Basil is a very profitable potted herb to grow
If you have seriously considered growing things to earn an extra income, let us save you a lot of extra work by telling you that the best choice for beginners is through herb profits. In other words, growing various herbs will turn a quicker profit than anything else in your garden if you are looking for some kind of incentive. Sure, there are other profitable plants, but let’s take a closer look at what herbs can do for you, and the most profitable herbs, culinary and medicinal.
Why Herbs?
Herbs are not only easy to grow, there is a steady demand for them. Not only are herbs used in cooking, but they are also required for the manufacture of various cosmetic, ornamental and medicinal applications. This means there is a year long season for profiting from the herbs you grow in your garden.
Which Herbs?
You can’t go wrong if you focus your efforts on plantings of the main culinary herbs. This includes dill, parsley and basil. You will be able to sell them to restaurant chefs by the pound and if you plan your plantings correctly, you could see regular harvests bringing you regular income. The key to success with herb sales to chefs is to keep in mind they will place particular emphasis on their need for fresh local herbs. If your regular plantings produce on a cycle that meets this demand, you will be able to develop a base of regular and ongoing customers. That’s why most small growers eventually use a greenhouse for cool-season herb production.
In addition to these cooking herbs, you can grow cilantro, oregano and thyme and fill a market need at your local grocer’s or farmer’s market. These venues will provide you access to a different kind of client – those who like to cook at home but are not professionals.
Profitable Herbs In Winter
The herb market can go well into winter which will enhance your income opportunities. Here are some examples of how that can happen. You can plant some of your herb crop late in the season in pots and sell them at various indoor venues. Also, potted dried herbs provide welcome relief from colds and flu so you can target that segment of the market by growing and selling echinacea and chamomile.
Even catnip can be grown and turned into a small profit generator. It is true what they say about cats and catnip. If you grow enough of it you can sell it directly to pet stores or sell homemade cat toys filled with your home grown catnip. The possibilities are endless when it comes to growing herbs for profit.
Look Beyond The Obvious
While there are a number of traditional markets one can grow and sell herbs to, it doesn’t hurt to explore outside the norm to see where your garden harvest can turn a tidy profit. Ideas can be found online just by searching “ways to use herbs” and you will be amazed at what all these easy to grow garden plants can be used for. You may end up becoming a regular supplier of herbs for a small business you never considered possible.
Ways to reach these other non-traditional sources include promoting yourself and your quality herbs online. You can go on the cheap by advertising at one of the many free classified websites that are available or develop a website and home mail order service to package and send your herbs to online buyers.
Regardless of how big or small you plan to go with your herb business, one thing is for sure, the demand for herbs will never go away and that ensures success in any way you choose to approach this great little income producer. To learn more about the profitable backyard cash crop, visit: www.profitableplants.com