As gardening enthusiasts, it’s likely that your initial motivations for cultivating a garden or small farm stemmed from a desire to nurture your green thumb or provide sustenance for your loved ones. As experience grows, so do the possibilities of turning a profit. While many plants can be sold with the right market, some varieties naturally command higher prices and possess greater marketability.
If you’re looking to turn your garden or greenhouse into a lucrative venture, here are some top-performing crops to consider cultivating.
Herbs
Lavender
Lavender is an incredibly versatile herb that has earned its place in the wellness space due to its numerous health benefits. Its uses range from aromatherapy with essential oils to culinary applications like desserts. The herb’s marketability stems from its medicinal properties, which have been harnessed for centuries. Additionally, lavender is surprisingly low-maintenance and can thrive even when neglected – a testament to its hardiness.
Whether grown in a bed or container, lavender requires dry soils to flourish.
Basil
When it comes to herbs, basil is another essential addition to your garden. Its versatility makes it an attractive option for restaurateurs, as it can be used in a wide range of dishes. Furthermore, its ability to flourish in warm, humid environments and yield multiple harvests per plant during a single growing season only adds to its appeal.
One of the best aspects of basil is its adaptability – it can thrive in traditional garden beds or even in a herb container garden if you’re short on outdoor space. This makes it an ideal choice for those with limited gardening areas, as well as those who want to make the most of their indoor spaces.
Cilantro
While cilantro may not be a staple herb in every kitchen, its unique flavor profile and ease of growth make it an attractive option for many farmers’ market vendors. In fact, despite being a relatively low-maintenance crop to cultivate, cilantro remains a popular choice among consumers, particularly those seeking natural remedies. As a digestive aid, cilantro has gained recognition in the medicinal community, further increasing its value at market.
Chives
Chives are notorious for their rapid growth and ability to thrive in a wide range of environments. If you’ve ever grown chives, you’re likely familiar with their tendency to spread quickly, often outcompeting other plants in the process. Unlike many herbs, chives are incredibly resilient and will continue to produce new growth year after year. With proper care – which largely involves providing occasional watering – chives can be successfully cultivated across much of the United States.
A key aspect of chive cultivation is regular harvesting, as this encourages the plant to focus its energy on producing new growth rather than seed production.
Gourmet Garlic
While many enthusiasts cultivate garlic, a select few focus on cultivating gourmet varieties. The rarity of certain types, like Rocambole, drives up their value, making them highly sought after by top-tier restaurants and discerning foodies. By producing these premium bulbs, you’ll likely find a lucrative market among this exclusive crowd.
Saffron
Saffron, the prized spice, is extracted from the bulbs of the saffron crocus, a vibrant purplish-blue flower that thrives in sunny conditions. While cultivating saffron indoors within a greenhouse setting is feasible, it does require a substantial amount of space. A single flower doesn’t yield an abundance of saffron, but its exorbitant market price ensures that even a small harvest can generate a significant profit.
Ginseng
While ginseng cultivation may not be the quickest process, the reward is well worth the wait. With maturity taking up to ten years, it’s no wonder that high-quality ginseng fetches a premium price. In fact, one of the biggest hurdles in growing this valuable plant is protecting it from poachers who seek to capitalize on its value.
If you’re willing to put in the time and effort required to establish a ginseng crop, you can expect significant financial returns once it’s fully grown – but be sure to grow it in a secure location where you can keep a watchful eye out for any illicit activity.
Vegetables
Arugula
Arugula, a type of leafy green, has gained a reputation for being highly coveted. Its appeal extends to upscale circles, with many restaurants that focus on farm-to-table cuisine showcasing its unique flavor profile. For those who choose to cultivate this prized green, the potential for revenue streams is substantial. Not only can you supply local establishments, but you could also capitalize on the demand at bustling farmer’s markets.
Corn
While corn may seem like an unexpected addition to this list at first glance, its versatility and demand make it an attractive option for farmers. With minimal space requirements and a multitude of uses – from animal feed to cooking oil to biofuels – growing corn can be a lucrative venture.
