Homesteading is often touted as a money saving endeavor. In some ways – it can be, but homesteading can also be expensive, especially when you add up all the time it takes to manage everything. If you are spending time on your homestead, one option is to start a homestead related side hustle to help bring in some extra money. This list of 13 homesteading side hustles should give you some ideas to get you bringing in some nice side money.
I have personally tried at least half of these side hustles over the years.
Looking for more? Check out how to homestead when you’re broke.
*note that depending on where you live, you may need a permit or inspection to sell or make food for sale. It’s best to check with your state and town before investing in one of these side hustles.
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Selling Farm Fresh Eggs
Raising chickens is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to earn money on a homestead. A small flock of laying hens can provide a steady supply of fresh eggs, which are always in demand at farmers’ markets, local stores, and even online through community groups. You can also sell fertilized eggs for hatching or raise and sell chicks to other homesteaders.
If you are going to have a coop with some hens, why not have a few more and sell the eggs to pay for chicken feed.
Homemade Jams & Preserves
If you have an abundance of fruit trees, berry bushes, or wild-foraged fruits, turning them into jams, jellies, and preserves is a great way to reduce waste and create a profitable product. Selling small-batch, homemade preserves at local markets or online can attract customers looking for natural, homemade alternatives to store-bought spreads.
Handmade Herbal Products
Growing and harvesting herbs opens the door to an array of side hustles. You can make herbal teas, infused oils, salves, soaps, and tinctures to sell at craft fairs, farmers’ markets, or online. Many people seek out natural remedies and skincare products, making this a great niche for homesteaders interested in herbalism.
Beekeeping & Selling Honey
Keeping bees is not only great for your garden but also a fantastic way to generate income. Selling raw honey, beeswax candles, lip balms, or propolis-based products can be highly profitable. With growing consumer awareness of the benefits of local, raw honey, this is a great side hustle that also helps the environment.
Growing & Selling Microgreens
Microgreens are easy to grow indoors or in a greenhouse and can be harvested in just a few weeks. They are highly nutritious and sought after by health-conscious individuals and local restaurants. You can start small by selling at farmers’ markets and then expand into restaurant supply or subscription-based deliveries.
Raising Meat Animals
Selling pasture-raised chickens, rabbits, pigs, or beef can be a profitable way to provide high-quality, ethically raised meat. Many consumers are willing to pay a premium for locally sourced, humanely raised meat products. You can sell directly to customers through CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) programs, local butcher shops, or online through farm directories.
Maple Syrup Production
If you have sugar maple trees on your property, tapping them for syrup can be a rewarding seasonal side hustle. While it requires some investment in equipment, maple syrup is a high-value product that sells well at farmers’ markets, online, and even as part of gift baskets. You can also sell maple sugar, maple cream, or infused syrups for additional income.
We often give away syrup to friends, but this is a great solution if you have enough trees.
Teaching Homesteading Skills
Many people want to learn self-sufficiency but don’t know where to start. Offering in-person or online classes on topics like gardening, food preservation, cheese-making, or raising livestock can bring in a steady income. You can sell digital courses, host workshops, or even create a YouTube channel to generate revenue through ads and sponsorships.
Selling Seeds & Seedlings
Many gardeners prefer to buy high-quality, locally adapted seeds and seedlings over mass-produced ones from big box stores. You can start a small nursery business by saving seeds from your best crops or growing heirloom vegetable and herb starts for spring sales. Offering organic or rare plant varieties can help you stand out in the market.
Fiber Arts & Wool Products
If you raise fiber animals such as sheep, alpacas, or angora rabbits, you can make money by selling raw fleece, processed wool, or handmade fiber products. Spinning yarn, knitting wool garments, or making felted crafts are all great ways to add value to your fiber. The demand for locally sourced, sustainable fiber is growing, making this a rewarding side hustle.
Handcrafted Wooden Items
If you enjoy woodworking, making and selling handcrafted wooden items such as garden beds, beekeeping supplies, spoons, bowls, or farmhouse-style furniture can be a profitable homestead business. Customers appreciate unique, handmade products, and these items can be sold online, at local markets, or in specialty stores.
Cottage Bakery Business
Baking fresh bread, sourdough loaves, pies, or other baked goods is a great way to turn your kitchen into a business. Many states allow home baking businesses under cottage food laws, meaning you can legally sell homemade baked goods without needing a commercial kitchen. Farmers’ markets, local stores, and online pre-orders are great ways to sell your products.
Flower Farming
Growing and selling fresh-cut flowers is a beautiful and profitable side hustle. You can sell flowers at farmers’ markets, to florists, or through subscription-based bouquet deliveries. Many people love supporting local flower farms, and specialty flowers such as dahlias, sunflowers, and heirloom roses can command high prices. A flower CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) can also provide recurring income throughout the season.
Last year I started selling flowers at a roadside stand and love bringing in some extra money. This is a great addition and you can also sell at farmers markets or directly to event center of flower shops.
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Just straight up homesteading ideas sent directly to you.