In this podcast episode, Harold and Rachel share their insights on how to generate income from a small homestead. They explore 23 different strategies, offering a mix of tried-and-true methods alongside more creative and unconventional ideas.
Whether you’re already familiar with some of these concepts or looking for fresh inspiration, they provide practical tips and thoughtful discussions on how to make a small homestead financially sustainable. From traditional approaches to innovative solutions, they cover a wide range of possibilities for homesteaders at any stage.
The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 256 – September 15, 2024
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A small homestead can be more than just a self-sufficient sanctuary; it can also be a source of income if you know how to harness its potential. Whether you have a few acres or just a large backyard, there are plenty of ways to make money while living the homestead lifestyle.
1. Market Gardening
One of the most accessible ways to generate income is by growing high-value vegetables like salad greens, tomatoes, and herbs. Market gardening requires relatively little space compared to traditional farming but yields a significant return if you focus on fast-growing, popular crops.
- Jean-Martin Fortier (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 224 Pages – 03/01/2014 (Publication Date) – New Society Publishers (Publisher)
Last update on 2024-10-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Microgreens
Microgreens are tiny, nutrient-dense plants harvested just after they sprout. They’re in high demand by chefs and health-conscious consumers. The best part? Microgreens require minimal space, grow quickly, and can be cultivated year-round in a small indoor space or greenhouse.
3. Specialty Growing
Cut flowers are another high-value crop. Grow a variety of flowers for local markets, florists, or even direct-to-consumer through bouquet subscriptions. Specialty flowers like peonies, dahlias, or even wildflowers can command premium prices, especially when grown organically.
4. Craft Brewing Ingredients
The craft brewing industry is booming, and many brewers are looking for local, unique ingredients. You can grow hops, herbs like coriander, or even fruits that can be used in specialty brews. If you enjoy brewing yourself, you could consider selling small batches or collaborating with local brewers.
5. CSA (Community Supported Agriculture)
A CSA program allows you to sell subscriptions for weekly or monthly boxes of fresh produce, flowers, eggs, or even value-added products like honey or jams. This model provides a steady income and helps build a community of loyal customers.
6. Beekeeping
Beekeeping is not only beneficial for your garden’s pollination, but it can also be a profitable venture. You can sell honey, beeswax, and other bee-related products like candles, lip balms, or hand creams. Bees require a relatively small space and can fit into even a suburban homestead setup.
7. Backyard Nursery
Start your own nursery by growing seedlings, cuttings, native plants, or ornamental plants. Many gardeners prefer to buy plants that are already started rather than growing from seed, especially rare or native species. This venture can be done in a greenhouse or even a well-maintained backyard space.
8. Mushroom Cultivation
Gourmet mushrooms like oyster and shiitake are high-value and relatively easy to grow in a small area. You can grow them in logs, bags, or even specialized kits. Mushrooms can be sold at farmers’ markets, to restaurants, or to individuals who want high-quality, locally-grown produce.
9. Egg Production
Raising chickens, ducks, or quail for egg production is a classic homestead income stream. Eggs can be sold locally to neighbors, through farmers’ markets, or to specialty grocery stores. Many consumers are willing to pay a premium for free-range, organic eggs.
10. Small Livestock
Raising small livestock like rabbits or quail can provide meat, fur, and breeding stock for sale. You can also hatch and sell baby chicks, ducklings, or goslings for flock production. Rabbits, in particular, are easy to raise and can be marketed as either pets or for meat.
11. Worm Farming
Vermicomposting (composting with worms) is becoming increasingly popular. You can sell red wiggler worms for composting systems, which are in demand by gardeners looking for organic solutions. Nightcrawlers are another option, as they’re commonly used for fishing bait.
12. Soap Making
Using herbs and natural ingredients from your homestead, you can create and sell handmade soaps. Soap making allows for creativity and a wide range of products like herbal soaps, goat milk soaps, or exfoliating bars. These make great gifts and can be sold online, at local markets, or in boutiques.
- Althea Press the natural soap making book for beginners
- Althea Press the natural soap making book for beginners- DIY soaps using…
- Making soap from scratch is a fun hobby and a great way to control the…
Last update on 2024-10-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
13. Value-Added Products
One of the best ways to maximize your harvest is by turning it into value-added products. From jams and jellies to pickles and fermented foods like sauerkraut or kombucha, these products extend the shelf life of your produce and increase their value. Herb-infused oils and vinegars are another popular option.
14. Herbal Teas
If you grow herbs, consider drying them and creating unique herbal tea blends. These can be sold at local markets, online, or packaged as gifts. Popular herbs for teas include mint, chamomile, and lemon balm.
15. Workshops and Classes
If you have homesteading skills, share your knowledge by offering workshops or classes. Topics like gardening, soap making, canning, or herbal medicine are always in demand. You can host workshops in person or create online courses.
16. Seed Saving and Seedling Sales
Selling heirloom seeds, bulbs, and seedlings can be a great source of income in the spring. Many gardeners are interested in unique varieties, and offering seedlings ready for planting can save them time and effort. Start seeds indoors and sell them at local markets or through a CSA program.
17. Crafts and Artisanal Products
Use the natural materials available on your homestead to create crafts and artisanal products. Wreaths made from dried flowers, herbs, or greenery can be sold seasonally. Quilts, crochet, knitted items, and woodcrafts like handmade spoons or décor pieces are other options.
18. Herbal Remedies
Create and sell tinctures, salves, and other herbal remedies from plants grown on your homestead. There’s a growing interest in natural remedies, and many consumers prefer to buy from small-scale, ethical producers.
19. Maple Syrup Production
If you have maple trees, you can tap them for syrup production. Maple syrup is a highly valued product, and even small amounts can be sold locally or online. You could also sell other maple-related products like maple sugar or candies.
20. Wild Foraging
If you have access to forests or wild areas, you can forage for wild edibles or medicinal plants to sell. Mushrooms, wild herbs, berries, and other foraged goods are becoming increasingly popular in farmers’ markets and specialty food stores.
- Thayer, Samuel (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 368 Pages – 05/15/2006 (Publication Date) – Foragers Harvest Press (Publisher)
Last update on 2024-10-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
21. Pet Treats
With the rising trend of natural pet care, you can make and sell organic pet treats using ingredients from your homestead. This could be a fun way to use extra eggs, grains, or meats that you produce.
Turning your homestead into a profitable business can be both rewarding and fulfilling. Start small, focus on a few ventures that align with your interests and skills, and gradually expand. The key to success is creating high-quality, locally sourced products that consumers value, while maintaining the self-sufficient lifestyle you love.
Seems like including how to market these things is a good idea as well. It doesn’t matter how good your stuff is if no one knows about it.
We gave a few simple ideas in the podcast, like Facebook Marketplace, Farmer’s Markets, Farm Stands, Local CSA Promotion, online sales through Etsy or other online stores. We probably could have made it a bigger part of the episode but some ideas were mentioned.