Cherry Tomatoes
While anyone can grow tomatoes, cherry tomatoes offer a unique combination of traits that make them an attractive option for those looking to turn a profit. These compact fruits are bred to mature quickly and produce consistently throughout the season, allowing growers to harvest multiple pints in a short period.
While a single pint may not bring in a small fortune, the sheer volume of cherry tomatoes a single plant can yield makes it an excellent choice for those seeking to monetize their garden efforts.
Microgreens
Despite their exotic-sounding name, microgreens are surprisingly accessible and practical. These tiny plants have gained popularity as a key ingredient in miniature salads or as a decorative garnish for main courses. One of the most appealing aspects of microgreens is their rapid growth rate – they’re ready to harvest in just two weeks! This makes them an excellent choice for urban gardeners, who can grow them indoors or outside.
And if you’re wondering about their commercial potential, microgreens typically sell for $20 to $30 per pound, making them a profitable venture for small-scale farmers.
Grains
Wheat
While wheat is commonly associated with large-scale farming in the Great Plains states, it’s also surprisingly feasible to grow on a smaller scale in your own backyard. Believe it or not, wheat doesn’t require as much space as you might assume, and there are numerous varieties specifically suited for home growers that can produce exceptional yields.
Sorghum
Sorghum, an unconventional type of grain, has gained traction in recent times due to its versatility in beverages and syrups. Its adaptability to warm climates makes it an attractive option for farmers residing in such regions. This crop’s potential for commercial success is particularly notable, as it’s become a sought-after ingredient in craft beer and homebrewing circles. In fact, the demand is so high that you’re unlikely to struggle finding buyers.
As a side note, our blog also explores the art of making moonshine and provides guidance on building stills, further emphasizing sorghum’s value as a lucrative crop.
Other Plants
Hostas
Hostas have long been a top choice for those seeking low-maintenance, versatile ornamental plants that can be effortlessly multiplied. As one of the most sought-after landscape staples, their unique appeal lies in their ease of propagation – a single plant can rapidly multiply into dozens or more, making them an attractive option for gardeners and landscapers alike.
Moreover, their modest price tag belies the potential value they hold when resold to consumers, making hostas a shrewd investment for those looking to cultivate a lucrative hobby.
Goji Berries
Goji berries, a ‘hot’ crop among health enthusiasts, can be cultivated at home due to their adaptability to dry climates. As a superfood, they’re highly prized for their rich vitamin and antioxidant profiles. In addition to being used in organic juices, bowls, and herbal tea recipes, goji berries have gained popularity for their medicinal properties, making them an attractive option for those seeking natural remedies.
Arborvitae
This evergreen tree is a sought-after choice for landscaping, boasting a compact growth habit that makes it ideal for various settings. One of its key advantages is its relatively rapid establishment process, allowing it to thrive in a shorter timeframe compared to other species. As a result, you can offer it either as a mature, established tree or in a smaller pot, perfect for customers seeking a quick solution for their garden design.
Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms have garnered significant attention in specialty food stores, health and wellness markets, and even restaurants. One of their unique features is that they can be easily cultivated at home with minimal care. Typically, all you need to get started is the spawn and a log placed in a damp, dark location. As we delve into the world of Shiitake mushrooms, we’ll explore insider tips on how to turn this venture into a profitable one.
Notably, these fungi are renowned for their impressive return on investment – some varieties yield up to 25 pounds per square foot, with most cultivars selling for at least $7 per pound, making them an attractive option for entrepreneurs and enthusiasts alike.
Woody Ornamentals
Woody ornamentals offer a unique opportunity for gardeners to generate income. These trees, shrubs, and plants have attractive features such as colorful stems, berries, flowers, or buds that can be harvested and sold to florists or crafty individuals. Popular options include pussy willows, hydrangeas, Red Twig dogwood, and forsythia, which can provide a lucrative harvest over the course of decades.
The best part is that many woody ornamentals can be harvested year-round, making them an attractive addition to any garden looking to generate a steady income.
Bamboo
Bamboo may seem like an unlikely giant, but it’s actually one of the fastest-growing plants around. In fact, you can harvest a significant amount of this versatile grass without taking up too much space – making it perfect for indoor containers or even potted plants. With a greenhouse providing a stable and warm environment, you’ll be rewarded with rapid growth. But here’s the surprising part: bamboo isn’t limited to tropical climates alone.
