28 Realistic Ways to Make Money Homesteading

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Let’s be real. The words make money homesteading sounds wonderful! The dream of living off the land, being self sufficient and not waking up to an alarm clock – if you choose.

Sounds like a dream doesn’t it? Becoming a modern day homesteader is a real possibility but it’s not free and it will take some strategic planning, hard work and sacrifice.

Are you ready to make extra money with your small homestead?

With careful planning and commitment to the goals it can be done and best of all you don’t have to own a large farm, it can be done on less than one acre.

For us making money on the homestead and being self-sufficient means living debt-free and having modern-day conveniences, but not being dependent on a “paycheck” to come from the job in town.

I’ve compiled a list of 28 realistic ways to make money from the homestead that is geared for those with limited acreage. Each of these are focused on owning small plots of land or even on a suburban or urban homestead and owning no animals.

Creative Ways To Make Money Homesteading

Make Money Homesteading – Using Your Gardening Skills

The backyard garden and even the lawn offers a plethora amount of ways to create extra income. In fact, I feel like the possibilities just may be endless.

1. Potted Plants

This could be either vegetables or flowers. Of course, vegetables would be seedlings for spring planting but flowers can be sold year around.

But how you market them is the creative part. Take the time to attractively package them, label them properly, tend them for a month or two to get them healthy and in prime condition. Then sell them.

2. Native Plants for Sale

I know native plants are terribly expensive to purchase. But think about it. They are easy to grow since they are native and they multiply each year.

For example, purchase a 1 gallon Oakleaf Hydrangea from a local nursery for an average cost of $15. Plant it in the ground, tend it and enjoy it’s beauty and on year 2-3 you’ll have baby runners sprouting up from it.

Carefully transplant these into 1 gallon containers, get them established and you can sell them for $10-$12 all day long. Take orders from friends and associates, advertise them on Facebook and Craigslist as native organic plants and people will buy them.

I know $10-$12 does not sound like a lot, but when you divide an established plant, you can get 5-7 divisions from it. These do add up and you get to enjoy the beauty of them.

3. Woody Ornamentals

These are easy to grow and don’t require a large plot of land. This article from the University of Kentucky is a great read if you are interested in growing willow.

Other ideas to grow are Forsythia and Rose Hips.

The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, did a study in 2013 on growing ornamentals and concluded a profit potential of $56,000 per year with 1/4 – 1 acre of land. This is HUGE!!

4. Sell Last Years Seeds

This too can be for either vegetables or flowers. As you well know, flowers bloom each year and set seeds. These seeds can be gathered, dried and stored to be sold next season.

Again, the packaging is important. Make a cute seed envelope with the needed information and sell them as organic seeds for around $3. One flower will create many many seeds to sell.

If you plan to sell vegetable seeds, you will need to grow heirlooms though. These are a true seed that will reproduce itself. Seeds that have been genetically modified will not reproduce.

Here’s a list of great seed companies to get heirloom and organic seeds from. Buy them only one time, saved seeds from one years crop and sell them the next.

5. Potted Herbs

Have you ever priced a live herb plant at the market? “Wowzers” – it’s crazy what small 6 inch pot sells for especially if it’s in cute packaging.

So organic potted herbs sell especially well. You can purchase a seed packet of organic or heirloom herb seeds for and average of $2.75 from these seed catalogs, and start them indoors in the winter months and by spring garden season, you can have gorgeous healthy herb plants in 6 inch containers for sell.

By the way, you don’t have to spend a lot for grow lights. Here is an easy way to make your own grow light system from scratch.

A normal seed packet of Basil seeds will come with a minimum count of 100 seeds. Of course, don’t expect a 100% germination rate, but you can expect it very near this.

Start these seeds indoors, grow them to lush healthy plants and early spring advertise your organic Basil on the local markets in your area or even set up at the local farmers market.

6 inch pots will yield more money than 4 inch pots too. Again, pay attention to the packaging.

6. Vegetable Seedlings

Of course you can set up a roadside market and sell your vegetable seedlings along with flowers and herbs too.

