Discover 53 smart ways to make money homesteading. From selling fresh produce to offering workshops, turn your homestead into a profitable venture. Learn more now!
Homesteading is a great way to live a simple and sustainable life. But did you know you can also make money homesteading?
Yes, you can!
This article will show you many ways to make money while living on your homestead.
What is Homesteading?
Homesteading means living a self-sufficient life, often on a small farm or a plot of land. People who homestead grow their food, raise animals, and make things by hand.
They try to live sustainably and rely less on buying things from stores.
Why Make Money Homesteading?
Making money while homesteading can help you pay bills, buy supplies, and improve your homestead. It can also turn your hobbies and skills into a business. Let’s explore different ways you can make money from your homestead.
What are the Best Ways to Make Money Homesteading?
1. Selling Fresh Produce
One of the best ways to make money is by growing and selling fruits and vegetables. Fresh produce is always in demand. You can sell at local farmers’ markets, roadside stands, or even directly to restaurants.
Tips for Selling Produce
- Grow a variety of vegetables and fruits.
- Use organic and sustainable farming practices.
- Market your produce online and in your community.
2. Raising and Selling Livestock
Raising animals like chickens, goats, and cows can be profitable. You can sell eggs, milk, meat, and even wool.
Types of Livestock to Raise
- Chickens: Eggs and meat
- Goats: Milk, cheese, and meat
- Cows: Milk, cheese, and beef
- Sheep: Wool and meat
3. Selling Handmade Products
Homesteaders are often skilled in making things by hand. You can sell homemade candles, soaps, and crafts.
Handmade items are popular and can fetch good prices.
Ideas for Handmade Products
- Natural soaps and lotions
- Scented candles
- Knitted or crocheted items
- Wooden crafts
4. Gardening Services
If you have a green thumb, you can offer gardening services. Help others set up their gardens, plant flowers, or maintain their yards.
This can be a great side business, especially in the spring and summer.
5. Teaching Homesteading Skills
Many people want to learn homesteading skills. You can teach classes on gardening, animal care, canning, and more. You can offer in-person workshops or online courses.
6. Starting a Blog or YouTube Channel
Share your homesteading journey online. Start a blog or a YouTube channel and share tips, tutorials, and stories.
You can make money through ads, sponsorships, and selling your products.
Topics for Your Blog or Channel
- Gardening tips
- Animal care
- DIY projects
- Recipes using homegrown ingredients
7. Offering Farm Stays
Turn your homestead into a vacation spot. Offer farm stays where people can experience homesteading life.
Provide comfortable lodging and activities like farm tours, gardening, and animal feeding.
Benefits of Farm Stays
- Extra income
- Meet new people
- Share your homesteading lifestyle
8. Selling Seeds and Plants
Grow extra seedlings and sell them to other gardeners. Heirloom seeds and rare plants can be especially popular.
You can sell at farmers’ markets or online.
Popular Plants to Sell
- Herbs
- Vegetables
- Flowers
- Fruit trees
9. Making and Selling Honey
Beekeeping is a rewarding and profitable activity. You can sell honey, beeswax, and other bee products.
Products from Beekeeping
- Honey
- Beeswax candles
- Lip balm
- Propolis
10. Offering Petting Zoo Services
Create a small petting zoo with your friendly animals. Charge a fee for visits or rent your animals for parties and events. This is a fun way to make money and share your animals with others.
11. Selling Home-Cooked Foods
If you love to cook, sell homemade jams, jellies, bread, and other treats. Make sure to follow local regulations for selling food.
Popular Homemade Foods to Sell
- Jams and jellies
- Fresh bread
- Pickles
- Baked goods
12. Hosting Workshops and Events
Host events like yoga retreats, crafting workshops, or cooking classes. Use your homestead as a venue for learning and relaxation.
13. Selling Firewood
If you have a lot of trees, sell firewood. This is especially popular in the fall and winter.
Cut and split wood, then sell it by the cord or bundle.
14. Growing and Selling Herbs
Herbs are easy to grow and in high demand. Sell fresh or dried herbs to local markets or online. You can also create herbal products like teas, oils, and balms.
Popular Herbs to Grow
- Basil
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Lavender
15. Offering Landscaping Services
Help others beautify their yards and gardens. Offer services like planting, mowing, and garden design.
16. Selling Compost
Turn your kitchen scraps and yard waste into compost. Sell the compost to gardeners and farmers.
This is an eco-friendly way to make money and reduce waste.
17. Providing Homestead Tours
Charge a fee for guided tours of your homestead. Share your knowledge and show visitors how you live sustainably. This is a great way to educate and inspire others.
