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Florida AgricultureSep 30, 2026

Why Local Food Matters: The Case for Knowing Your Farmer

Local food is not just a lifestyle choice — it is an environmental, nutritional, economic, and community decision that ripples outward in ways most people never consider. From reduced food miles and higher nutrient content to local economic multipliers and food system resilience, here is the comprehensive case for buying local.

By Sara Johnson

NutritionSep 20, 2026

The Definitive Guide to Microgreens Nutrition: Everything You Need to Know

The most comprehensive microgreens nutrition guide available. Covering 25+ varieties with specific vitamin, mineral, and phytonutrient data from USDA research, this capstone guide synthesizes everything we know about why microgreens are among the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet.

By Sara Johnson

Farm LifeSep 10, 2026

Fall 2026 Preview: What's Coming at Wholly Water Farms

Fall is my favorite season at the farm, and 2026 is shaping up to be our most exciting one yet. From new microgreen varieties and expanded growing capacity to community events and CSA updates, here is everything coming this fall.

By Sara Johnson

Home GrowingAug 30, 2026

Indoor Gardening in a Small Apartment: A Realistic Guide

You do not need a yard, a balcony, or even much sunlight to grow fresh food in your apartment. This realistic guide covers window growing, grow lights, space-efficient setups, and the best crops for small spaces — from someone who started growing in 400 square feet.

By Sara Johnson

NutritionAug 20, 2026

Gut Health and Microgreens: What the Research Actually Shows

Can microgreens actually improve your gut health? The research says yes — through multiple pathways including prebiotic fiber, sulforaphane''s effect on gut barrier function, and polyphenol metabolism by beneficial bacteria. Here is what science actually supports.

By Sara Johnson

MicrogreensAug 10, 2026

Why Seed Quality Matters More Than You Think for Microgreens

Seed quality is the single biggest factor in microgreen success that most growers overlook. From germination rates to flavor consistency, here is how to evaluate, source, and store seeds like a professional microgreen grower.

By Sara Johnson

RecipesJul 30, 2026

Grilled Fish with Microgreen Salsa Verde

A bright, herbaceous microgreen salsa verde transforms simple grilled fish into a show-stopping summer dinner. This recipe works beautifully with mahi-mahi, snapper, grouper, or any firm Florida fish — ready in under 30 minutes.

By Sara Johnson

MicrogreensJul 20, 2026

How Long Do Microgreens Last? A Complete Shelf Life Guide

Most microgreens last 7 to 14 days when stored properly at 35-40°F. But shelf life varies dramatically by variety — some last three weeks while others fade in under a week. Here is your complete guide to keeping microgreens fresh.

By Sara Johnson

Florida AgricultureJul 10, 2026

Florida Summer 2026: Beating the Heat in Your Garden

Summer in Florida can push even experienced gardeners to their limits. Here are Sara Johnson''s proven strategies for keeping your garden productive when temperatures soar past 95°F, from shade cloth setups to heat-loving crop selections.

By Sara Johnson

Farm LifeJun 30, 2026

Three Years of Growing: Reflections from Wholly Water Farms

Sara Johnson reflects on three years of building Wholly Water Farms - the unexpected lessons, community connections, business milestones, and what lies ahead for the farm.

By Sara Johnson

Farm BusinessJun 20, 2026

Wholesale Microgreens Pricing: How to Price Your Product for Profit

Learn how to calculate your true cost per tray, set wholesale and retail prices, structure volume discounts, and build profitable pricing for your microgreens business.

By Sara Johnson

NutritionJun 10, 2026

L-Theanine and Caffeine: The Science Behind Tea's Unique Calm Focus

Discover the science behind how L-theanine and caffeine work together in tea to create alert, focused calm. Learn about alpha brain waves, GABA modulation, and how different teas deliver different ratios of these compounds.

By Sara Johnson

Florida AgricultureMay 30, 2026

Building Raised Beds for Florida's Sandy Soil: A Complete Guide

Learn how to build raised garden beds designed for Florida's sandy soil, including the best soil mixes, drainage strategies, and materials that withstand Florida's heat, humidity, and rain.

