Aquaponics systems are very space and labor efficient because they grow two or more products in the same space. Although they require more upfront capital than many of the other backyard business ideas discussed on this website, a do-it-yourself or backyard aquaponics system is not as expensive to build and maintain than you might expect.

Because aquaponics systems are so efficient, studies have found that they actually produce 8 to 10 times the volume of vegetables in the same space and time as conventional systems. They also require one third the energy of conventional agriculture, and, because of the recirculating system, uses just 10% of the water of conventional farming practices. These make it an especially promising technology for building local, sustainable food sources in areas with few natural water resources.

The most common fish raised in aquaponics systems is the tilapia. Other common fish include trout, perch, and barramundi, as well as shrimp and crawfish. Common plants include lettuce and other salad greens, tomatoes, herbs, cucumbers, and more.

Kid Friendly?

Yes, with training and supervision.

Neighbor-Friendly?

In general, well managed aquaponics systems should be free of objectionable odors and waste products. Some systems may have noisy pumps.

Learn More

• Aquaponics.com
• Aquaponics: Integration of Hydroponics With Aquaculture

See larger image Aquaponic System Farm in a Box - Little Tokyo () List Price: $239.00 USD New From: $239.00 In Stock

Living wreaths can be made from any of the following groups of plants:

• Succulents such as sedum and crassula (the original living wreaths)
• Edibles such as herbs, greens, wild strawberries, and even dwarf tomato plants
• Flowers, such as pansy, impatiens, and Sweet Alyssum
• Other ornamentals, such as spider plant, shamrocks, and English ivy

Living wreaths typically require custom wreath frames to accommodate the soil necessary to support growing plants. These can be homemade or specially purchased.

Other Income Opportunities

You can save money on supplies for living wreaths by growing your own plants. You can propagate extras to sell as bedding plants, in containers, or in other types of arrangements.

Kid Friendly?

Yes, for older children who enjoy crafts.

Neighbor Friendly?

Yes.

Learn More

See larger image Living Wreath, The (Paperback) By (author) Teddy Colbert List Price: $19.95 USD New From: $134.99 In Stock Used from: $11.97 In Stock

‘Tis the season to think about growing chestnuts as a cash crop! The United States imports about 40 million pounds of chestnuts annually, producing only about one million pounds domestically despite the fact that chestnut species grow well in many regions of the United States. Chestnuts are used both as human and as livestock food, depending on the quality of the nut.

The majority of chestnuts grown in the United States are now Chinese Chestnuts (Castanea mollissima) due to the near eradication of the native American Chestnut (Castanea dentata) by chestnut blight in the 20th century, which killed an estimated 4 billion trees across the Eastern United States. The American chestnut produced the highest quality nut of any chestnut species and efforts are underway to breed a blight-resistant American Chestnut by backcrossing with resistant Chinese Chestnuts. (Visit the American Chestnut Foundation and the American Chestnut Cooperators Foundation if you are interested in learning more or assisting with these efforts.)

Chestnuts are easy to grow and tend to be highly productive on an annual basis, so they make an excellent cash crop for small farmers and acreage owners. The major disadvantage is the relatively high upfront costs and the 5-10 year wait before the trees begin to produce. Chestnuts are not a crop for the backyard farmer looking to make fast cash. However, they combine well with other pursuits and can be viewed as an investment for the future.

Other Income Opportunities

In addition to their nuts, chestnuts have fine quality wood. There is also growing demand for hybrid American Chestnut nursery stock.

Compatible Projects

Chestnuts combine particularly well with many livestock projects, especially pigs and poultry. In Italy, chestnut-finished pork is an ancient tradition, and chestnut-finished pigs are used to produce the legendary prosciutto di Parma, among other delicacies.

Chestnuts can be paired with other tree crops on agroforestry farms.

Neighbor-Friendly?

Yes, generally.

Kid-Friendly?

Yes.

Learn More

• Chestnut Growers of America
• The Chestnut Grower’s Primer (PDF)
• Chestnut Growers

Unlike most cultivated strawberries, most Fragaria vesca cultivars do not spread by runners and must be transplanted or grown from seed. Alpine strawberries can also easily be divided and propagated in that manner.

Other Income Opportunities

In addition to fresh berries, alpine strawberries also make excellent jams, jellies, and other foods.

Alpine strawberries grow well in pots and are often sold in pre-planted containers.

Compatible Projects

Alpine strawberries require pollination to produce fruit, so a hive of honeybees is a mutually beneficial arrangement, provided the strawberries are grown organically.

Alpine strawberries also grow well in partial shade, so they combine well with other berries and tree crops.

Kid Friendly?

Yes.

Neighbor Friendly?

Yes.

Learn More

• FraisesDesBois.com

Organic Christmas trees can be sold wholesale or as U-pick/cut-your-own. They are relatively easy, but somewhat labor intensive, to grow.

Other Income Opportunities

In addition to selling Christmas trees, many Christmas trees farms sell Christmas greenery and other holiday decorations.

Some farms create a Christmas theme park for families to visit while choosing their trees, with features such as reindeer petting zoos, visits from Santa and his elves, and more.

Compatible Projects

Many Christmas tree farms combine Christmas trees with other seasonal products, such as U-pick berries and pumpkins.

Christmas trees can also be combined with cattle or other livestock, who can graze in between the rows, keeping down weeds and fertilizing the trees.

Kid Friendly?

Potentially.

Neighbor-Friendly?

Yes.

