FAQ
Most frequently asked questions
Microplants are young, edible plants obtained through the rapid growth and early harvesting of seeds from vegetables, herbs, and other edible plants. They are characterized by their delicate leaves and stems, appearing as green and colorful microplants.
In the Hy-Farm system, microgreens grow in a controlled indoor space, using the substrate and equipment specified for the system, without soil. Light and growing conditions are managed according to the instructions for each variety.
Microplants are primarily used in the culinary industry to add an extra touch of color, texture, and taste to dishes. They are used as decorative and aromatic ingredients in a variety of foods, including salads, sandwiches, soups, sauces, and garnishes. Here are some common uses of microgreens:
• Decorating and garnishing food
• Adding intense flavors
• Nutritional supplement
• Salads
• Sandwiches and wraps
• Sauces and dressings.
Growing microgreens is a simple and fun process that can be done indoors, at any time of the year. Here are the basic steps to grow microgreens:
• Choose the right seeds;
• Choose a suitable container;
• Fill the container with substrate;
• Sow the seeds;
• Moisten the substrate;
• Create a conducive environment for germination;
• Maintain the right temperature and light;
• Remove the cover;
Choosing the ideal production space allows a lot of flexibility. It’s enough to meet the optimal parameters necessary for the production of microgreens to benefit from the highest quality.
• A room of 8-10m2, a clean environment, a constant temperature between 20 – 22 degrees Celsius and relative humidity between 30 – 45%, is ideal for their growth.
• A source of electrical energy for powering LED lighting, ventilation, and irrigation of the Hy-Farm Microgreens system supplied. (daily consumption at maximum capacity, of 12 kWh)
• Nearby water source (network) (monthly consumption of less than 1m3).
Microplants and mature plants are different stages of a plant’s development. Here are some important aspects:
• Size: Microplants are plants in the early stages of development when they are still small in size.
• Structure: Microplants often consist of one or two embryonic leaves and a small stem, without complex branches.
• Functions and capabilities: Microplants are generally fragile and may require special conditions to survive and grow, such as growth mediums or mechanical support.
• Maintenance requirements: Microplants often have specific lighting, temperature, and humidity requirements that need to be carefully controlled to ensure their proper growth and development.
• Use: Microplants can be used in research, in the production of seedlings, or in the food industry as ingredients for salads or culinary dishes.
The lifespan of microgreens can vary depending on the specific species and growing conditions. Generally, microgreens are harvested and consumed before they reach full maturity. Thus, they are not meant to live and develop long-term as mature plants. However, they can last up to 7 days without issues, if storage conditions are respected.
There is a very varied range, to satisfy any taste. There are over 30 varieties of microgreens. Among the best-known microgreens are: peas, beans, broccoli, radish, arugula, basil, thyme, saffron, coriander, red amaranth, etc.
You receive the equipment and accessories specified in the offer, initial materials for 1,000 pots, and training in production and sales. The 12 individual sessions help you work through the questions that arise in your own business. They begin once you have the materials needed for production; administrative preparations and setting up the space take place separately, beforehand.
After the 12 sessions, Hy-Farm support continues as long as you buy raw materials from Hy-Farm and the commercial relationship continues. The same condition applies to access to the platform and online courses.
Check the equipment configuration, accessories and warranty conditions in the applicable offer and contractual documents.
Alongside the Hy-Farm system, prepare the space and conditions needed for production.
• Room of minimum 8 – 10m2
• Air conditioning to maintain the temperature at 20-22*C
• Room dehumidifier (24L / day)
• Involvement, dedication, passion
Yes. You can continue ordering seeds, substrate and consumables compatible with the system from Hy-Farm. Availability and order conditions are confirmed with the team before purchase. Plan your supplies around production and your customers’ orders.
Microgreens are mainly used by professional cooks, chefs, and top restaurants to add a touch of freshness, color, and intense flavors to culinary preparations. They are also used by home cooking enthusiasts who want to bring a variety of flavors and nutrients to the plate.
In addition, microgreens are appreciated by consumers concerned about healthy eating and trends in the food industry. They are used in salads, sandwiches, soups, smoothies, and other dishes to improve their taste and aesthetic appearance.
We help you prepare conversations with restaurants, present samples and follow up with a suitable proposal after feedback. During training, we work on the sales steps and questions from your local market.
You contact restaurants and build local relationships. The number of customers and how quickly orders come in depend on the market, your offer and your sales work. Hy-Farm does not guarantee customers or a timeframe for finding them.
The aim is to prevent losses through production planning. Discuss with the team how to align production with demand in your market. This aim is not a guarantee that losses are impossible.
The right legal form depends on the country where you work and the activity you will carry out. Before starting, speak with an accountant or local specialist about the legal form, the activities that need to be registered and your tax obligations. Include these costs in your startup and operating budget.
Before you start production and sales, confirm the requirements with local authorities and specialists, taking into account your premises, activity and distribution method. Ask the Hy-Farm team for the documentation available for the system. This does not replace checking the obligations that apply to you as an operator.
Plan time for the whole process: production, conversations with restaurants, deliveries and administration. For one system, the initial planning guide for the business as a whole is approximately 2 to 3 hours a day. The actual time varies with order volume, experience and organisation.
Assess whether you can manage this schedule on your own and when you might need help. Speak separately with an accountant about services and costs suited to your business.
If results are slow to come, you can discuss production, samples, conversations with restaurants and next steps during the training sessions. Results depend on the market, costs and local execution; success cannot be guaranteed.
After the 12 sessions, support continues as long as you buy raw materials from Hy-Farm and the commercial relationship continues.
For returns or cancellation, check the contractual conditions and rights applicable to your situation before purchasing. The progress of the business does not replace these conditions.
For more information, go to the website www.hy-farm.com, where you can find many more structured details, and to get in touch with our colleagues, go to the contact form inside the website or you can write to us on the pages of Facebook, Instagram or Linkedin. We look forward to collaborating!