By Sara Johnson

NutritionMay 20, 2026

Brassica Microgreens and Glucosinolates: The Science Behind the Health Benefits

Explore the science of glucosinolates in brassica microgreens, including sulforaphane production, myrosinase enzyme activity, and specific compound concentrations that make these tiny greens nutritional powerhouses.

By Sara Johnson

Florida AgricultureMay 10, 2026

Your Guide to Florida's Agricultural Directory: Finding Local Farms and Markets

Learn how to find local Florida farms, farmers markets, CSA programs, and U-pick operations using online directories and community resources.

By Sara Johnson

RecipesApr 30, 2026

Fresh Spring Rolls with Microgreens and Herbs

Vietnamese-style fresh spring rolls are the perfect vehicle for microgreens and fresh herbs. Here are four delicious variations with two dipping sauces — light, crunchy, packed with flavor, and ready in 30 minutes.

By Sara Johnson

Farm BusinessApr 20, 2026

How to Start Selling at Farmers Markets: A Small Farm Guide

A practical, experience-based guide to getting started selling at farmers markets — from applications and permits to booth setup, pricing strategy, display techniques, and building customer relationships that drive repeat business.

By Sara Johnson

NutritionApr 10, 2026

Polyphenols Explained: Why These Plant Compounds Matter for Your Health

Polyphenols are a diverse family of over 8,000 plant compounds linked to reduced risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and neurodegeneration. Here is a science-backed guide to the four main classes, their food sources, and why microgreens are among the most concentrated sources available.

By Sara Johnson

HydroponicsMar 30, 2026

Growing Kitchen Herbs Hydroponically: A Countertop to Harvest Guide

Hydroponic herbs grow 30-50% faster than soil-grown herbs and deliver fresh flavor year-round from your kitchen counter. Here is everything you need to set up a countertop herb garden, from equipment to nutrients to harvest timing.

By Sara Johnson

MicrogreensMar 20, 2026

Microgreens Food Safety: What Every Grower Needs to Know

Food safety is the foundation of every credible microgreens operation. Here is a complete guide to sanitation protocols, pathogen testing, regulatory requirements, and storage practices that protect your customers and your business.

By Sara Johnson

Florida AgricultureMar 10, 2026

Florida Spring 2026 Planting Guide: What to Grow Right Now

March is the golden window for Florida gardeners. Here is exactly what to plant right now for a productive spring harvest, from heat-tolerant tomatoes to fast-finishing cool-season crops.

By Sara Johnson

RecipesFeb 28, 2026

Winter Soups That Shine with Fresh Microgreens

Five warming winter soup recipes that use fresh microgreens as both garnish and ingredient — from creamy butternut squash to hearty lentil, each recipe transforms simple soups into something vibrant, nutritious, and restaurant-worthy.

By Sara Johnson

MicrogreensFeb 20, 2026

Sprouts vs Microgreens: Understanding the Real Differences

A clear, practical comparison of sprouts and microgreens — covering growing methods, food safety considerations, nutritional differences, flavor profiles, and which one is right for your kitchen and growing goals.

By Sara Johnson

AquaponicsFeb 10, 2026

The Nitrogen Cycle in Aquaponics: How Fish Waste Becomes Plant Food

A deep dive into the nitrogen cycle that powers every aquaponics system — how ammonia from fish waste is converted to nitrite and then nitrate by beneficial bacteria, the water chemistry parameters that keep the process running, and practical tips for cycling a new system.

By Sara Johnson

MicrogreensJan 30, 2026

Growing Basil Microgreens: From Seed to Harvest in Your Kitchen

A complete guide to growing basil microgreens at home — covering seed selection, germination, harvest timing, and the unique bioactive compounds like linalool, eugenol, and rosmarinic acid that make basil microgreens both flavorful and nutritionally powerful.

By Sara Johnson

MicrogreensJan 20, 2026

Microgreens for Kids: Getting Children Excited About Growing and Eating Greens

A parent-friendly guide to getting kids involved in growing and eating microgreens — from choosing the most kid-appealing varieties to hands-on growing projects and sneaky ways to get picky eaters excited about fresh greens.

By Sara Johnson

Florida AgricultureJan 10, 2026

Florida Agriculture 2026: What Local Farmers Are Watching This Year

A practical look at what Florida farmers are watching in 2026 — from weather pattern shifts and citrus greening challenges to crop diversification, regulatory updates, and emerging opportunities in local food production.