18. Making and Selling Natural Beauty Products
Create natural beauty products like lotions, lip balms, and bath salts. Use ingredients from your garden and sell them at markets or online.
Popular Natural Beauty Products
- Lotion bars
- Bath bombs
- Lip balms
- Facial scrubs
19. Writing Books and E-books
Share your homesteading knowledge in a book or e-book. Write about gardening, animal care, DIY projects, and more.
Sell your books online or at local shops.
20. Creating and Selling Art
If you have artistic skills, sell your paintings, drawings, or sculptures.
Use inspiration from your homestead to create unique pieces.
21. Making and Selling Birdhouses
Craft birdhouses from wood and sell them to bird lovers. This is a great way to use leftover wood and create something beautiful and useful.
22. Selling Preserved Foods
Preserve fruits and vegetables by canning, pickling, or making jams. Sell these preserved foods at farmers’ markets or online.
23. Renting Out Equipment
If you have farm equipment like tractors, plows, or tillers, rent them out to other farmers or gardeners.
24. Offering Tree Trimming Services
Help others maintain their trees by offering tree trimming and pruning services. This can be a valuable service, especially after storms.
25. Growing and Selling Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a high-demand specialty crop. Grow gourmet mushrooms like shiitake or oyster and sell them to restaurants and markets.
26. Making and Selling Furniture
If you have woodworking skills, make and sell custom furniture. Use wood from your property to create unique, handcrafted pieces.
27. Offering Animal Breeding Services
If you have purebred animals, offer breeding services. This can be especially profitable with dogs, cats, and certain farm animals.
28. Selling DIY Kits
Create and sell DIY kits for gardening, crafting, or homesteading projects.
Include all the materials and instructions needed for a fun, hands-on activity.
Examples of DIY Kits
- Herb garden starter kits
- Candle-making kits
- Birdhouse building kits
29. Offering Home Décor Design Services
Use your creativity to help others design their homes.
Offer services like room makeovers, garden design, or homestead planning.
30. Making and Selling Quilts
Quilting is a traditional skill that can be very profitable. Make and sell quilts at craft fairs, online, or through local shops.
31. Offering Dog Training Services
If you are good with dogs, offer training services. Help dog owners teach their pets basic obedience, tricks, or specialized skills.
32. Creating and Selling Jewelry
Make jewelry using materials from your homestead like wood, stones, or plants.
Sell your unique pieces online or at local markets.
33. Offering Car Repair Services
If you have mechanical skills, offer car repair services to your neighbors. This can be a convenient and cost-effective option for them.
34. Growing and Selling Cut Flowers
Grow beautiful flowers and sell them as cut bouquets. This can be a great business, especially for weddings, events, and special occasions.
Popular Flowers to Grow
- Sunflowers
- Roses
- Lilies
- Daisies
35. Making and Selling Pottery
If you enjoy working with clay, make and sell pottery. Create functional items like mugs and bowls, or decorative pieces like vases and sculptures.
36. Offering Home Repair Services
Use your handy skills to help others with home repairs. Offer services like fixing leaky faucets, repairing fences, or painting.
37. Selling Fresh Christmas Trees
If you have land, grow Christmas trees and sell them during the holiday season. This can be a fun and festive way to make extra money.
38. Making and Selling Cheese
If you have dairy animals, make and sell cheese. This can be a delicious and profitable addition to your homestead products.
39. Offering Snow Removal Services
In the winter, offer snow removal services. Help your neighbors by shoveling driveways, sidewalks, and roofs.
40. Creating and Selling Home Décor Items
Make home décor items like wreaths, wall hangings,
table centerpieces, and more. Use natural materials from your homestead to create unique and rustic pieces.
Popular Home Décor Items
- Wreaths made from branches and flowers
- Handmade wall hangings
- Rustic table centerpieces
- Seasonal decorations
41. Offering Cooking Classes
If you love to cook, offer cooking classes. Teach others how to prepare meals using fresh, homegrown ingredients from your homestead.
42. Providing Animal Boarding Services
Offer boarding services for pets or livestock. This can be especially useful for people going on vacation or needing temporary care for their animals.
43. Making and Selling Herbal Remedies
Use your knowledge of herbs to make and sell natural remedies. Create products like herbal teas, tinctures, and salves to help with common ailments.
Popular Herbal Remedies
- Herbal teas for relaxation
- Tinctures for immune support
- Salves for skin conditions
44. Selling Fresh Dairy Products
If you have dairy animals, sell fresh milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter. Dairy products are always in demand and can be a great source of income.
45. Offering Fitness Training Services
Use your homestead as a natural gym. Offer fitness training services like personal training, yoga classes, or outdoor boot camps.
