8 Ways You Can Make Money From a Backyard Farm

Backyard farming can do more than feed your family—it can bring in extra income, too. You don’t need acres or a full setup to start making money off what you already grow or raise. With the right mix of planning and consistency, even small spaces can produce something worth selling.

We’ve tested what works, what’s worth the effort, and what people actually want to buy. Here are 10 backyard farm ideas that can help bring in real cash while keeping your setup manageable.

Sell Extra Eggs

If you’ve got laying hens, chances are you’ll have more eggs than your family can eat. Selling extras to friends, neighbors, or at a local market is one of the easiest ways to bring in regular cash.

Keep it simple: clean cartons, consistent pricing, and reliable pickup or delivery. Local, farm-fresh eggs are always in demand, especially if your chickens are pasture-raised.

Grow and Sell Herbs

Herbs are fast-growing, high-value, and don’t take much space. Basil, mint, rosemary, and chives sell well at markets and to local restaurants.

You can sell them fresh in bundles or dried in jars. Even a few raised beds can provide enough to harvest regularly without a huge time commitment.

Raise Meat Rabbits

Rabbits are quiet, take up little space, and reproduce quickly. They’re efficient meat animals for small backyards and can be sold to customers looking for clean, local protein.

In some areas, rabbit meat is in demand with chefs or cultural communities. Make sure to check local regulations before getting started.

Sell Seedlings and Starter Plants

If you already start your own seeds in spring, it’s easy to grow a few extras to sell. Tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and flowers are all popular at local markets.

Healthy seedlings in recycled pots or inexpensive trays go fast. People love supporting small growers, especially if your starts are strong and ready to plant.

Offer Compost or Worm Castings

If you compost food scraps or keep a worm bin, you can sell finished compost or castings to gardeners. These are valuable for improving soil and starting plants.

Bag it up in manageable sizes and label it clearly. Gardeners looking for organic options are usually happy to pay for local compost that’s already broken down.

Make and Sell Soaps or Lotions

Goat milk, herbs, and beeswax from your backyard can all be used to make homemade soaps or salves. These do well at farmers markets, online, or in local shops.

Even if you don’t raise goats or bees, you can use other ingredients you grow—like calendula or lavender. Start with small batches and keep your labels clean and simple.

Sell Fresh Produce

If you’ve got more tomatoes, squash, or cucumbers than your family needs, sell the extra. You don’t need a full farm stand—just a small table and a sign by the road can do the job.

You can also connect with neighbors or join a local produce swap or group. People are often willing to pay for homegrown veggies that haven’t traveled hundreds of miles.

Sell Cut Flowers

Zinnias, sunflowers, cosmos, and marigolds are easy to grow and popular at local markets. A few well-planned beds can provide weekly bouquets through the season.

We’ve found that bundled flowers with a handwritten tag or simple wrapping sell best. They also make great add-ons if you’re already selling eggs or veggies.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.