By Sara Johnson

RecipesDec 25, 2025

The Five Best Microgreens for Smoothies (Ranked by a Farmer)

Not all microgreens belong in a blender. These five varieties blend smooth, pair well with fruit, and deliver real nutritional value without ruining your smoothie's flavor.

By Sara Johnson

Food CultureDec 15, 2025

Microgreen Growing Kits: The Perfect Holiday Gift for Gardeners

A DIY microgreen growing kit costs $10 to $15 to assemble, teaches someone to grow their own food in a week, and is genuinely useful. Here's how to put one together and which varieties to include.

By Sara Johnson

Farm ScienceDec 5, 2025

Coconut Coir: Why We Chose It Over Soil for Our Farm

Coconut coir holds 8 to 10 times its weight in water, drains well, arrives sterile, and is a renewable byproduct. Here's the complete science behind this growing medium and why it beat soil, peat moss, rockwool, and perlite for our microgreen operation.

By Sara Johnson

Growing GuidesNov 25, 2025

Can You Grow Microgreens Year-Round in Florida? (Yes, Here's How)

Florida's heat and humidity create real challenges for year-round microgreen production, but indoor growing eliminates seasonal barriers. Here's how to manage temperature, humidity, and production schedules for 12-month harvests.

By Sara Johnson

Farm ScienceNov 15, 2025

EGCG and Catechins: What Green Tea Science Actually Tells Us

Epigallocatechin gallate is the most studied compound in green tea. Here's what the research actually shows about EGCG, catechins, antioxidant activity, metabolism, and why brewing temperature matters more than you think.

By Sara Johnson

Growing GuidesNov 5, 2025

November 2025: Florida's Peak Planting Season Returns

November is Florida's single best planting month. Cool-season vegetables, strawberry maintenance, holiday herb gardens, and succession planting all converge in one productive window.

By Sara Johnson

Urban FarmingOct 25, 2025

Two Years In: What's Changed at Wholly Water Farms

From a garage grow rack to a dedicated grow space. From curiosity to restaurant accounts. Year two brought growth, equipment failures, hard lessons about saying no, and a clearer vision of what this farm is becoming.

By Sara Johnson

Urban FarmingOct 15, 2025

Building a Vertical Farm in a Small Space: A DIY Guide

A 2-by-4-foot wire rack with four shelves and LED lights can produce 64 to 128 ounces of microgreens per cycle in your apartment. Here is how to build one, what it costs, and what to expect from your first harvest.

By Sara Johnson

Food CultureOct 5, 2025

Central Florida's Best U-Pick Farms: A Local Guide

From winter strawberries in Plant City to spring blueberries in Polk County, Central Florida offers U-pick experiences nearly year-round. Here is what to expect, when to go, and how to make the most of every visit.

By Sara Johnson

Growing GuidesSep 25, 2025

Amaranth Microgreens: Growing the Ancient Grain as a Modern Superfood

Amaranth fed the Aztec empire for millennia. As a microgreen, it delivers stunning magenta color, complete protein with all essential amino acids, and high iron and calcium — if you can get past the tricky germination.

By Sara Johnson

Farm ScienceSep 15, 2025

Anthocyanins: The Purple Pigments That Do More Than Color Your Food

Anthocyanins give blueberries, red cabbage, and purple microgreens their vivid color. The science behind these flavonoids reveals cardiovascular benefits, anti-inflammatory properties, and a bioavailability puzzle worth understanding.

By Sara Johnson

Growing GuidesSep 5, 2025

September 2025: Florida's Second Spring Returns

September is the month Florida gardeners have been waiting for all summer. Cool-season seeds go indoors, cover crops heal depleted beds, and the fall planting calendar finally kicks into gear.

By Sara Johnson

RecipesAug 25, 2025

Microgreen Tacos: Four Recipes for Taco Tuesday

Four taco recipes that prove microgreens belong in every taco night lineup. Fish, carnitas, black bean, and breakfast tacos, all topped with fresh microgreens.

By Sara Johnson

MarketsAug 15, 2025

Are Microgreens Worth the Money? An Honest Cost-Benefit Analysis

Microgreens are expensive. Are they worth what you pay? Here is a farmer's honest breakdown of cost per nutrient, when they are overpriced, and when they are a genuine value.

