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Many of us love the idea of getting back to nature, being a little more self-sufficient and learning the skills to help us grow our own vegetables. A select few will take their organic dreams to the next level and will seek to make money from their newfound nature adventure. Turning your passion for growing vegetables into a business is easier said than done. A smallholding is just that; it’s small and is designed to provide vegetables for you and your family. Scaling up is a tougher endeavor. Read on to discover how you could take your foray into self-sufficiency and turn it into a new and thriving startup.

What Makes Money?

Potatoes and carrots may be easy to grow, but they won’t be a very profitable unit to sell. Instead, consider the most cost effective things to grow or produce which you can then sell on for a hefty profit. Consider purchasing a flock of egg laying hens and selling their highly coveted deposits a half dozen at a time. If you are interested in poultry, look into the more unique breeds that produce more interesting flavors of eggs. The Golden Comet hen is a great all rounder that produces fine yields for sale. Forget the tomatoes and cucumbers, and utilize your greenhouse for more exotic courgette flowers, eggplants and chili peppers. The more unique produce will command a higher price at a farmers market.

Think Big

Scaling up your operation can seem like a challenge. However, by pacing yourself and walking before you run, you can manage a sensible and profitable increase in your produce, demand and custom. If you have the space, think about zoning out some of your acreage. By creating distinct zones, you could grow crops, produce eggs, have some milking cows, rear pigs and look into the growing market of edible flowers or herbs. You don’t have to do all of these things, but having the option means you always have space to diversify and expand. Look into the sorts of domestic and industrial farm sheds that you could build on your smallholding to house your equipment, tools and seeds. Scaling up means that you will have to create a secure and protected space to shield your stock from the elements.

Advertise

There is no point developing a farm or smallholding that generates such wonderful produce if there is no one willing to buy from you. You must get your business out there to begin generating the custom you need to make a success of your venture. Check out local farmers markets and get yourself a pitch. Get your new venture onto Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and show off your produce and wares. By displaying your eggs, marjoram and celeriac, you can join a network of local growers. There is strength in numbers when it comes to small businesses and you will find a supportive web of contacts to help you on your journey.

If you adore your smallholding and want to take it to the next level, start small and scale up gradually. Before long, you could have a solid customer base eagerly awaiting your next batch of organic eggs!