Top 5 Ways to Make Money from Your Backyard Garden in the Winter

As the snow begins to blanket your backyard and the temperatures drop, you might think it’s time to hang up your gardening gloves until spring. But wait! Your backyard garden can still be a money-making machine, even in the chill of winter! Let’s dig into to the top 5 ways to turn your frosty patch of earth into a source of income this winter season.

Winter Crops That Grow Well for Small Gardens

You might be surprised to learn that winter doesn’t mean the end of fresh produce! In fact, many winter crops thrive in the colder months. Think kale, spinach, and winter herbs like parsley and cilantro—they love the cool weather!

Choosing the right crops

• Kale: This leafy green is a winter superstar! It’s hardy and can withstand freezing temperatures, making it perfect for winter sales.
• Spinach: Another cold-weather favorite, spinach can be planted in late summer for a winter harvest. It’s packed with nutrients and is always in demand.
• Winter Herbs: Herbs like parsley, cilantro, and chives not only survive winter but can also enhance your dishes’ flavors. They’re sought after by home cooks and restaurants alike.

Did you know? Facts about the vegetables you’re growing

• The global spinach market is projected to grow at a rate of around 5.3% from 2021 to 2026, demonstrating a consistent demand for fresh spinach!
• Kale production in the U.S. increased from approximately 9 million pounds in 2010 to over 23 million pounds in 2020, reflecting its growing popularity among consumers and farmers alike.

Maximizing Growth

To ensure your crops thrive, consider setting up a cold frame or using row covers to protect them from harsh winds and frost. A cold frame is essentially a mini greenhouse that traps heat, allowing your crops to grow even in freezing temperatures.

You can sell these fresh veggies at farmers’ markets, local restaurants, or even right from your doorstep. Imagine the joy of seeing people’s faces light up when they taste your homegrown goodness! Promote your crops on social media and in local community groups to attract more customers. Imagine the joy of seeing people’s faces light up when they taste your homegrown goodness! Think of all the extra income and money you will have by growing the right crops in winter.

Grow and Sell Microgreens Indoors in Winter

If you’re short on outdoor space and are looking to make extra money this winter, microgreens are your new best friend! These tiny powerhouses of flavor can be grown indoors year-round and are perfect for adding a fresh twist to salads, sandwiches, and more. Research shows that microgreens can contain up to 40 times the nutrients of their mature counterparts, making them a popular choice for health-conscious consumers.

Getting Started with Microgreens

Growing microgreens is as easy as pie (or should we say, as easy as planting a seed?). Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

1. Choose Your Seeds: Popular options include radish, broccoli, and sunflower microgreens. Each variety has its own unique flavor profile.
2. Prepare Your Tray: Use a shallow tray filled with a nutrient-rich potting mix. Moisten the soil before planting.
3. Sow the Seeds: Sprinkle your seeds evenly over the soil and gently press them in. Cover lightly with soil, then mist with water.
4. Provide Light: Place the tray in a sunny spot or use grow lights to ensure they get at least 12-16 hours of light daily.
5. Harvest and Sell: In about 7-14 days, your microgreens will be ready for harvest! Cut them just above the soil line and package them for sale.

Once you’ve mastered the art of microgreens, it’s time to cash in! Local restaurants love fresh ingredients, and you can even set up a subscription service for your neighbours. They’ll be thrilled to have fresh microgreens delivered right to their door and you will love the extra money you will have coming in each week.

Selling Dried Herbs and Herbal Teas from Your Garden

Gather your sage, rosemary, thyme, and lavender, and turn them into flavorful culinary delights or calming herbal teas. Here’s how to get started:

1. Harvest Your Herbs: Pick herbs on a sunny day when the leaves are dry. The best time to harvest is in the morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day.
2. Drying Process: Bundle the herbs and hang them upside down in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area. Alternatively, you can use a food dehydrator or an oven set to the lowest temperature.
3. Storage: Once dried, store your herbs in airtight containers away from light and heat. Consider using cute jars or eco-friendly bags to make them more appealing to buyers.

Creating Herbal Teas

You can also blend your dried herbs to create unique herbal teas. For instance, a soothing chamomile-lavender blend or a zesty lemon-ginger tea can attract tea lovers. Package your herbal teas in decorative bags and provide brewing instructions to make it easy for customers to enjoy.

You could sell your dried herbs at local craft fairs, online marketplaces, or even through social media. Trust us—once people catch a whiff of those aromatic blends, they’ll be reaching for their wallets!

Creating and Selling Homemade Garden Crafts

Get your creative juices flowing with some garden-inspired crafts! Winter is the perfect time to channel your inner artist and whip up some unique handmade goods to make extra money.

Craft Ideas

Consider making:

• Pressed Flower Art: Use flowers and foliage from your garden to create beautiful art pieces. Frame them for a stunning decoration that captures nature’s beauty.
• Herbal Bath Products: Combine dried herbs with salts and oils to create relaxing bath products. These make excellent gifts for the winter season.
• Potpourri: Use dried flowers and herbs to create fragrant potpourri. Package it in decorative bags or jars to sell as delightful home fragrances.

Setting Up for Success

Once you have a few crafts ready, it’s time to share your creations with the world! Set up a booth at a local craft fair, or sell them online through platforms. Beautiful packaging and a personal touch can make your crafts stand out. You might just become the go-to source for delightful, garden-inspired gifts!

Offering Winter Garden Workshops or Classes

Why not share your green thumb with others and make some money while doing it? Winter is a great time to host workshops or classes on various gardening topics, like seed starting, indoor gardening, or making herbal teas.

Planning Your Workshops

Here’s how to set up a successful gardening workshop:

1. Choose a Topic: Pick subjects that excite you and would attract others, like “How to Grow Microgreens at Home” or “Herbal Tea Blending 101.”
2. Create a Curriculum: Outline what you’ll cover in each class. Include hands-on activities, like planting seeds or making herbal products.
3. Gather Materials: Prepare all the materials participants will need, such as seeds, pots, or craft supplies.
4. Set a Date and Promote: Use social media and local community boards to promote your workshop. Offer early bird pricing or group discounts to encourage sign-ups.

Engaging Your Audience

During the workshop, create an engaging atmosphere where participants feel comfortable asking questions and sharing their gardening experiences. You can charge a fee for participation, and don’t forget to provide all the necessary materials.

Promote your workshops on social media or through local community centers to attract participants. Not only will you earn some extra cash, but you’ll also be helping others discover the joys of gardening during the winter months!

Turning Your Winter Garden into a Year-Round Income Source

So there you have it! Your backyard garden doesn’t have to hibernate during winter. With a little creativity and effort, you can turn those frosty months into a profitable venture. Whether it’s growing fresh greens, selling dried herbs, crafting homemade goodies, or teaching others, there are plenty of ways to make money while enjoying the beauty of winter gardening.

Remember to stay warm and have fun while you’re at it! Happy gardening, and may your winter be filled with fruitful adventures!