The Incredible Story of Ninja Greens - A Farm That Didn't Exist Just 6 Months Ago
Posted in Success Stories on August 10, 2020
Tags: Nevada
Today we are publishing our interview with the charming Amy, founder of Ninja Greens. Her farm is the first one based in Nevada we are featuring on Microgreenology and we are excited to share her story as it's one of the most inspiring examples on the blog for someone who started a farm this year and it's already up and running full steam ahead 🙂 Enjoy the story! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What's your name? What’s the name of your farm and where are you based?
Hi, my name is Amy Salas and I’m the owner of Ninja Greens, an indoor microgreen farm located in Boulder City, Nevada.
What's the story behind your farm?
I started learning about microgreens in March of 2020, when my work place shut down due to Covid-19. Living in a dry desert climate makes it incredibly difficult to garden outside so I wanted to find another way to grow my own food.
I came across a Youtube Channel called On The Grow and that’s when I was introduced to microgreens. Having never heard of them before this, I was totally mesmerized by the process of growing and harvesting them. I knew it was something I could do and would also really enjoy (and love eating too).
At first I was just growing for myself and my family and I was having such great success I decided to go full steam ahead so others could enjoy them too. It feels good having a product that helps people stay healthy in times like these and I truly believe that health in wealth.
What's the funniest/most exciting story you've experienced while running the farm?
So far my funniest moment was during my first grow. I threw out two perfectly good trays because I thought they had mold when really it was just root hairs. My most excited moment was getting my first reoccurring sale - another female owned small local business.
What types of microgreens and other produce are you currently growing?
Currently I grow:
- beets
- cilantro (the most difficult but my personal favorite)
- cabbage
- peas
- kohlrabi
- radish
- amaranth (the easiest)
- salad mix
- arugula (most popular)
- clover
- kale
- broccoli
- borage
- and sunflower
What makes your produce different?
Right now I sell a Ninja-Mix Box, which is 4-8 different microgreens depending on what I have growing at the time. They come in 2 or 4 oz boxes and I deliver for free in Boulder City, Nevada.
It’s my goal to have microgreen salsa in the future, with different flavors depending on what microgreens are used. I’m really excited to have a taste test and experiment with this and I think it’s going to be a hit at the farmers market.
I’d also like to offer juices and smoothies in the future and look forward to growing my brand. The great thing about my product is that I grow organically and only offer the finest, freshest product for maximum health benefits.
What do you grow your microgreens on?
My microgreens are grown using organic coconut coir. It works great with my trays and it’s cost effective. In the future I plan on experiments with different things but will always choose organic.
What type of temperature do you choose and what's your normal humidity level?
I keep the temperature between 68-72 degrees. I live in a very dry climate so I don’t have much problems with mold. I have never checked my humidity level but it’s not been a problem.
What kind of water are you using for watering and do you use any add ons for the water?
I water with filtered water and make sure the PH is between 5.5-6.0 (using organic lemon to adjust). I use all natural plant nutrient 2-0-3 Ocean Solution as a natural fertilizer.
What type of clients do you currently serve and what locations do you cover?
Currently I serve 2 local restaurants and one caterer. I also have a few local clients that like my $5 Ninja-Mix Box.
Soon I will be joining the farmers markets and am looking around for a small food truck/trailer to purchase.
What's Your Mission?
My mission is to serve my local community by providing a delicious, organically grown product that adds lots of flavor and nutrition value to their meals.
Based on your experience, what would you suggest farms in a similar position think about?
Because I’m new in the game and still learning, I like to keep an open mind when talking to potential customers. I ask lots of questions and always have free samples when I bring them their order. Be persistent but not overly pushy, customers like to know you are reliable.
What’s your favorite course and/book that helped you learn the in depth knowledge on growing microgreens and starting a business:
Youtube is my favorite method of learning right now, especially the channel called On The Grow.
What are your 3 most favorite farm tools you can’t really run the farm with?
- For Harvesting I love the knife I got from Amazon: Mercer Culinary Millennia 6-Inch Produce Knife
- My favorite tray from Bootstrap Farmer: Microgreen Trays, Multicolor 10 Pack, No Holes
- Coco Coir I use: Coco Bliss Premium Coconut Coir Pith 10 lbs Brick/Block, OMRI Listed for Organic Use
What are your favorite microgreens communities?
I love seeing all the microgreen food dishes people post on Instagram.
What to do next?
If you enjoyed Ninja Greens story please do share it on your social media profiles. You can also PM Amy and ask her anything you want using any of the social media profiles described below:
- The farm's website - ninjagreens.net
- A link to farm’s Facebook Page - facebook.com/ninjagreensbc
- Follow them in Instagram - @ninjagreensbc
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