If you are already starting vegetable seedlings indoors, why not plant extra to sell. Remember, every little bit adds up.

In the beginning, selling your seedlings may prove to be a bit difficult, but anything new is. As I’ve said earlier, it takes hard work and commitment.

Just stick with it and within a couple 2-3 seasons, people will approach you to purchase organic seedlings.

Some really great selling vegetables are cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, and squash just to name a few.

I can see a backyard plant nursery in our future. It’s very doable on less than one acre.

7. Mature Vegetables

With the health movement today, many people are mindful of the type of foods they are eating. And you are in a great place to make money on your homestead by planting extra vegetables to sell at the local farmers market or in a vegetable stand by the side of the road.

8. Fresh Picked Herbs

Fresh picked herbs are a delight to patrons. Keep them fresh by picking the morning of the festival or event, and keep them cool as possible. This helps to keep them fresh looking longer.

Whatever doesn’t sell, no problem, take them back home and dry them and sell as dried herbs. Here’s you some free printable herb labels for your dried herbs.

9. Strawberry Plants

Strawberries require a small area to grow and they are super easy to propagate by runners and place into pots for sell.

These plants actually sell well in a 4 inch pot, but of course, as you can imagine, a 6 inch pot does yield a higher return.

10. Grow and Sell Pumpkins

If you have the space, growing both gourds and pumpkins can be profitable in the fall season.

Pumpkins can be made into puree for cooking and baking or even roast the seeds and then gourds are great for crafting to sell at events.

Pumpkin vines do get rather large, but on our 1 acre, I have dedicated a space just for this. Not all pumpkins have to be huge orange jack-o-lantern types. There are all kinds of smaller pumpkins that are smaller and a variety of colors.

These that are “different” in color and appearance sell well for fall decorations.

Some small varieties are the Warty-Pimpled Pumpkins, Sweet Sugar Pumpkins, and White Pumpkins. These seed catalogs are full of great descriptions of pumpkins that can be grown on a small farm or backyard garden.

11. Grow and Sell Gourds

Gourds are a huge commodity. Not only are the great for home decorating, but they make great natural bird house and bird feeders.

The great thing about growing gourds is they can be trellised and grown upward. Meaning they don’t take a lot of space.

My raised gourd beds are only 2 ft x 4 ft and I have trellises made from cattle gates that goes from one the other. The gourds grow up these and I can actually grow shade loving plants under them.

Gourds sell in my area – depending on the size and shape for $5 – $25 dollars each. You’ll see below ways to decorate them for resell as well. My house is full of just plain, non decorated gourds that I’ve grown.

12. Create an Experience or Visitor Site

If your small acreage or urban homestead is attractive, use it to your advantage. People are interested in how to grow edible landscapes. This idea has been in the back of my mind for some time now.

I do invite friends and acquaintances to come see the raised beds, gourds, pumpkins etc. I’m not quiet ready to open it up to the public just yet, but working toward it.

Amy at Tenth-Acre Farm did just this. She took her .10 acre suburban homestead and created an edible landscape for people to come and learn.

Make Money Homesteading – In The Kitchen

13. Homemade Jams and Jellies

Before you do this, make sure to check with your local extension agency and for the Cottage Kitchen Laws in your area.

Here in Tennessee we are allowed to sell baked goods that don’t require refrigeration, jams, jellies, candy, and dried baking spices.

We cannot sell pickled vegetables, sauces, dressings, no product that contains meat or poultry, or any food that needs to be refrigerated. Nor any canned good that has to be pressure canned.

These products must be labeled with certain information and we are allowed to sell them at festivals, farmers markets, flea markets and social events.

My free canning guide will be helpful when you are making jams and jellies.

14. Baked Goods

Be mindful when baking or cooking. Advertise using real butter, fresh harvested eggs, and make individual servings such as a personal pan size of Blueberry Pies or Strawberry Dumplings.

