Six garden projects to make you extra money in time for Christmas

With households seeking quick ways to earn cash before the holidays, experts reveal six ways your garden could generate extra income this festive season

With Christmas racing towards us, countless families are hunting for swift methods to boost their income and tackle those year-end bills.

The numbers don’t lie – Google searches for “make money quickly” have skyrocketed by 171% over the past month, whilst on TikTok, the hashtag “side hustles in own garden” has gone bonkers with over 9.9 million posts.

Taking this into account, Robin Antill, who founded garden spaces firm 1st Choice Leisure Buildings, reckons that straightforward outdoor ventures can bring in a decent bit of extra dosh.

“People often overlook what’s sitting right in front of them,” Antill explains. “A shed, a few herbs or even your compost can become a small seasonal income stream if you know how to use it.”

Here are six methods he sets out for you to begin making money within your local area, straight from your garden, ahead of the festive period, reports the Express.

Sell homemade compost

Antill reckons that quality compost holds more worth than you’d imagine. Spring sowing will soon be on gardeners’ minds, and they’re desperate for nutrient-packed compost.

If you’re a keen gardener with an established compost pile, think about bagging some up and flogging it online for a financial lift.

Have a proper sort-out of the shed

Sheds come in handy for stashing everything you’d rather not see cluttering up the house. But now and then, it’s worth having a proper rummage through what you’re hoarding – as some gems you’ve realised you’ll never touch again could be just what someone else needs, perhaps for restoration projects.

Offer garden upkeep services

There are those with time to spare and those without, but who are happy to pay for someone else to handle tasks they can’t. Over the festive period, when homes are filled with guests, it’s a smart move to provide gardening services – such as leaf clearance, hanging Christmas lights and decorations, or pruning shrubs – to those wanting their homes to look spotless.

Cultivate and sell Christmas dinner herbs

As the season’s main meal looms, family chefs will be gathering their top-notch ingredients, but it’s worth remembering that traditional Yuletide herbs like rosemary and thyme are still flourishing in the cold and growing at this time of year.

If you’ve got them in your garden, they can easily be potted up and sold, but if not, consider buying a single plant, splitting it into smaller pots, and nurturing them indoors on a sunny windowsill. Once grown, decorating the pots adds a lovely touch.

Craft natural decorations and handmade presents

A rummage around your own garden or local parks could yield pinecones, evergreen sprigs, dried flowers, berries, and seeds, perfect for crafting beautiful Christmas wreaths and other decorations if you’re creatively inclined. They’re a hit online or at local fairs and make thoughtful, budget-friendly gifts for loved ones.

Let out your summerhouse

If you’re the owner of a summerhouse, it’s likely that this isn’t the season you’ll be making use of it. However, those in search of a tranquil spot to work amidst family bustle or festive project planning might view your vacant space as an ideal sanctuary.

You have the option to let out the space by the day, week or even hour, depending on demand. Antill suggests platforms such as Facebook Marketplace as prime spots to attract potential renters.