frequently asked questions

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GreenSpace is an initiative of the company Blue Marble Space, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting international cooperation through space exploration. One of the biggest challenges as humans venture into space is the successful development of sustainable agricultural methods that can be adapted to a wide range of settings. GreenSpace was launched as an indoor farm to provide nutritious produce to our community and develop methods that could enable long-term sustainability for our future.

We all knew each other because we have been playing in a band together since 2008. Dan and Reba both have had a lifelong appreciation for gardening and good food and are passionate about the environment. Gina and Jacob are both Penn State alumni and share this passion for the environment as well.

We knew we wanted to do some kind of indoor food production, and had heard that microgreens were an up and coming salad crop that was of interest to gourmet restaurants. We also were interested in them for the nutrition claims, and later for scientific reasons. We wrote up a business plan to crunch the numbers and see if growing these microgreens was actually worth the investment the internet was claiming. We believed it was possible and decided to dive in.

There are a few staple microgreens that are commonly grown such as Black Oil Sunflower, Pea Shoots, Pea Tendrils and Sweet Popcorn so that was a start. Then, we began researching reputable seed companies and studying which microgreens were most flavorful and versatile in meals, salads and as an edible garnish. We’re always testing new varieties but the ones most well received by our customers are what we continue to grow on a regular basis. We offer custom orders and love working with folks with special requests as well.

GreenSpace is more than just a farm. We are a non-profit that is passionate about research and education. We grow microgreens partly to earn an income, partly to improve science literacy and curiosity in the younger generations, and partly to advance scientific knowledge about microgreens, sustainability, closed-loop food production, and food security. We take good food and the planet very seriously and keep our eyes on the big picture.

Microgreens are relatively new to our area, it’s rewarding to introduce people to a flavorful food that is highly nutritious and organic. Because we grow indoors, folks can use our product in their favorite dishes all year around. The most challenging part, as with any business, is cold calling restaurants and closing the deal.

Chefs and restaurants are a main source of our business. We also attend farm markets which gives us an opportunity to reach a wide range of people. For instance, since microgreens are high in nutrients, we appeal to many health minded individuals looking to add an extra boost of vitamins to their meals. Then there are the folks who simply love to cook and are looking for something different and unique.

We are certified organic, we use sustainable packaging and we are friendly to do business with.

From the beginning our motto has been “Little greens, Big ideas”. We are approaching our fourth year in business and have accomplished significant milestones. We became a certified organic farm through Pennsylvania Certified Organic (PCO). We created a “waste-free” Sunflower Grow Kit and student grow kit activity workbook on growing sustainably which aligns with the Next Generation Science Standard for grades 3-5. We recently became a certified organic seed dealer for folks who want to grow fresh microgreens at home. We raise worms indoors and offer 100% organic worm castings for a rich organic slow-release soil nutrient. Along with promoting what we’ve accomplished so far, each member of our team has individual goals we’d like to achieve in GreenSpace for the upcoming year. We work well together and assist each other in reaching these goals.