It takes the same amount of ingredients to make either a whole pie or you can make about a dozen personal pan pies vs one single regular pie. And if you can sell a large pie for $15 great, but when you can sell 12 personal pans pies for $5 each, this is a great gross sale of $60.

These little 4.5 inch baking tart pans are perfect for making personal pan pies. And they are perfect for patrons who are looking for a delicious but easy-to-carry treats or snacks while at the festival.

Display these wrapped in cute, but unique, wrapping and you’ll sell out every time!

15. Dried Herbs

Herbs can be dried a couple different ways. You can use dehydrator or hang them to dry. Here’s how I dry my Rosemary. Of course, these techniques work of other herbs as well.

A 1 ounce package of dried herbs will yield $3-$4.

16. Spice Mixes

Organic spices can be ordered in bulk. And you can not only make your own spice blends and save money at home, but you can make mixed spice blends to sell.

A 1 ounce package of a homemade blended taco seasoning will sell for $3-$5. When you buy in bulk, the cost is less and it takes very little to blend and make wonderful flavors.

A great book I would recommend if you are interested in understanding blends and flavors is Essential Spices and Herbs by Christina Nichol.

17. Dehydrated Fruits and Vegetables

Dehydrating or drying both fruits and vegetables are a great way to preserve them to sell. The quickest and safest way will require a dehydrator. I have always used the Nesco FD60 and did great with it.

But this year on the Black Friday sales, I splurged and bought the Excalibur 3900B. It’s much larger and I can dehydrate even more fruits and vegetables.

A one-gallon bag of dried apples will sell for $25 at the market. Especially if they are locally grown.

Make Money Homesteading – With Crafts and Handmade Items

I don’t know about you, but in our area handmade craft and furniture are a hot commodity.

We have several fall and spring festivals in the area and being a vendor at these is rather reasonable and a great way to earn money from your homestead.

18. Homemade Decorations

If you are handy with wood working, hand sewing or just creative you can do well by setting up as a vendor at the local festivals and even at the farmers market.

Hand-sewn crafts like these Pumpkins on a Stick and Primitive Pumpkin Bowl Fillers sell well. Each year I set up a booth normally at 3-4 of our local festivals and do well each time.

At Christmas we have an annual festival and I’m always able to sell my Christmas Stocking Ornaments and my Snowman Clothespin Ornaments.

This past Christmas, I made these cute Primitive Feather Trees and sold them for $65 each. The great thing it costs me less than $20 to make. Of course I do have my time in them, but a tree can be made and decorated in less than 2 hours.

19.Natural Wreaths and Other Crafts

Wreaths are another great seller during the holidays. If you have access to grapevines – Fantastic! Make them out of grapevines. But, if not, don’t worry. You can make some really pretty wreaths out of evergreens.

The cost for these is minimal since evergreens grow freely. Go out foraging and looking for cedar, pine and even privet limbs. These make really nice wreaths for the holidays.

And of course, if you prefer, there are some really nice looking artificial evergreens you can buy and make wreaths. These will last much longer, but of course they are not natural.

You might want to try both to see which sells better. I made this Twig Wreath a couple years ago and sold it at the annual open-house Christmas Festival. I only made 3 but sold all 3 for $20 each.

Total cost for each one was less than $3.00

20. Gourd Bird Houses and Feeders

Using the gourds you grow on your homestead, make them into bird feeders and bird houses to sell.

I’m a member of our local Master Gardener group and we have several members that grow gourds. Many of them live in apartments and use large containers.

We make and sell both bird feeders and birdhouses using gourds.

The cost of course depends on the size and shape but an average gourd birdhouse will sell for around $25.

21. Knitting Skills

If you have knitting skills, use this to your advantage. Knitting scarves, hats, blankets and such are a great item to make money from the homestead with.

It’s on my bucket list to learn how to knit, but I just haven’t gotten there yet. But my friend Kim at Homestead-Acres does well selling her knitted goods at the local festivals in her area.

She actually sells patterns too so she is making extra income with her talents.

