Gardening has made quite a comeback, especially among the TikTok and Instagram generation in recent years as evidenced by tons of gardening content going viral. Possibly also due to the restrictions brought on by the pandemic a few years ago, a lot of people turned their attention to growing their own food at home and being more productive and creative with their time through gardening. Fast forward to the present, many actually stuck with it! Which is not a bad idea at all, if you ask me.
Benefits of Gardening
According to the Mayo Clinic Health System, the benefits of gardening range from physical to mental to social. Here are some of them:
Gardening improves mental health by reducing stress levels, lightening mood, and lowering anxiety.
Tending to a garden is a great form of whole-body exercise that burns calories, and improves muscle tone, strength, and flexibility.
Growing your own food gives us low-cost and easy access to nutritious organic fruits and produce. This hardly needs any explanation.
Spending time around nature outdoors and breathing in fresh air has both the physical and mental benefits that you can’t ever get by sitting on the couch doomscrolling all day (sorry not sorry).
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How to get started and monetize your garden in 11 steps
Now, on to the (slightly) difficult part. It takes dedication and love for the craft, which is another way of saying it's not for everyone. The list may look intimidating at first glance but try not to be daunted by it. Remember that gardening at home is supposed to be fun and relaxing. My suggestion is to not overthink it and start your garden one pot at a time one, corner of your space at a time. You'll be getting the hang of it before you even realize it. So, without further ado, here's a comprehensive guide on how to start your own garden at home and earn money from it:
1. Start by Assessing Your Space and Resources
Determine the size and condition of your garden space. If the space you plan to work on is large and unkept, begin from a manageable corner and work your way to the rest of it. On the other hand, if you don't have garden space but want to start one anyway, consider planters, hanging pots, and hydroponics (see pictures for samples).
Assess the available sunlight, water sources, and soil fertility. For example, some plants prefer shade while others need full sunlight, some need lots of water while others can thrive with a few times a month watering or are drought-tolerant.
Consider the types of plants that grow well in your region. Some plants are sensitive to climate and temperature.
2. Choose Plants That Can Be Profitable
Research and identify plants that have a high demand and can be grown in your area.
Consider growing vegetables, herbs, flowers, or specialty crops that are expensive or unique.
Take into account the market demand and potential customers.
3. Plan Your Garden Layout
Create a detailed layout of your garden, taking into account plant spacing and companion planting.
Maximize your space by using vertical gardening techniques or small containers for compact plants.
Consider incorporating raised beds or hydroponics to optimize plant growth. Aquaponics is also a great alternative if you are considering soil-less organic gardening. You can get more information on the aquaponic system of gardening here.
4. Improve Soil Fertility
Test your soil for pH levels and nutrient deficiencies.
Amend your soil with organic matter, compost, or homemade fertilizers to improve its fertility. You can use kitchen scraps to make fertilizers.
Follow sustainable gardening practices to maintain soil health and prevent pests and diseases.
5. Start Seedlings or Buy Plants
Depending on the plants you choose, start your seeds indoors or purchase plant starts from plant shops, nurseries, or garden centers.
Ensure proper care and provide optimal conditions until the seedlings are ready to be transplanted or repotted.
Follow planting guidelines specific to each plant, considering proper spacing, watering, and fertilization.
Implement mulching to retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
Regularly monitor your garden for pests and diseases, and apply appropriate controls if necessary.
7. Harvest and Preserve Your Crops
Harvest your crops at the appropriate time to ensure peak flavor and quality.
Use proper techniques for washing, handling, and storing your harvested produce to maintain freshness.
Consider preserving excess produce through canning, freezing, or drying to extend the harvest season.
8. Explore Sales Channels
Set up a roadside stand or create a small farm stand in your front yard to sell directly to the local community.
Participate in farmers' markets or local festivals to reach a broader customer base.
Consider distributing your produce through community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs or local restaurants.
9. Utilize Online Platforms
Create an online presence through social media platforms to showcase your garden and products.
Set up an online store or join existing platforms like Etsy, Marketplace, or other local online marketplaces to sell your produce.
Offer delivery or pick-up options to make it convenient for customers to receive their orders.
10. Offer Gardening Services
Share your gardening expertise by offering gardening services like landscaping, garden design, or consultations.
Provide plant care services like watering, pruning, or pest management for busy individuals or businesses.
11. Expand Your Knowledge and Skills
Continually learn and improve by attending gardening workshops, seminars, or online courses.
Stay updated on the latest trends, market demands, and gardening techniques.
Experiment with new crops, varieties, or growing methods to diversify your offerings.
Remember, gardening at home and earning money from gardening can be very fulfilling but, as with all good things, it takes time, effort, and patience. Start small, learn from each experience, keep going, and gradually expand your gardening business. Enjoy the process and always maintain a passion for gardening, or any chosen endeavor! I hope this helped.
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Learn how to grow vegetables at home from best-selling author and world-renowned plant nutrition and disease expert, Lucia Grimmer, Msc! Tap the tab and links for deets
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