There are numerous cold-hardy varieties that can withstand sub-zero temperatures, defying popular misconceptions about this remarkable plant.
Cut Flowers and Bulbs
While cultivating cut flowers or bulbs requires an initial investment of space, time, and effort, it can prove to be a lucrative venture. With minimal startup costs – merely a few dollars’ worth of seeds – the potential for profit is significant. The beauty lies in the fact that most people lack the time or inclination to grow their own decorative blooms, leaving a ready market for your freshly cut arrangements or potted bulbs.
By capitalizing on this demand, you can establish a profitable sideline business, selling directly to consumers or local businesses.
Tips for Making Money Selling Your Own Crops
Gain Experience with Gardening
Before diving into entrepreneurship, it’s crucial to gain hands-on experience in your chosen field. Take gardening as an example; starting a business without prior experience would be equivalent to opening a restaurant without ever cooking a meal. You need to know what you’re doing and have a solid foundation to fall back on. Ideally, you should have several seasons of gardening experience under your belt before venturing into the world of entrepreneurship.
This will not only provide you with the necessary skills but also give you insight into potential pitfalls like droughts or disease outbreaks. Having a plan in place for these situations will instill confidence and enable you to run a productive business.
Pick the Right Avenue
Before embarking on any sales venture, it’s crucial to determine where your products will be sold. Selling gourmet food at a grocery store might be challenging, for instance. Here are some alternative avenues to consider:Farmer’s markets can be an excellent platform for most sellers, but the success largely depends on the type of products being offered. If you’re selling unique items like ginseng or gourmet garlic, you may find yourself reaping significant rewards.
On the other hand, if everyone is selling tomatoes, it might not be as lucrative. Roadside stands can also be a profitable market for selling niche or high-demand crops, but location plays a significant role in their success. A busy road with limited roadside stands can attract more customers than an isolated backroad. Pick-your-own farms are gaining popularity due to the growing interest in farm-to-table experiences and agrotourism.
Customers love being able to harvest their own crops, which can be a lucrative business model if you have the necessary facilities and insurance. Direct sales can also be an effortless way to sell profitable crops, especially if you have an existing network of customers interested in purchasing your products. For example, if you have a group of consumers eager to buy your Shiitake mushrooms, you won’t need to invest time and resources into marketing them.
Restaurants can be a reliable and consistent market for selling profitable crops, but it may require building relationships with local eateries. A long-term contract with a restaurant can provide a steady stream of income and mitigate supply and demand uncertainties.
Make the Most of Your Space
You don’t need an expansive plot to generate profits from your garden. In reality, many high-yielding crops can thrive indoors or even in a compact window box setup. If space is at a premium, optimize your yield by constructing raised beds or embracing the square foot gardening method. Additionally, leverage the concept of companion planting, where certain plants complement each other’s strengths to create a more robust and resilient garden.
Extend Your Growing Season
While some gardeners are restricted to a short growing season, there’s still plenty you can do to maximize your time. Consider constructing a hoop house or greenhouse, which can significantly extend the period during which you’re able to tend to your plants. By doing so, you’ll gain an early start on the growing process and be harvesting crops before other gardeners are even preparing their soil for spring planting.
One More Tip for Making Money With The Most Profitable Crops
When presenting your produce to customers, don’t underestimate the power of aesthetics. Instead of simply dumping your gourmet garlic or arugula into a bucket, consider showcasing it in attractive baskets or jars. This attention to detail can make all the difference in fetching higher prices for your crops.
To take it to the next level, provide recipe cards and other educational materials that show customers how to cook with and enjoy their purchases.
By doing so, you’re not only adding value but also creating a memorable experience that will keep them coming back.
Of course, growing profitable crops requires more than just good looks. It takes careful planning, research, and decision-making to ensure the best possible outcome. But by focusing on the most lucrative options, you can generate significant revenue without requiring a full-time commitment.
With our selection of top-performing crops, you’ll have the tools you need to make informed decisions and get started on your small farm venture with confidence.