By Sara Johnson

SustainabilityAug 5, 2025

How We Use 95% Less Water Than a Traditional Farm

Water is Florida's most precious and most mismanaged resource. Here is exactly how our controlled environment systems use a fraction of what field agriculture requires.

By Sara Johnson

Growing GuidesJul 25, 2025

Growing Mushrooms at Home: Beyond the Basics

You have grown your first flush of oyster mushrooms. Now what? This guide covers second and third flushes, new species, substrate supplementation, and spawn selection.

By Sara Johnson

Farm ScienceJul 15, 2025

The Future of Farming Is Indoors (And That's Not a Bad Thing)

Controlled environment agriculture has made enormous strides in efficiency and scale. Here is an honest look at where indoor farming stands today and where it is headed.

By Sara Johnson

Growing GuidesJul 5, 2025

Florida July 2025: Surviving the Heat with Smart Crops

July in Florida tests every grower's patience. Here is what to plant, what to protect, and how to keep producing food when temperatures refuse to drop below 90.

By Sara Johnson

MarketsJun 25, 2025

Starting a Microgreens Business: What the Numbers Really Look Like

The internet makes microgreens look like easy money. Here's an honest breakdown of startup costs, realistic revenue, hidden expenses, Florida regulations, and when it actually makes sense to go full-time.

By Sara Johnson

Growing GuidesJun 15, 2025

How to Grow Oyster Mushrooms at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide

Oyster mushrooms are the easiest gourmet mushroom to grow at home, and pink oysters thrive in Florida's heat. Here's a complete walkthrough from substrate preparation to harvest.

By Sara Johnson

Farm ScienceJun 4, 2025

What Is Controlled-Environment Agriculture? (And Why It Matters)

Controlled-environment agriculture ranges from simple hoop houses to fully automated vertical farms. Here's what CEA actually means, where it shines, where it struggles, and why it matters for Florida's food future.

By Sara Johnson

Farm ScienceMay 25, 2025

Tilapia in Aquaponics: The Workhorse Fish

Tilapia dominate aquaponics for good reasons: they grow fast, eat almost anything, tolerate rough water conditions, and thrive in Florida's warm climate. Here's everything you need to know about raising them.

By Sara Johnson

Growing GuidesMay 15, 2025

LED Grow Lights for Beginners: What You Actually Need

Grow light marketing is full of confusing specs and inflated claims. Here's a straightforward breakdown of PAR, PPFD, DLI, and what you actually need to grow microgreens, herbs, and lettuce indoors.

By Sara Johnson

Growing GuidesMay 5, 2025

Florida May 2025: Summer Crops Take Over

May marks the real shift into Florida summer gardening. Here's what to plant now, how to handle rainy season, and which heat-loving crops will carry you through the hottest months.

By Sara Johnson

RecipesApr 25, 2025

Growing Your Own Herbal Tea Garden in Florida

A guide to growing six herbs for homemade tea in Florida — lemongrass, mint, chamomile, roselle hibiscus, butterfly pea flower, and tulsi — with growing notes, harvest methods, and blending ideas.

By Sara Johnson

Farm ScienceApr 15, 2025

Soil vs. Hydroponic Microgreens: Does the Growing Medium Matter?

An evidence-based comparison of the three main microgreen growing media — soil, coconut coir, and hydroponic mats — covering cost, flavor, nutrition, food safety, and why Wholly Water Farms chose coconut coir.

By Sara Johnson

MarketsApr 5, 2025

Finding the Best Farmers Markets in Florida: A Vendor's Honest Guide

A look at Florida's farmers markets from both sides of the table — what buyers should look for, what vendors actually deal with, and how to find markets worth visiting. From someone who has done both.

By Sara Johnson

Growing GuidesMar 26, 2025

How to Grow Wheatgrass at Home (And What It's Actually Good For)

A practical step-by-step guide to growing wheatgrass from hard red winter wheat berries, plus an honest assessment of the nutritional claims — what the science supports and what it does not.

By Sara Johnson

Farm ScienceMar 16, 2025

What Does 'Nutrient Dense' Actually Mean? A Farmer's Explanation

Nutrient density measures how many vitamins, minerals, and beneficial compounds a food delivers per calorie — not per gram. Here is what the science actually says, how ANDI scores work, and why microgreens rank so high.

