The Benefits and Disadvantages of Buying Microgreen Seeds in Bulk Rather Than Small Batches
Since we first grew Microgreens in 2018, we have watched how they have surged in popularity due to their nutritional density, vibrant colors, and intense flavors. As more people recognize their benefits, many are considering growing microgreens at home or on a larger scale. One crucial decision for growers is whether to buy seeds in bulk or in small batches.
This blog explores the advantages of purchasing microgreen seeds in bulk and provides a detailed cost analysis, along with potential disadvantages to consider. Buying in bulk significantly reduces the cost per unit weight of seeds. This is particularly advantageous for those who grow microgreens regularly or at a commercial scale. Additionally, bulk purchasing can ensure a consistent supply, reducing the risk of running out of seeds during peak growing periods. Let’s compare the prices of different bag sizes for popular microgreen seeds from one of our favorite seed suppliers, True Leaf Market (based on current July 2024 market prices):
Price Comparison of Different Bag Sizes
| Seed Type | 1 oz | 4 oz | 1 lb | 5 lb | 25 lb |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broccoli - Waltham 29 | $5.09 | $7.19 | $13.72 | $47.46 | $178.23 |
| Basic Salad Mix (Organic) | $6.54 | $14.21 | $40.05 | $144.06 | $552.49 |
| Radish - Rambo (Organic) | N/A | $13.62 | $36.58 | $131.93 | $520.33 |
| Sunflower - Black Oil (Organic) | N/A | N/A | $9.82 | $23.54 | $81.37 |
Cost Analysis Using 25 Grams of Microgreen Seeds per 1020 Flat
Broccoli - Waltham 29 (2024)
| Bag Size | Price ($) | Grams | Flats Covered | Cost per 1020 Flat ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 oz | $5.09 | 28.35 | ~1 | ~$5.09 |
| 4 oz | $7.19 | 113.4 | ~4.5 | ~$1.60 |
| 1 lb | $13.72 | 454 | ~18 | ~$0.76 |
| 5 lb | $47.46 | 2268 | ~90 | ~$0.53 |
| 25 lb | $178.23 | 11340 | ~453 | ~$0.39 |
Basic Salad Mix (Organic) Microgreen Seeds (2024)
| Bag Size | Price ($) | Grams | Flats Covered | Cost per 1020 Flat ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 oz | $6.54 | 28.35 | ~1 | ~$6.54 |
| 4 oz | $14.21 | 113.4 | ~4.5 | ~$3.16 |
| 1 lb | $40.05 | 454 | ~18 | ~$2.23 |
| 5 lb | $144.06 | 2268 | ~90 | ~$1.60 |
| 25 lb | $552.49 | 11340 | ~453 | ~$1.22 |
Radish Rambo (Organic) Microgreen Seeds (2024)
| Bag Size | Price ($) | Grams | Flats Covered | Cost per 1020 Flat ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 oz | $13.62 | 113.4 | ~4.5 | ~$3.03 |
| 1 lb | $36.58 | 454 | ~18 | ~$2.03 |
| 5 lb | $131.93 | 2268 | ~90 | ~$1.47 |
| 25 lb | $520.33 | 11340 | ~453 | ~$1.15 |
Cost Analysis Using 125 Grams of Seed per 1020 Flat for Sunflower (2024)
| Bag Size | Price ($) | Grams | Flats Covered | Cost per 1020 Flat ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 lb | $9.82 | 454 | ~3.63 | ~$2.71 |
| 5 lb | $23.54 | 2268 | ~18.14 | ~$1.30 |
| 25 lb | $81.37 | 11340 | ~90.72 | ~$0.90 |
As shown, throughout all tables for each variety, the cost per 1020 flat decreases significantly with larger quantities, demonstrating substantial savings when purchasing in bulk. For instance, when comparing the price of broccoli seeds, purchasing a 25-pound bag reduces the cost per flat to about $0.39, whereas buying a 1-ounce bag costs about $5.09 per flat. This trend is consistent across other varieties like Basic Salad Mix and Radish Rambo, where larger bulk purchases lead to lower costs per flat.
Consistency and Quality Control
Buying seeds in bulk ensures consistency in the quality of the microgreens your growing. Seeds from the same batch will have similar growth rates, germination rates, and flavors, leading to a more uniform crop. This is particularly important for commercial growers who need to maintain a high standard for their produce.
To give you an example, in the past, we had a batch of Sunflower Microgreen seeds that germinated perfectly and quickly on every tray we planted. This continued all the way through finishing the bag of seeds. On our next batch of Sunflower seeds, we saw the opposite. Though we used the same method as we previously had been using with consistent success, the seeds took much longer to germinate, and the number of days till harvest increased. This meant we would need to adjust our delivery day timing had we been growing the new seed for a customer.
