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Many people are looking for ways to earn a little extra money. Even without a natural knack for gardening, there are ways to turn your love for plants into a profitable hobby. This guide explores various avenues for how to make money gardening, whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out. So, if you’re looking to supplement your income and enjoy the satisfaction of cultivating a beautiful sanctuary on your property, read on!
The beauty is, you don’t need acres of land out in the boonies or years of experience to get started. There are a variety of options, from selling homegrown produce to creating unique herbal products. We’ve given you lots of ideas on diversifying your income streams.
And while you’re nurturing your plants, consider capturing rainwater for irrigation. This eco-friendly practice not only saves money on your water bill but also helps the environment. After all, a thriving garden isn’t just about financial gain; it’s about creating a beautiful sanctuary that can boost your mood and well-being. Ok. Here’s how to make money growing plants at home, plus other ideas!
Money-Making Ideas
Sell compost
When I lived in Phoenix, we occasionally made the trek out to the far east side of town to buy organic compost from an enterprising family who had a large farm. Customers could bring their own containers, like a plastic bin, for example, and farm workers would fill it with compost. It was a quick way to get our raised garden beds filled with good, healthy soil, and, I’m sure, the farm owner made a killing.
Are you able to produce more compost than you really need? I’ll bet if you got 2 or 3 good compost piles going, you could offer it to neighbors and friends at a low cost, and they would know, for sure, where it came from, unlike the stuff sold at big box stores.
Sell seedlings
Years ago, I took a gardening class from a master gardener. She told us that the seedlings sold in a lot of nurseries and the big home and garden stores weren’t the varieties that necessarily grew in the area. They were just what customers wanted and would buy.
Grow zones can be very generalized. If you can grow healthy seedlings and they represent varieties that actually grow in your part of town, you can use that to market your product. For example, I’d love to buy tomato seedlings that I know are likely to do well in my shady backyard and humid climate.
Sell garden design services
Not everyone has the knowledge and skills to plan a well-organized garden that takes advantage of the movement of the sun, microclimates, water sources, and the specific varieties of plants that will do well there. If you’re an experienced gardener—bonus points if you’re an official Master Gardener—you just might have a skill that people will be willing to pay for.
About 10 years ago, I befriended a woman who sold produce at a farmer’s market, along with her homemade soaps, and she told me that her garden had been designed by 2 master gardeners. In Phoenix gardening circles, this couple was well known, I guess. I never forgot that conversation because every year when I looked at my own meager harvest, I thought about how nice it would be to hire pros to come and design a foolproof garden.
Offer homegrown, organic produce delivery service
Does your garden grow way more food than you and your family can eat? If so, consider starting your own food delivery company, offering a weekly or biweekly basket of fruit, veggies, and herbs to paying customers. Lettuce is super simple to grow and can easily be done in a small space. If you raise chickens, you could possibly add a dozen fresh eggs as well. One similar service that I know of updates their website weekly so customers know what to expect in their next basket.
Teach gardening classes to homeschoolers
As a long-time homeschooling mom, I have paid for all different types of lessons and experiences over the years, including archery, rifle camp, and etiquette lessons. If there’s one thing I know about homeschoolers, it’s that they are constantly looking for learning opportunities for their kids.
Just this past spring, I paid a mechanic $140 so my 2 teenagers could work with him on an engine rebuild of an old Toyota Camry. The kids learned the parts of an engine, helped replace the brakes, and did a whole lot more. With your green thumb, maybe you could offer gardening classes to a homeschool group or individual families.
Create products from homegrown herbs
Herbs grow quickly in the right environment. At one point, my basil and rosemary bushes were so large that I could barely grow anything else in my front courtyard. Are your herb plants going crazy? Well, why not begin harvesting and drying them, and then using them as ingredients in homemade beauty products, preserves, and soaps? One friend of mine has been making the most amazing varieties of jellies and jams and often, herbs like lemon balm and mint are the main ingredients. She even makes jams of marigolds and gardenia.
Teach classes at a local nursery
People love to learn and if the pro really knows what they’re talking about, they’ll pay for that education. If you have a favorite plant nursery and are known to the owners and managers, that may be a source of income for you if they are willing to have you teach classes for their customers. The beauty of this arrangement is that you are paid for your time by the owners, but inevitably, your students will turn right around and buy plants and gardening products. You can bet on it.
Create custom container gardens
These versatile planters can be an easy and creative way to grow plants for profit. Imagine a “pizza garden” bursting with fresh herbs, a miniature Tuscan herb garden for pasta , or even a whimsical fairy garden to capture kids’ imaginations at markets. There are so many possibilities, from mini succulents to butterfly havens to tropical jungles. Pinterest is a wealth of inspiration. Visit thrift stores and yard sales for unusual containers that might enhance your containers’ themes. The only drawback is you may want to keep them for yourself!
Craft custom potpourri blends
Here’s another option for how to make money from flowers or herbs. People enjoy beautiful scents for their homes, just like they love flickering candles. The best part? You can create your own custom potpourri blends using fragrant herbs, flowers, and spices from your own garden or flower beds. If it’s popular, you could even offer VIP orders for a premium price.
Dehydrate goods
Dehydrating is a fantastic way to offer long-lasting, profitable treats. I mean, have you seen how much dried fruits and berries go for in stores?! My personal favorite is dehydrated bell peppers. I can eat the equivalent of 2-3 whole bell peppers in one sitting if they’re dehydrated.
And you don’t have to stop there. Adults are increasingly seeking out superfood powders made from dehydrated greens; powdered berries and veggies are a super unique offering, too. Dehydrated marshmallows are another surprising hit (think a crunchier version of the Lucky Charms cereal pink hearts, yellow moons, and green clovers.)
Or what about dehydrated meals in jars? What a great option for busy people to still be able to offer homemade meals to their families! Check out this article for tips to get started with these meal mixes.
With a dehydrator, you can create unique, delicious products that cater to a variety of tastes and health needs. This is a great option for making money from a small plot of land because you can sell your product at a higher price point.
Save seeds
Gardeners love finding unique seeds that grow well in their area. By saving seeds from your plants, which are already used to your climate, you can offer these special seeds to other gardeners. Not only is it a smart way to make money, it’s also a smart way to save money! Instead of buying new seeds each year, you can collect them from your crops. This lets you grow these same great plants next season for free.
Pro Tips for Making Money with Your Garden
- Start small and scale up gradually. Test the market with a limited offering. This allows you to identify what customers want and shift directions more easily.
- If there’s high demand for your saved seed, expand your product base. Read this article to learn how to create custom seed banks.
- Since dried and powdered goods sell at a premium, you could also buy discounted produce at grocery stores and still make enough money to make it worth your while.
- Get the kids involved. They’ll learn valuable skills and it’s a great way to spend time together. Read what my kids learned from running a farmer’s market business.
FAQ
Not necessarily. You can start small with seedlings or focus on creating high-value products like jams, herbal blends, or powdered supergreens.
Research local regulations for selling produce, compost, or homemade goods. There might be cottage laws, or permits or licenses may be required.
Research similar offerings in your area to determine competitive pricing. Farmers’ markets are good places to check, as is the internet. Consider the time and effort involved in production.
Related Gardening Articles
Final Thoughts
This guide has shown you a variety of ways to make money from your hobby, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a curious beginner. From selling homegrown harvests to creating unique products, there’s an option to suit your skills, time, and space. Share in the comments how you have or plan to make money from your garden!