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Seven ways to make money from your garden
Nick Daws sets out seven ways you can make money from your garden
If you’re lucky enough to have a garden, did you know that as well as being a relaxing haven for you and your family, it can make you money as well?
Below I have set out seven ways you can make money from your garden. None of these is likely to make you a fortune, but they can all help your finances stretch further in these challenging times.
1. Grow and sell produce
One of the most traditional and rewarding ways to make money from your garden is by growing fruits, vegetables and herbs.
The demand for organic, locally-grown produce is high. You can sell your harvest at local farmers’ markets, directly to consumers through a roadside stand, or via online platforms such as Facebook Marketplace, NextDoor or local community groups. And, of course, you can save money too by using produce from your garden yourself.
Tips
- Focus on high-demand crops like tomatoes, leafy greens, and berries.
- Consider growing unique or heirloom varieties that are harder to find in supermarkets.
- Implement succession planting to ensure a steady supply of produce throughout the growing season.
2. Set up a plant nursery
If you have a knack for nurturing plants and seeds, consider starting a small nursery. You can propagate popular plants, flowers and shrubs to sell. This could be anything from bedding plants for gardens to houseplants for indoor gardeners.
Herbs and herbal products such as teas, essential oils and skincare items can also be profitable. The demand for natural and organic products continues to grow, providing a steady market for such items.
Tips
- Offer a mix of common and rare plants to attract a wider customer base.
- Use social media to market your plants and share gardening tips.
- Host seasonal plant sales or pop-up events to draw in local customers.
3. Take up beekeeping
Beekeeping can be a profitable venture, especially with the rising awareness of bee conservation. Honey, beeswax and other hive products such as propolis and royal jelly have a ready market. The British Beekeepers Association is a great source of advice and information.
Tips
- Check local regulations and obtain necessary permits for beekeeping.
- Attend beekeeping courses to learn the best practices.
- Market your honey and hive products at local farmers’ markets, health food stores, and online.
4. Rent out your garden space
For those with picturesque or spacious gardens, renting out your space for events such as weddings, photoshoots or workshops can be a lucrative option.
Additionally, platforms like Airbnb Experiences allow you to host garden tours or educational sessions about gardening, beekeeping or sustainable living. You could also host outdoor events not directly related to gardening, such as yoga or art classes.
Tips
- Ensure your garden is well-maintained and appealing.
- Create a detailed listing with high-quality photos and descriptions.
- Provide additional services like catering or event planning to increase your income.
5. Create a garden blog or YouTube channel
If you enjoy sharing your gardening experiences and knowledge, starting a blog or YouTube channel can be both fun and profitable. By building a following, you can earn through ads, sponsorships and affiliate marketing.
Tips
- Choose a niche you are passionate and knowledgeable about, such as organic gardening, urban farming or DIY garden projects.
- Post consistently and engage with your audience.
- Collaborate with other bloggers or YouTubers to expand your reach.
6. Invite campers
If you have the space, consider renting out your garden (or part of it) as a camping – or glamping – location.
You could offer pitches for tents or vehicles such as campervans and motorhomes. You could also offer outdoor accommodation in your garden, such as bell tents, yurts, tree houses, and so on.
Tips
- If you can offer additional facilities such as washrooms, cooking facilities or even cooked breakfasts, you will attract more visitors and be able to charge more.
- Check with your local authority whether any permits are required – rules vary from area to area,
- Advertise on websites such as Campspace and Hipcamp. They will take bookings on your behalf and ensure you get paid for every visitor. They can also advise on what to charge.
7. Share your expertise
If you are genuinely knowledgeable about gardening, you can turn this to profit in various ways. One is by offering garden design and consultancy services. Many people want beautiful gardens but lack the time and expertise to create them. By providing design plans, planting advice and even maintenance services, you can help clients achieve their dream gardens.
Another option is giving talks about gardening. There are plenty of organisations that hire guest speakers on subjects including gardening. Examples would include local Women’s Institutes, retirement clubs and U3A (University of the Third Age) groups. You could prepare talks on a variety of subjects, illustrated with slides or photos, and charge a set fee for giving them. Aim for about an hour per talk.
Tips
- For design and consultancy services, create a portfolio showcasing past projects and designs.
- Stay updated on the latest gardening trends and sustainable practices.
- Network with local garden centres and landscapers to find potential clients and collaborations.
Closing thoughts
Turning your garden into a source of income may require some initial research and investment, but the rewards can be substantial.
Not only can you make some extra cash, you will also get the satisfaction of working with nature and contributing to your community’s well-being.
- If you earn under £1,000 (gross) from your garden in a year, you won’t even have to declare it to HMRC or pay tax on it. This is normally covered under the Tax-Free Trading Allowance.
Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a novice, there really are multiple money-making opportunities waiting to be explored right there in your own backyard.
Happy gardening, and good luck with all your green ventures!
As always, if you have any comments to share about this post, please do leave them below.
Nick Daws writes for Pounds and Sense, a UK personal finance blog aimed especially (though not exclusively) at over-fifties.
Photo credits: Pexels