22. Natural Personal Products

Homemade products such as soaps, lotions, lip balms, and salves are highly profitable goods to make especially if you grow your own herbs and for ingredients.

Of course, they can be purchased in bulk for a reasonable cost too. In my area, a natural tube of lip balm costs less than 50 cents to make it and it sells for $2-$4 each at festivals.

Remember, both the packaging and the display need to be attractive.

23. Natural Homemade Tinctures

I haven’t done this myself – yet, but I know individuals that make a lot of various tinctures. And at the local festivals, tinctures, salves, and such are always available for sale.

Ashley at Practical Self Reliance has this great Echinacea Tincture. She says it costs about $1 an ounce to make but can be sold for $8-$12 an ounce. That’s a pretty good return of investment.

Make Money Homesteading – Handy With Wood & Saws?

24. Build Pallet Furniture / Paint Signs / Etc

Pallets can be found in many places free of charge. Load them in your trunk or back of the minivan or truck and haul them home. Pinterest is loaded with ideas for using pallets for making signs, furniture, shelves, etc.

I’ve not sold this, but I made this from pallet boards. Making my own stencil, cut, sanded and painted and it hangs on the porch. I got the idea on Pinterest.

25. Build Dog and Cat Houses to Sell

Yep, these are profitable goods. Lets face it, people love their animals. After all, they are family. And many are willing to pay well for cute homemade houses for them. You can reuse and repurpose wood to keep costs down.

This is a cat house I made for the feral cats in my area. Made totally of scrap materials, with no cost involved. It has electricity running to it and includes a heated blanket and heat lamp in the cold winter months.

Yes, I do my best to take care of the feral cats in my area. I do trap them, take them to be spayed and neutered and then re-released. They are great for keeping down rodents.

Other Profitable Ways To Make An Income from the Homestead

26. Dog Boarding & Pet Sitting

I do this and it is great. We are animal lovers and when people are going out of town many don’t like boarding their animals.

I charge $25 for one pet or $40 a day for more than 1. They do have to be up to date on all vaccinations.

And the owner provides all the food, snacks, toys, etc for their pet. They can call and check on them anytime and I send text photos to let mom and dad know their babies are having fun and being loved.

Of course, if you have your own house pets, they will need to get along. So be sure to take this into consideration. Our dogs and cats do fine with others.

27. Doing Yard Work for Others – Leaf Raking and Gardening

The grand thing about this way of making money from the homestead is you can keep the leaves and garden scraps for leaf mulch and compost. Win! Win!

You get paid to make your own compost!! How’s that for an idea?

28. Save and Sell Scrap Metal For Recycle

This takes some time to save up enough to take to the recycle center. I have a space beside the garage that I toss it into. And each summer, I load it up, take it to the recycle.

I pickup pieces here and there. People are happy to get it out of their way. My average trailer load normally earns around $300.

I’m thankful that opportunities to make money while homesteading are endless and I am able to be here to take care of things while, Jarrett, my hubby is away. But also contributing to the goals of becoming self sufficient.

We’ve not arrived yet. He still owns a truck and hauls cargo across the country, but each month we continue to chisel away and continue to get closer.

Will these ways of making money on the homestead bring my husband off the road completely? No, but they do add additional income that helps us to get closer to the goal of self sufficient which will give him more options.

And once all the plans for the homestead are set in place, we will have things in order and able to earn an income off our homestead.

Achieving your goals of becoming an entrepreneur or self-sufficient homesteader doesn’t happen overnight. You’ll have to work really hard, make many sacrifices, overcome obstacles, and push through the times you want to “just give up and quit.”

More Homesteading Articles You’ll Like:

1. 13 Best Backyard Chicken Breeds for Beginners and Why
2. Best Books about Homesteading for Modern Homesteaders
3. When Can Chicks Go Outside to the Coop? Best Guide for Beginners
4. How to Create an Emergency Stockpile
5. Setting up a Brooder Box for Baby Chicks
6. Raising Baby Chicks Beginners Guide
7. How to Plan and Set Goals For Homesteading

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