Income Producing Ideas for Your Vacant Land: 10 Low to Medium Maintenance Crops
Here in the North Country, you might be surprised by the variety of income-generating options available if you have a small piece of vacant land. Planning and effort allow you to cultivate thriving crops and provide a steady income stream. Here’s a look at ten low to medium-maintenance crops that can be grown on a small plot of land for a big return on your investment.
1. Garlic
Garlic is a fantastic crop for small spaces. It requires minimal care and can be planted in the fall or spring. Once planted, garlic needs regular watering but is generally pest-resistant. Harvesting occurs in mid to late summer, and fresh garlic can fetch a good price at local farmers’ markets.
2. Pumpkins
Pumpkins are relatively easy to grow and can yield a bountiful harvest. They require a sunny spot and some space for sprawling vines. Planting in late spring and harvesting in the fall allows you to capitalize on the Halloween market. Additionally, pumpkin seeds and purees can be sold for culinary uses.
3. U-Pick Crops (Examples: Apples or Strawberries)
U-pick operations allow customers to harvest their own fruit, creating a fun experience while reducing your labor. Apples and strawberries are popular choices. While strawberries require some upkeep, apples need minimal care after establishment. Marketing your U-pick business locally can attract families looking for outdoor activities.
4. Mushrooms
Growing mushrooms can be incredibly rewarding and requires minimal space. Varieties like shiitake or oyster mushrooms can be cultivated in shaded areas using logs or bags filled with substrate. They grow quickly, and local markets often have a high demand for fresh, gourmet mushrooms.
5. Cut Flowers
A cut flower garden can provide a continuous income throughout the growing season. Varieties like zinnias, sunflowers, and dahlias are relatively easy to grow and maintain. You can tap into the growing floral market by selling bouquets at farmers’ markets, setting up a U-pick location, or partnering with wedding venues.
6. Worm Farm
Worm farming, or vermiculture, is an excellent way to generate income with minimal space. Worm castings are a highly sought-after organic fertilizer. And the North Country fishermen are always looking for bait. Setting up a worm farm requires some initial investment, but the ongoing maintenance is low, and you can sell the castings and the worms themselves for composting.
7. Bamboo
Bamboo is a versatile crop that can be harvested for various uses, including landscaping and construction. Once established, it requires little maintenance. Certain species can grow rapidly, and bamboo can be marketed to nurseries, landscapers, or directly to consumers.
8. Landscaping Trees & Shrubs
Growing landscaping trees and shrubs can be a lucrative venture. While they require more time to grow, they can be sold to landscapers and homeowners once established. Varieties such as flowering trees or ornamental shrubs can be particularly popular, and the initial investment in seeds or saplings can yield high returns.
9. Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses are low-maintenance and in high demand for landscaping projects. They add texture and movement to gardens and can thrive in various soil types. Once established, they require minimal care and can be sold to garden centers or landscapers.
10. Christmas Trees
Everyone loves Christmas in the snowy North Country! Growing Christmas trees can be a long-term investment, as it typically takes several years to reach a marketable size. However, once established, they require relatively low maintenance. Offering choose-and-cut options can enhance customer experience, and seasonal marketing can attract holiday shoppers.
Conclusion
With a little creativity and effort, a small piece of vacant land can become a productive source of income. You can cultivate a sustainable business model by selecting low to medium-maintenance crops that suit our climate and market demands. Start small, learn from your experiences, and watch your land transform into a thriving venture.
Are you ready to start your journey toward passive income? I’m Calvin Campany, a licensed real estate salesperson with Howard Hanna Real Estate Services. I’m here to help you find the perfect vacant property or land to kickstart your investment dreams!
Let’s connect and discuss how I can assist you in navigating the real estate market. Contact me at (315) 955-5575 or at [email protected]. Your ideal property awaits—let’s find it together.
You can start your search here: https://calvincampany.howardhanna.com/