The Rise of Urban Farming: Why Microgreens Are Leading the Way

As cities continue to grow and green space becomes more limited, a quiet revolution is happening in how we grow and consume food. Urban farming, particularly vertical farming, is reshaping the food landscape, and at the heart of it is the humble but powerful microgreen. At Lovingreens, we believe that fresh, nutritious food should be accessible to everyone, no matter where they live. That’s why we’re committed to growing microgreens in the most sustainable, space-efficient way possible, right in the heart of Amsterdam.

Written by Alix Brière

What Is Urban Farming?

Urban farming refers to growing food within city environments, from rooftops and balconies to warehouses and indoor vertical farms. It’s a response to growing urban populations, climate concerns, and a demand for local, traceable produce.

Unlike traditional agriculture, urban farming reduces the need for long-distance transportation, cuts down on packaging waste, and allows for fresh harvests closer to where people live and eat.

Vertical Farming: Growing More with Less

At Lovingreens, we specialize in vertical farming, a method that stacks growing trays in layers to maximize yield in minimal space. This innovative approach allows us to grow more greens per square meter than conventional flat farming.

Vertical farming is especially well-suited to urban areas like Amsterdam, where land is scarce and expensive. By growing upwards instead of outwards, we produce nutrient-rich microgreens in compact indoor environments, making local food production not just possible, but thriving.

Sustainable Growing Practices That Reduce Waste

Sustainability is at the core of everything we do. Our microgreens aren’t just grown, they’re nurtured using eco-conscious practices that protect our planet and conserve precious resources.

• Low-Water Farming

  • Traditional agriculture is notoriously water-intensive. At Lovingreens, we use bottom-watering techniques that reduce water usage by up to 90% compared to conventional field farming. This method delivers moisture directly to the plant roots, reducing evaporation and runoff while supporting strong, healthy growth.

• Energy-Efficient Lighting

  • Our vertical farms rely on a combination of low-energy LED grow lights and natural sunlight. This hybrid system provides optimal light levels for plant development without excessive energy use. It’s one more way we ensure our operations stay as low-impact as possible.

• Organic Inputs Only

  • Every microgreen we grow starts with organic seeds and grows in a natural medium, free from synthetic chemicals, pesticides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). You get pure, clean, living food with nothing extra added.

Local Food with a Lower Carbon Footprint

One of the greatest benefits of urban farming is its ability to dramatically reduce the food miles associated with getting fresh produce to your plate. While conventional greens are often transported hundreds or thousands of kilometers, our microgreens are harvested right here in Amsterdam and delivered fresh to homes, restaurants, and stores in the area.

The result? Food that’s not only hyper-local and ultra-fresh, but also far gentler on the environment. Fewer transport emissions. Less packaging. More transparency.

Microgreens: The Future of City Farming

Microgreens are uniquely suited to urban agriculture. They grow quickly, require little space, and are packed with flavor and nutrition. Within just 7 to 14 days, we can grow and harvest vibrant greens like radish, sunflower, broccoli, and pea shoots, ready to be enjoyed in kitchens across the city.

By supporting local microgreen farms like Lovingreens, you're helping build a more resilient, sustainable, and self-sufficient food system, one that keeps communities connected to the source of their food.

Join the Urban Farming Movement

Urban farming isn’t a passing trend, it’s a long-term solution to some of our biggest global challenges, from food security to environmental degradation. At Lovingreens, we’re proud to be part of this movement, bringing fresh, healthy microgreens to city dwellers while helping protect the planet.

Want to taste the difference that local, sustainable farming makes?
Visit our Shop to explore our current selection of microgreens and discover how easy it is to bring a little farm-to-fork freshness into your life.