46. Making and Selling Natural Cleaning Products
Create natural cleaning products using simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils. Sell these eco-friendly products online or at local markets.
Popular Natural Cleaning Products
- All-purpose cleaners
- Laundry detergents
- Dish soaps
- Glass cleaners
47. Offering Photography Services
If you have a good eye for photography, offer your services for events, portraits, or product photography.
Use your homestead as a beautiful backdrop for photoshoots.
48. Making and Selling Leather Goods
If you work with leather, make and sell items like belts, wallets, bags, and shoes. Leather goods are durable and always in demand.
49. Offering Massage Therapy Services
If you are trained in massage therapy, offer your services to neighbors and visitors.
Create a relaxing space on your homestead for treatments.
50. Growing and Selling Microgreens
Microgreens are young vegetable greens that are packed with nutrients. They are easy to grow and can be sold to restaurants, markets, and health-conscious consumers.
Popular Microgreens to Grow
- Arugula
- Radish
- Sunflower
- Pea shoots
51. Making and Selling Soap
Use natural ingredients from your homestead to make and sell soap.
Create unique scents and designs to attract customers.
52. Offering Homestead Consulting Services
Use your experience and knowledge to help others start their own homesteads.
Offer consulting services for planning, gardening, animal care, and sustainability practices.
53. Creating and Selling Digital Products
Create digital products like e-books, printables, and online courses related to homesteading. Sell these products on your website or through online marketplaces.
Ideas for Digital Products
- E-books on gardening or animal care
- Printable garden planners
- Online courses on homesteading skills
Income Ideas Table
| Income Idea | Potential Products/Services |
|---|---|
| Selling Fresh Produce | Vegetables, Fruits |
| Raising Livestock | Eggs, Milk, Meat, Wool |
| Handmade Products | Soaps, Candles, Crafts |
| Gardening Services | Yard Maintenance, Planting |
| Teaching Skills | Classes, Workshops |
| Blogging/YouTube | Tips, Tutorials, Sponsorships |
| Farm Stays | Lodging, Farm Tours |
| Selling Seeds/Plants | Herbs, Flowers, Trees |
| Beekeeping | Honey, Beeswax |
| Petting Zoo | Animal Visits, Party Rentals |
| Home-Cooked Foods | Jams, Bread, Baked Goods |
| Hosting Events | Yoga, Crafting, Cooking Classes |
| Selling Firewood | Bundles, Cords |
| Growing Herbs | Fresh/Dried Herbs, Teas |
| Landscaping Services | Planting, Garden Design |
| Selling Compost | Bags of Compost |
| Homestead Tours | Guided Tours |
| Beauty Products | Lotions, Lip Balms, Bath Salts |
| Writing Books | Gardening, Animal Care Guides |
| Creating Art | Paintings, Sculptures |
| Birdhouses | Wooden Birdhouses |
| Preserved Foods | Canned Goods, Jams |
| Renting Equipment | Farm Equipment Rentals |
| Tree Trimming | Pruning Services |
| Growing Mushrooms | Gourmet Mushrooms |
| Making Furniture | Handcrafted Furniture |
| Breeding Services | Animal Breeding |
| DIY Kits | Gardening, Craft Kits |
| Home Décor Design | Room Makeovers, Garden Design |
| Quilts | Handmade Quilts |
| Dog Training | Obedience Training |
| Jewelry | Handcrafted Jewelry |
| Car Repair | Mechanical Services |
| Cut Flowers | Bouquets, Floral Arrangements |
| Pottery | Mugs, Bowls, Vases |
| Home Repair | Fixing Faucets, Painting |
| Christmas Trees | Fresh Holiday Trees |
| Cheese | Homemade Cheese |
| Snow Removal | Shoveling, Plowing |
| Home Décor Items | Wreaths, Centerpieces |
| Cooking Classes | Meal Preparation Lessons |
| Animal Boarding | Pet/Livestock Boarding |
| Herbal Remedies | Teas, Tinctures, Salves |
| Dairy Products | Milk, Cheese, Yogurt, Butter |
| Fitness Training | Personal Training, Yoga |
| Cleaning Products | Natural Cleaners |
| Photography | Event/Portrait Photography |
| Leather Goods | Belts, Wallets, Bags |
| Massage Therapy | Therapeutic Services |
| Microgreens | Young Vegetable Greens |
| Soap | Natural Handmade Soap |
| Consulting Services | Homestead Planning |
| Digital Products | E-books, Online Courses |
You Should Know
There are many ways to make money homesteading. From selling fresh produce to offering workshops, the possibilities are endless.
Find what you enjoy and turn it into a profitable venture. Happy homesteading!