Learn More

See larger image Christmas Trees for Pleasure and Profit (Paperback) By (author) Robert Wray List Price: $24.95 USD New From: $14.58 In Stock Used from: $16.87 In Stock

See larger image Christmas Trees: Growing and Selling Trees, Wreaths, and Greens (Paperback) By (author) Lewis Hill List Price: $12.95 USD New From: $6.98 In Stock Used from: $6.25 In Stock

Growing Christmas Trees Organically

National Christmas Tree Association

In recent years, there has been a growing market for heritage turkeys due to the superior flavor of the meat and old fashioned charm of the birds. Many heritage breeds, such as the Standard Bronze and the Bourbon Red, might as well be a Thanksgiving card come to life. Heritage turkey breeds are also typically hardier and more independent than modern commercial breeds, making them an especially good choice for small farmers.

Heritage turkeys are smaller and grow more slowly than commercial breeds, so plan accordingly.

Legal Issues

Exact laws vary by state, but in many areas it is possible for small scale turkey producers to raise and slaughter their own birds without federal inspection. For more information, check the American Pastured Poultry Producers Association bulletins Legal Issue for Small Scale Poultry Producers and Laws By State.

Other Income Opportunities

Organic and/or pastured turkey will fetch a higher price – up to $7 or 8 per pound in many areas.

There is also a growing market for breeding stock and poults.

Tail feathers can be used to make wreaths and other crafts.

Compatible Projects

In the United States, turkey is primarily a seasonal market, so it’s important to have other income streams. Turkeys combine well with most livestock and crops.

Kid Friendly?

Yes.

Neighbor Friendly?

Turkeys can be somewhat noisy birds, so they are not recommended for suburban farms unless you have tolerant neighbors.

Learn More

See larger image Not Just for Christmas: The Complete Guide to Raising Turkeys (Hardcover) By (author) Janice Houghton-Wallace List Price: $24.95 USD New From: $18.21 In Stock Used from: $40.28 In Stock

See larger image Storey's Guide to Raising Turkeys: Breeds, Care, Health (Paperback) By (author) Leonard Mercia List Price: $18.95 USD New From: $11.17 In Stock Used from: $9.95 In Stock

Raising Turkeys

Heritage Turkey Breeds

Raising Heritage Breed Turkeys

How To Raise Heritage Turkeys on Pasture

Heritage Turkey Foundation

Moso bamboo is one of the most useful plants in the world. In addition to being the tastiest of the edible bamboos, its stalks and fibers are also used for everything from bamboo furniture and flooring to bamboo sheets and yarn.

Moso bamboo is the fastest growing plant in the world, growing at a rate of over one meter per day during some stages of its life. It grows to a maximum height of about 75 feet and is ready for harvest in about 3-5 years. Contrary to popular belief, bamboo is actually a grass, not a tree, so when you cut it back to harvest it, it grows back from the same roots without the need for replanting.

Other Income Opportunities

You can sell harvested bamboo for processing, or process it yourself to make bamboo furniture or other value added products. Moso bamboo can also be sold as an ornamental.

Kid Friendly?

For kids who like gardening.

Neighbor Friendly?

Yes, provided they are harvested carefully!

Learn More

Bamboo Arts and Crafts Network

American Bamboo Society

International Network for Bamboo and Rattan

Legal Issues

It is illegal to important certain species of butterfly into the United States and raising some species, especially rare or exotic, may require a permit. Some areas may also restrict butterfly releases. Do your research before starting this business.

Other Income Opportunities

Some large butterfly farms offer tours or even host events such as weddings in butterfly atria.

Butterflies require a steady of both nectar plants for the adults and host plants for the larvae. In order to reduce costs, you can grow your own, and sell surplus plants to other gardeners and butterfly enthusiasts.

Compatible Income Streams

Host and nectar plants can be used to produce cut and dried flowers for arrangements, homemade potpourri, and more.

Neighbor Friendly?

Yes.

Kid Friendly?

Extremely, provided they are old enough to handle the butterflies and caterpillars with appropriate care.

Learn More

Raising butterflies

The technical term for snail farming is “heliciculture” and the most common species used for escargot are two European species: Helix pomatia and Helix aspersa, although there are many other edible snails in the world.

Outdoor snail farming is best in regions with relatively mild climates and high humidity. Indoor and aquatic snail farming may require more specialized equipment.

Legal Issues

It is illegal to import certain species of snails into the United States, and production of some other non-native species may be carefully monitored, since many edible snails are considered agricultural pests.

Other Income Opportunities

Snails can be sold live, steamed, canned, and more.

Some escargot producers also sell specialty butters and other products to enjoy with their snails.

Neighbor Friendly?

Yes, provided careful precautions are taken to prevent escape.

Kid-Friendly?

Yes.

Learn More

Heliciculture
International Institute of Heliciculture
Raising Snails
Free Range Snail Farming in Australia (PDF)

Orchard mason bees are relatively easy to keep and rear. They can also be easily shipped during their dormant period.

Other Income Opportunities

You can also make money making and selling orchard mason bee nests.

Orchard mason bees do NOT produce honey.

Compatible Projects

Raising orchard mason bees is a perfect complement to an orchard, herb, or flower business, as the bees do not travel far from their nests and need a steady supply of flowering plants to keep them happy and well-fed.

Kid Friendly?

Yes, with supervision. Orchard mason bees are non-aggressive, but do sting if threatened.

Neighbor Friendly?

Yes, with reservations. See Kid Friendly.

Learn More

Knox Cellars

How To Manage the Blue Orchard Bee

Make Money Raising Orchard Mason Bees