By Sara Johnson

Growing GuidesMar 6, 2025

March 2025 in the Florida Garden: Transition Month Planting

March is Florida's transition month — the last window for cool-season crops like lettuce and carrots, and the first real opportunity to transplant tomatoes, peppers, and squash. Here is how to manage the shift.

By Sara Johnson

RecipesFeb 27, 2025

Edible Flowers for Valentine's Day: Three Beautiful Dishes

Three Valentine's Day recipes featuring edible flowers — rose petal and strawberry salad with champagne vinaigrette, lavender honey panna cotta with crystallized violets, and dark chocolate rose water truffles with dried calendula.

By Sara Johnson

MarketsFeb 17, 2025

Selling Microgreens to Restaurants: What I've Learned

Honest advice on selling microgreens to restaurants — from approaching chefs with samples to managing wholesale pricing, delivery logistics, net-30 payment terms, and the cash flow realities of restaurant sales.

By Sara Johnson

Farm ScienceFeb 7, 2025

Aquaponics vs. Hydroponics: Which System Is Right for You?

A side-by-side comparison of aquaponics and hydroponics — startup costs, ongoing expenses, pH management, nutrient sources, best crops, water usage, and scalability. Honest assessment from a farm that runs both systems.

By Sara Johnson

Growing GuidesJan 28, 2025

Pea Shoot Microgreens: The Sweet, Crunchy Favorite

Pea shoots are the crowd favorite microgreen — sweet, crunchy, and substantial enough to eat as a salad base. This guide covers seed selection, pre-soaking, heavy seeding rates, blackout, harvest timing, nutrition, and best uses.

By Sara Johnson

Farm ScienceJan 18, 2025

Growing Berries in Florida: What Works, What Doesn't, and Why

Florida is the nation's second-largest blueberry producer and dominates winter strawberry markets, but raspberries are a lost cause. Here is the research-backed breakdown of what berries grow well in Florida and why.

By Sara Johnson

Growing GuidesJan 8, 2025

Florida January Growing Guide 2025: Cool-Season Crops at Their Peak

January is the heart of Florida's cool-season growing window. This guide covers lettuce succession planting, broccoli side shoots, UF's Sensation strawberry, herb gardens at their peak, sugar snap peas, root vegetables, and freeze protection strategies.

By Sara Johnson

RecipesDec 26, 2024

Holiday Appetizers with Microgreens: Five Crowd-Pleasing Recipes

Five holiday appetizer recipes featuring microgreens — from smoked salmon crostini with pea shoots to deviled eggs topped with radish microgreens. Each recipe includes full ingredients, method, and presentation tips for party prep.

By Sara Johnson

Growing GuidesDec 15, 2024

How to Grow an Indoor Herb Garden This Winter

Growing herbs indoors during winter is simpler than you think if you get the basics right — container drainage, proper potting mix, adequate light, and careful watering. Here is a practical guide to six herbs that thrive on a windowsill.

By Sara Johnson

Urban FarmingDec 5, 2024

One Year In: What I Wish I Knew Before Starting a Farm

After one year running Wholly Water Farms, here are the honest lessons I wish someone had told me — from overplanting mistakes and cash flow timing to the gap between YouTube tutorials and real-world farming.

By Sara Johnson

Growing GuidesNov 25, 2024

Radish Microgreens: The Fastest Crop in Your Kitchen

Radish microgreens grow from seed to harvest in 5-7 days, making them the fastest microgreen you can grow. This guide covers varieties, nutrition, growing steps, and yield expectations for daikon, China Rose, Hong Vit, and Red Rambo radish microgreens.

By Sara Johnson

SustainabilityNov 15, 2024

What Sustainable Farming Actually Looks Like in Florida

Sustainable farming in Florida means dealing with sandy soils, summer heat, hurricanes, and water scarcity. Here is what real sustainability practices look like on the ground — from drip irrigation and cover crops to controlled-environment agriculture.

By Sara Johnson

Growing GuidesNov 5, 2024

November in Florida: Peak Cool-Season Planting Time

November is Florida's prime planting window for cool-season vegetables. Daytime temps of 70-80°F and nighttime lows of 50-60°F create ideal conditions for lettuce, broccoli, kale, carrots, sugar snap peas, and strawberry transplants.

