In the hit NBC television show Friends, in season four leading into season five, Phoebe decides she is going to take on the task of having her brother's child. During that process she finds out that she is going to have triplets. She breaks the news to her brother and his wife, and visions of huge amounts of debt and no money dance through their heads. During that same episode, Phoebe tries to conjure up some ways to help her brother and his wife to make some extra money so she decides to sell knives door to door.
Needless to say it was an idea that did not go over well because anyone can walk down to their local Wal-mart, Target or Kohl's and buy good knives at a percentage of the cost. This example is not too far from a person thinking whether or not they can grow vegetables in their backyard and make some extra money by doing it.
Because lets face it you can go to any grocery store and buy tomatoes.
The difference is, because you can grow them in your backyard and do so for less than what a store can you can actually compete. However if you have dreams of selling them to a local grocery store you probably should put that dream on hold. Most stores, more than likely none of them, will buy from local home vegetable gardeners, but here is what you can do, to make a few extra bucks.Do you have any friends or relatives that live on a busy road? If you split the profits with them, do you think they will let you set up a roadside stand? With some basic wood and carpentry skills you can build a roadside stand to put your veggies on for display so that motorists going by can see what you have to offer. Don't forget to make a big sign with your prices to really entice the drivers. Just make sure you check with you city or town to see if you need a license.
In our area we have a huge weekly flea market style of gathering out in the countryside. Every Sunday vendors from as far as 25 miles away bring their stuff to set up a table and sell goods. These goods range from clothes and tools to electronics and baby supplies. If you are fortunate enough to have something like this near you then you have a venue with built in customers looking to buy products at a cheaper cost.
Finally, keep an eye on local schools. Schools host events like craft fairs or trade show type of fundraisers so they can bring in cash to pay for the extras schools need to run. Contact the schools in your area and get yourself on a mailing list to these events so you can grab some table space and sell your produce.
I won't say you will become a millionaire by growing vegetables in your backyard, but it is very possible to make some extra money.
Is it Possible to Make Money From a Home Garden?