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Urban grower Karla Garcia is proud to announce the creation of her new company, Microgreens FLN based in Sonora, Mexico. Karla is a recent graduate with honors and a master's degree in plant science from the University of Arizona. She is proud of her company's commitment to specializing in microgreens production using an indoor vertical farming strategy. Microgreens are an emerging class of specialty leafy greens and herbs. The crops are harvested when the cotyledons are fully developed and in some cases when the young plants have one true leaf.

Studies have shown that microgreens are an excellent source of vitamins (Sun et al., 2013; Xiao et al., 2012) that offer a variety of flavors, textures and colors. For this reason they are quickly gaining in popularity among foodies, salad lovers and top chefs around the world. Karla and Microgreens FLN are currently focused on producing a wide variety of microgreens, including broccoli, mustard, coriander, beetroot and radish.

Creating the proper growing environment

Climate management is key in allowing Karla and her team to grow consistently and year round. Their specifically designed grow room enables them to maintain production throughout the year regardless of the outside temperature. The room is conditioned with fans and a cooling system to maintain seedlings at an average temperature of 21 ° C (70 ° F). Growracks are used to stack the crops and maximize the square foot production area.

Microgreens FLN is also working with Hort Americas to create the proper light intensity and light spectrum with ARIZE LED grow lights from GE in combination with white fluorescent lamps . This combination enables the company to provide at least one daily light integral DLI of 12 mol / m / d in order to maintain quality, predict growth and reduce energy costs. 

How-to tips

For growers interested in trying to grow microgreens, Karla offers the following tips. 
1. Ensure a clean area by disinfecting trays, seeds (in case they need it) and shelves. 
2. Germinate seed by keeping trays in dark and humid conditions for the first three days. 
3. After germination, place seedlings under grow lights for about two weeks and then harvest.

Harvesting techniques

Microgreens FLN has two different harvesting techniques. Some customers request that their microgreens be delivered live, still growing in trays filled with substrate which provides a longer shelf life. Other customers prefer that the crop be harvested with sterilized scissors and packaged in a plastic clam shell. The delivered product is protected ready to be washed and served.

Microgreens FLN's goal is simple: offer a fresh, healthy, environmentally-friendly product that is nutritious and flavorful.

"Take care of your body, take care of the planet, eat microgreens!" Said Karla.

Urban farmer Karla Garcia is proud to announce the creation of her new company, Microgreens FLN in Sonora, Mexico. Karla (recently graduated with honors and a Masters in Plant Sciences from the University of Arizona) is proud of her company which is committed to specializing in the production of shoots using vertical farms as a strategy. For those who do not know the term buds. The shoots are a new class of vegetable product, which consists of edible seedlings grown from vegetable seeds or herbs, which are harvested at the end of the development of tender leaves called cotyledons.

Studies have shown that shoots are an excellent source of vitamins (Sun et al., 2013; Xiao et al., 2012), also offering a range of colors, flavors and textures. Reason why this product has quickly gained interest in consumers of vegetable products, salad lovers and top chefs around the world. Karla and Microgreens FLN are currently focused on the production of different types of shoots such as: Mustard, broccoli, radish, beet and cilantro.

Creating the right environment to grow

The control of the environment is the cornerstone that allows Karla and her team to grow shoots throughout the year. This team has been dedicated to design a quarter of growth to maintain its production during the year regardless of the outside temperature. The room is conditioned with fans and cooling system to maintain seedlings around 21  ° C on average. They use a shelf system to maximize production per area. Microgreens FLN also collaborates with Hort Americas to create the right lighting environment using   GE "Arize LED" lights  for plant growth with a combination of fluorescent bulbs. This combination allows Karla and her team to maintain quality, predict growth (Managing at least one DLI of 12 mol m -2  d -1  ) and in turn to reduce energy costs. 

Tips to grow

For those wondering how they can do shoots at home, Karla gives the following tips:

The first step for the production of shoots is to ensure a clean area, by disinfection of trays, seeds (if necessary) and shelves. Second, induce germination by keeping the trays in a dark and humid place. After germination, the seedlings are placed under the growth lights for two weeks and then harvested.

Harvesting techniques

Microgreens FLN has two different harvesting methods. Some consumers demand to keep their buds alive, growing on the substrate, which generates a longer shelf life. Other consumers prefer that Microgreens FLN harvest the product, by cutting with sterile scissors, being packed in plastic containers. The delivered product is then ready to be washed and consumed.

The goal of Karla and Microgreens FLN is simple, to offer a product full of nutrients and flavor that is fresh, healthy and friendly to the environment. Quoting Karla: "Take care of your body, take care of your planet, consume Microgreens FLN!"

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Vertical Farming