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Homesteaders are always on the lookout for ways to be sustainable – and if possible, make some money. One great way to do this is to sell perennials and biennials.
Selling plants is one step up from just saving your own. In today’s world, we should feel a duty to help continue the succession of heirloom plants for our future generations.
First off, let’s look at the basics.
Perennials are plants that will regrow year after year and last for long periods of time – perhaps decades. Biennials are plants that take two years to complete their life cycle. You can plant them one year and collect seeds on the second year.
The Internet is my weapon of choice for selling or bartering plants. Recently, I discovered that goji berry plants are a hot item. If you have ever grown them, then you know they spread quickly. They also root and are pulled easily. I wait until the customer comes to my house, and I pull the bare root starts for them. Each start is $5, and I want them to be successful so I give extras for returning customers.
I also keep a wide selection of berry bushes and create new plants from cuttings—air layering or just covering branches with mulch to root. Most common is probably the strawberry plants. Each plant sends out shoots to grow new plants. You can either use small pots to start these shoots or let them root in the ground and pot them in the fall.
Looking For Non-GMO Seeds? Look No Further!
Seeds from rare plants can bring in some additional income. Biennials take a second season to give seeds, and most people are not patient enough to wait. When your neighbors see what you offer, they will be more than happy to buy.
Here are some favorite perennials:
1. Garlic (usually grown as an annual)
2. Globe artichokes
3. Gogi berries
4. Kale (usually grown as an annual)
5. Radicchio (usually grown as an annual)
6. Raspberries, blueberries, straberries and other berry bushes
7. Rhubarb
Here are some favorite biennials:
8. Beets
9. Brussel sprouts
10. Cabbage
11. Carrots
12. Cauliflower
13. Celery
14. Chard
15. Kale
16. Kohlrabi
17. Leek
18. Onion
19. Parsley
20. Parsnip
21. Rutabaga
22. Salsify
23. Turnip
With so many ways to propagate and perpetuate your seeds, you just have to find interest in what you offer. It doesn’t matter that you have a small plot of land or large one. Really, the only thing to do is to look up how to propagate the plants you have and follow the directions. By next spring, you will be able to put up a sign or list on local websites what you have. Facebook is usually a great option for educating friends on plants.
Homesteaders can benefit immensely from selling perennials and biennials – and their neighbors can, too!
What plants would you add to this list? Share your tips in the section below:
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