By Sara Johnson

RecipesOct 25, 2024

Microgreens on Pizza: Five Combinations That Actually Work

Not every microgreen belongs on every pizza. Here are five specific pairings — with the reasoning behind each — that elevate pizza night without being precious about it.

By Sara Johnson

Growing GuidesOct 15, 2024

How to Store Microgreens So They Actually Last

Microgreens can last 7-14 days with proper storage. Temperature, moisture, harvest timing, and airflow all matter. Here's exactly how to keep them fresh — and what most people get wrong.

By Sara Johnson

Farm ScienceOct 4, 2024

Can You Grow Tea in Florida? (Yes, and Here's How)

Camellia sinensis grows in USDA Zones 7-9, making Florida a viable location for tea cultivation. Here's what you need to know about varieties, soil, processing, and the unique chemistry of homegrown tea.

By Sara Johnson

Farm ScienceSep 26, 2024

Broccoli Microgreens and Sulforaphane: What the Research Actually Shows

The science behind broccoli microgreens and sulforaphane is real — but widely misunderstood. Here's what the Johns Hopkins research actually found, and how to grow and eat broccoli microgreens for maximum benefit.

By Sara Johnson

Food CultureSep 16, 2024

Citrus and Beyond: Florida's Agricultural Heritage Meets Its Future

Florida's citrus industry has declined 94% since its peak. But the state's agricultural future is far from bleak — it's diversifying into microgreens, specialty mushrooms, aquaponics, and tropical fruits.

By Sara Johnson

Growing GuidesSep 5, 2024

Florida's Fall Reset: What to Plant in September

September is Florida's second spring. Here's your complete planting guide for Zone 9a/9b cool-season crops, seed starting, and soil preparation after the brutal summer.

By Sara Johnson

RecipesAug 26, 2024

Power Up Your Smoothies: Three Microgreen Recipes That Actually Taste Good

Microgreens in a smoothie sound like a health-nut cliche until you try these three recipes. We tested dozens of combinations in our kitchen — these are the ones we actually drink every week.

By Sara Johnson

MarketsAug 16, 2024

Why Microgreens Cost $25 a Pound (And Why That's Actually Fair)

A transparent look at what it actually costs to grow, harvest, and deliver a tray of microgreens — from seed prices to the labor your grocery store never accounts for.

By Sara Johnson

Growing GuidesAug 6, 2024

Growing Lettuce Without Soil: A Hydroponic Guide for Home Growers

The Kratky method lets you grow lettuce in a bucket with no pump, no electricity for the water, and no soil. Here is a step-by-step guide from seed to salad in 30 to 45 days.

By Sara Johnson

Growing GuidesJul 26, 2024

Edible Flowers for Beginners: What to Grow, What to Eat, What to Skip

Not every pretty flower belongs on your plate. Here is a grower's guide to the most common edible flowers — what they taste like, what makes them nutritious, and the safety rules you cannot afford to ignore.

By Sara Johnson

Urban FarmingJul 16, 2024

Building a Grow Room on a Budget: What We Actually Spent

We built our first dedicated grow room for under $800. Here is the honest breakdown — every dollar, every mistake, and what we would do differently if we started over today.

By Sara Johnson

Growing GuidesJul 5, 2024

What to Grow in Florida This July: A Heat Survivor's Guide

July in Florida tests every grower's resolve. Here's what actually thrives in the brutal heat, how to use the rainy season to your advantage, and why your indoor microgreens might be your smartest crop right now.

By Sara Johnson

RecipesJun 24, 2024

Five Summer Salads That Start with Microgreens

These five summer salads use microgreens as the base, not a garnish. From sunflower avocado to broccoli power bowls, each recipe is built around the nutrition and flavor that microgreens bring.

By Sara Johnson

Farm ScienceJun 14, 2024

Microgreens vs. Sprouts: What's the Difference and Why It Matters

Microgreens and sprouts are not the same thing. The differences in how they are grown affect food safety, nutrition, flavor, and shelf life. Here is a clear breakdown.

