring Business Owners
- Start a profitable microgreens business without expensive trial and error
- Understand the fundamentals before investing heavily
- Learn proven methods from experienced commercial growers
- Avoid common beginner mistakes that cost time and money
- Build a foundation for sustainable growth
Commercial Growers
- Refine techniques with proven methods from 10,000+ hours of experience
- Troubleshoot persistent issues affecting yields
- Optimize growing schedules for consistent supply
- Improve profitability with efficiency tips
- Scale operations confidently
Beginners to Veterans
- Whether you've never grown a microgreen or you're looking to optimize your existing operation
- The book offers valuable insights at every experience level
- Beginners get clear step-by-step guidance
- Experienced growers discover advanced techniques and efficiency improvements
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Important Note: Reusable Grow Mediums
"Becoming a Microgreen Master" was written and published in 2021, before we extensively tested reusable grow mediums like silicone and stainless steel.
What this means:
- The book contains limited information on growing with reusable mediums
- Most growing instructions focus on coco coir and soil-based methods
- The principles and fundamentals still apply, but specific techniques differ
For comprehensive guidance on reusable grow mediums:
- Check out our silicone grow medium blog posts
- Watch our latest YouTube videos on reusable growing
- Enroll in our Microgreen Masterclass for the most up-to-date techniques
The book is still incredibly valuable for understanding microgreens fundamentals, crop-specific growing, troubleshooting, and business strategies—all of which apply regardless of growing medium.
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Digital Versions Also Available
Prefer digital? We've got you covered:
- Instant download
- Read on any device
- Searchable text
- Includes additional digital bonuses not in physical version
- Perfect for international buyers (no shipping costs)
- Available on Kindle devices and Kindle app
- Adjust text size for easy reading
- Take notes and highlight passages
- Sync across devices
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Compare Physical vs. Digital Versions
Physical Book (Paperback or Hardcover):
✅ Keep at grow station for quick reference
✅ No screen glare under grow lights
✅ Never runs out of battery
✅ Full-color images easier to see details
✅ Durable for grow room environment
Digital Version (PDF or Kindle):
✅ Instant access (no shipping wait)
✅ Lower price point
✅ Searchable text
✅ Read on phone, tablet, or computer
✅ Includes digital-only bonus content
✅ No shipping costs (ideal for international)
Many growers choose BOTH formats:
- Physical book at the grow station for hands-on reference
- Digital version on phone for reading anywhere
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Want Even More? Pair with Our Microgreen Masterclass
"Becoming a Microgreen Master" provides an incredible foundation, but learning never stops.
For the absolute latest techniques, live guidance, and video instruction, check out our Microgreen Masterclass Course—our most comprehensive and up-to-date training program featuring:
- Video lessons showing techniques step-by-step
- Live support for troubleshooting your specific issues
- Newest growing methods developed since publishing the book in 2021
- Reusable grow medium techniques (silicone and stainless steel)
- Updated equipment recommendations
The combination of the book + Masterclass gives you both timeless fundamentals and cutting-edge techniques.
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Additional Resources from On The Grow
Looking for more ways to use your microgreens?
Check out our separate cookbook: "36 Easy & Unique Microgreen Recipes"
- 36 delicious recipes featuring microgreens
- Main dishes, sides, and desserts
- Created, photographed, and taste-tested by us (and Mandi's mom)
- Available only in paperback and eBook formats
- Perfect companion to "Becoming a Microgreen Master"
Free Educational Resources:
- Free Microgreen Troubleshooting Guide PDF
- Free Tray-Specific Seeding Guide PDF
- Free Ultimate Tray & Kit Guide PDF
- Frequently Asked Questions
On Our Blog:
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Save Hundreds of Hours and Dollars
This book represents years of experiments, failed crops, and lessons learned—so you don't have to repeat our mistakes.
What's inside will save you:
- ✅ Hundreds of hours in research and trial-and-error
- ✅ Hundreds of dollars in failed crops and unnecessary equipment
- ✅ Countless frustrations from preventable mistakes
- ✅ Years of confusion about what actually works vs. marketing hype
For less than the cost of two failed trays of microgreens, you get access to everything we've learned in over 10,000 hours of growing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is this book good for complete beginners? Absolutely! We start with the very basics and build from there. Many complete beginners have used this book as their only resource to start growing successfully.
Will this book help me start a microgreens business? Yes, but the primary focus is on how to grow microgreens well. Business topics are covered (farmers markets, selling to chefs, pricing, legalities) but the emphasis is on mastering the growing process first. If you want to deep dive on the topic of starting a microgreens business, enroll in our online masterclass.
Is the digital version the same as the physical book? The digital version contains all the same core content PLUS some digital-only bonuses. However, many growers prefer the physical book for use in the grow room.
Why doesn't the book cover reusable grow mediums extensively? The book was published in 2021 before we extensively tested silicone and stainless steel mediums. For those methods, check out our blog posts, YouTube videos, or enroll in the Microgreen Masterclass.
Do I need to buy other resources too? No! This book is comprehensive enough to get you growing successfully. However, pairing it with our free resources, blog posts, or the Masterclass will give you even more knowledge.
What if I've already watched all your YouTube videos? The book consolidates years of video content into one organized reference, includes data and charts not in videos, provides detailed crop guides, and offers information we've never shared publicly. Most YouTube fans still find tremendous value in having the book.
Can I return the book if I don't like it? Physical books purchased through our website follow our standard return policy. eBooks are non-refundable as they are a digital product.
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Ready to Become a Microgreen Master?
Join the thousands of successful growers in over 75 countries who've made "Becoming a Microgreen Master" their trusted reference guide.
Whether you're growing your first tray or optimizing a commercial operation, this book will save you time, money, and frustration while helping you grow the best microgreens possible.
Get your copy today and start growing with confidence. 🌱
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Related Products:
- Microgreen Masterclass Course - Video training with latest techniques
-
36 Easy & Unique Microgreen Recipes Book - Cookbook companion
- Bootstrap Farmer Growing Supplies - Quality trays and equipment
- Reusable Silicone Grow Mediums - Sustainable growing solutions
Published: January 30, 2026
Original Publication: May 2021
All content is property of On The Grow®, LLC