Could you imagine if we had bought multiple small bags of seeds and had this issue? It could have been a lot more inconsistency to deal with, compared to a single big bag adjustment.
Convenience and Reduced Environmental Impact
Purchasing in bulk also reduces the frequency of orders, saving time and reducing shipping costs. It minimizes the environmental impact by reducing the packaging waste associated with multiple smaller orders. Bulk packaging typically uses less material overall compared to numerous smaller packets, contributing to a more sustainable growing practice.
Long-term Storage and Proper Handling
Microgreen seeds can be stored for extended periods if kept in cool, dry, and dark conditions. Buying in bulk allows growers to maintain a ready supply of seeds, ensuring they never run out and can continue planting without interruption. Proper storage techniques include using airtight containers and desiccants to maintain seed viability over time.
Avoiding Bird Seed for Growing Microgreens
It's crucial to avoid using bird seed for growing microgreens. Bird seeds are not treated or handled with the same care as seeds meant for human consumption. They may be contaminated with bacteria, fungi, or other pathogens due to less stringent sanitary conditions. Additionally, bird seeds might be treated with chemicals that are harmful if ingested by humans. Always choose seeds specifically labeled for growing microgreens to ensure safety and quality.
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Disadvantages of Buying Microgreen Seeds in Bulk
While buying microgreen seeds in bulk offers several advantages as discussed above, there are some potential drawbacks that growers should consider too:
Storage Challenges
- Space Requirements: Storing large quantities of seeds requires adequate space, which might be a constraint for smaller operations or home growers.
- Conditions: Seeds must be stored in cool, dry, and dark conditions to maintain their viability. Ensuring such conditions consistently can be challenging.
- Pest Control: Bulk storage can attract pests, and large quantities of seeds can be more challenging to protect from insects or rodents.
Seed Viability
- Shelf Life: Even under ideal conditions, seeds have a limited shelf life. Bulk purchases might lead to wastage if the seeds are not used within their viable period.
- Decreased Germination Rates: Over time, the germination rates of seeds can decrease. If seeds are stored for too long, this can result in lower yields. You may also run into them molding easier over time.
Upfront Costs
- Initial Investment: Buying in bulk requires a higher upfront investment, which might not be feasible for everyone, especially beginners or small-scale growers.
- Cash Flow Impact: For commercial growers, tying up capital in seed purchases might impact cash flow and the ability to invest in other areas of their business.
Seed Quality
- Batch Quality Variability: If a bulk batch of seeds has quality issues (e.g., low germination rate, disease), it can lead to significant losses, as the entire batch would be compromised.
- Supplier Reliability: Trusting a supplier for bulk purchases is crucial. Any compromise in seed quality or delivery issues can have a magnified impact compared to smaller purchases. This is why we have primarily stuck to using Trueleafmarket.com since 2018. Occasionally we'll order seeds from Amazon, and have a few favorite brands on there. However, True Leaf Market has been consistent for us in seed quality and pricing. Plus, if you receive a batch you think is not working well, they have a great customer service team that can help you out.
Variety Limitations
- Experimentation: Buying in bulk limits the ability to experiment with different seed varieties. Growers might miss out on discovering new microgreens that could be more suited to their growing conditions or market preferences.
- Limited Flexibility: If market demand changes or a grower's preferences shift, having a large stockpile of a particular seed variety can be limiting.
Management
- Inventory Management: Managing a large inventory of seeds can require diligent tracking and organization to avoid mismanagement or spoilage.
- Rotation Practices: Ensuring older seeds are used first (FIFO: First In, First Out) to maintain freshness and viability can be more complex with bulk quantities.
Conclusion
The advantages of buying microgreen seeds in bulk are clear. Cost savings, consistency in quality, convenience, and a reduced environmental footprint make bulk purchasing an attractive option for both hobbyists and commercial growers. However, potential challenges such as storage requirements, seed viability, and upfront costs should be carefully considered. By understanding the financial and practical benefits, as well as the potential drawbacks, growers can make informed decisions that support their goals and sustainability practices.
We're personally on Team Bulk Seed, and like to lean more towards buying the 1lb bags up to 5lb bags, unless we know it's a seed like sunflower or pea microgreens where we use a lot. For more detailed information on specific seed varieties and bulk purchasing options, visit TrueLeafMarket.com . If you'd like to learn how much seed we suggest per tray size for growing microgreens, download our Free PDF Guide - Tray Specific Microgreen Seeding Guide.
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Note: Prices within this blog are based on the current July 2024 market and may increase or decrease over time. Pricing does not include additional taxes, fees or shipping costs. These prices are based on one of our favorite seed supplier's website, TrueLeafMarket.com, and the link provided throughout is our affiliate link, through which we earn a small percentage if you shop through it at no additional cost to the buyer.