How One Woman Turned Her Love of Gardening Into an Extra Income
"I make up to $2,000 a summer selling excess produce!"
Krista Johnson found an easy way to profit from her garden’s bounty. Here’s how.
“As a lifelong gardener, when I moved into my home, which has a large field, I was excited to start planting vegetables. My family eats what we grow, but I found myself with excess and wanted to share it with others. When a friend suggested I sell it at our local farmers market, I knew it would be a great way to make extra cash too, so I launched 25 Acres (DirtOnMyPlate.com).
“I contacted the local farmers market and, to my surprise, I didn’t have to pay a fee, have a minimum amount of produce or adhere to any pricing structure. I then researched what the farmers market was already selling and where there was a void so I would have the most success.
“I sell all types of produce, including cucumbers, okra, beets, raspberries, squash, pumpkin and sweet corn. And meeting customers provides me with a great opportunity to learn what people really want. For example, when I noticed that my okra wasn’t selling, I realized people don’t know what to do with it, so I pickled it instead of selling it raw.
“I market my business on my Facebook page and on rummage sale Facebook groups, where I post photos. When someone contacts me, we agree on a price, then we meet at my home, the farmers market or another location. During the summer months, I attend one farmers market a week and make between $50 and $100 each time — $2,000 total for the summer. The money I make pays for my small greenhouse, plants and equipment.”
This story originally appeared in our print magazine.