By Sara Johnson

Farm ScienceJun 4, 2024

Growing Herbs in Florida's Heat: What Works and What Doesn't

Florida's heat and humidity challenge many popular herbs, especially Mediterranean varieties. Here is what thrives, what struggles, and the science behind why.

By Sara Johnson

Growing GuidesMay 24, 2024

The Complete Guide to Growing Sunflower Microgreens

Sunflower microgreens are the most popular variety for good reason. This guide covers seed selection, soaking, growing, harvesting, and troubleshooting from our years of commercial production.

By Sara Johnson

Food CultureMay 14, 2024

Farm to Table in Florida: How Local Food Is Changing How We Eat

Florida's farm-to-table movement is reshaping how restaurants source food and how consumers think about freshness. From Fresh From Florida to CEA farms, local food is gaining ground.

By Sara Johnson

Growing GuidesMay 3, 2024

Florida's Summer Garden: What to Grow in May

May marks the shift to summer gardening in Florida. Cool-season crops are finished, and it is time to plant heat-loving vegetables like okra, southern peas, sweet potatoes, and Seminole pumpkin.

By Sara Johnson

RecipesApr 22, 2024

Microgreen Pesto Three Ways: Sunflower, Pea, and Basil

Three pesto recipes built on microgreens instead of mature herbs — each one brighter in flavor, higher in nutrients, and ready in under ten minutes.

By Sara Johnson

Growing GuidesApr 12, 2024

10 Best Microgreens for First-Time Growers

Not all microgreens are created equal when you are starting out. These ten varieties are the most forgiving, fastest to harvest, and most rewarding for beginners.

By Sara Johnson

Farm ScienceApr 2, 2024

Aquaponics for Beginners: How Fish and Plants Grow Together

Fish feed plants. Plants clean water. Bacteria make it all work. Here is how aquaponics turns a simple nitrogen cycle into a closed-loop food production system that uses 90% less water than traditional farming.

By Sara Johnson

Food CultureMar 22, 2024

Why Chefs Are Paying $25 a Pound for Microgreens

Concentrated flavor, vivid color, and nutritional bragging rights on the menu — here is why microgreens have become a non-negotiable ingredient for serious kitchens.

By Sara Johnson

Farm ScienceMar 14, 2024

From Spore to Store: Mushroom Farming in Florida

Florida's heat and humidity make it a surprisingly strong region for mushroom cultivation — if you understand the species that thrive here and the techniques that keep contamination at bay.

By Sara Johnson

Growing GuidesMar 5, 2024

Spring Planting in Florida: Your March Growing Guide

March is the pivot month for Florida growers — your last window for cool-season crops and first real chance at warm-season transplants. Here is exactly what to plant and when.

By Sara Johnson

Growing GuidesFeb 22, 2024

How to Grow Microgreens at Home in 7 Days

A step-by-step guide to growing your own microgreens at home with minimal equipment. Includes a day-by-day timeline, beginner variety recommendations, and a troubleshooting section for common mistakes.

By Sara Johnson

Farm ScienceFeb 15, 2024

Hydroponics Without the Hype: What It Actually Is and How It Works

A straightforward explanation of hydroponics — the real history, the science of plant nutrition, the six main system types, and what matters more than the marketing claims.

By Sara Johnson

Farm ScienceFeb 8, 2024

The Science Behind Microgreens Nutrition: What 40x Really Means

A deep look at the USDA research showing microgreens contain 4 to 40 times more nutrients than mature vegetables — what the Xiao et al. study actually measured, and the biology behind why.

By Sara Johnson

Growing GuidesJan 29, 2024

What to Grow in Florida This January

January is Florida's prime cool-season planting window. Here's what to sow right now across USDA Zones 9a through 10a, with specific planting dates and tips from UF/IFAS Extension research.

By Sara Johnson

Growing GuidesJan 22, 2024

What Are Microgreens? The Complete Beginner's Guide

Everything you need to know about microgreens — what they are, how they differ from sprouts, their nutritional benefits backed by USDA research, and the most popular varieties to try.

By Sara Johnson

Urban FarmingJan 15, 2024

Welcome to Wholly Water Farms: Why We're Growing Differently

Sara Johnson shares the story behind Wholly Water Farms — a Central Florida urban farm growing microgreens and produce without synthetic chemicals, using LED lights, coconut coir, and vertical racks.

By Sara Johnson

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