Ways to make money on a hobby farm |VLOG|Whispering Willow Farm

[@MissJens]

So I tried Jess’, from Roots and Refuge, way of starting tomato seedlings. It worked so well that I had 250 seedlings. So, on Mother’s Day, I made a sign that said Heirloom Veggie Plants for sale, I put it out in front of my house, I was so nervous, and now I full on have a new side hustle. I sold them way too cheap but I’ve gotten tons of feedback and have met a ton of gardeners in my town. I’m lucky to live on a busy road too. Now people are asking for fall crops and other things. So far, I’ve at least made a bit more money than we spent on all the upgrades to our garden this year. Miss Jen’s Heirlooms is now in business. I watched your plant start pricing video a while back and that gave me the confidence to put out my sign.

[@making.fronds]

Awesome story! Well done :)

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

So proud of you. Hopefully that side hustle becomes profitable and you can create your very own plant sale with multiple growers in your community. Thank you for sharing ❤

[@melissacrittenden1008]

What fall seeds do you plan to start for selling starts?

[@MissJens]

@@melissacrittenden1008 I already started some later tomatoes that will be ready for sale next week so the harvest will be a fall harvest and then in August I’ll be selling all the cold weather crops like kale, chard, spinach, broccoli, lettuce and collards. I’ll take cold weather suggestions if people have them.

[@pamlindsey7481]

Hi Jill I'm interested in selling cut flowers. I was wondering... where do you sell yours ! I'd like to be able to sell from my little farm but I'm not sure how profitable that would be! Can you please share some ideas!!? Thank you, I'm very encouraged!!

[@michelle2508]

I had my first plant start sale this spring. It was a 3 hour sale on a Saturday at the end of my drive. I made enough to cover my own personal garden costs, a couple grow lights, and heat mats. I was more than happy with the results and will do it again next year.

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

Congratulations! I hope it grows bigger every year❤

[@katyrussell2923]

How much did you charge for your starts? How big were the starts? I’m thinking about doing this in my community next year. I Started my entire garden this year from seed in my living room. I had some left over.

[@michelle2508]

@@katyrussell2923 I actually underpriced my starts at $1 each. I was originally going to to price them at $2 each but the majority were tomatoes and they accidentally got left out too long one day while I was hardening them off and got a little sunburn so they didn't look too pretty. I plan on charging $2 each next year.

[@PrettyPsychedBeauty]

Can you do a video about cut flowers and how you sell them? Are there specific varieties that should be used for cutting vs. for landscape? Do you sell them dried? Do you sell bouquets? How do you decide what varieties to plant?

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

All great questions. This is my first year diving into cut flowers and I'm still learning all these things. When I get it figured out I'll definitely share

[@PrettyPsychedBeauty]

@@WhisperingWillowFarm Thank you! :)

[@trishaprice3563]

I agree, I’d like to know how and where you sell the flowers to.

[@1catmac]

Go to your area markets and see what they’re selling.

[@agoodlife6903]

Jill You should sell head bands with your logo on them. Id buy one.

[@januarysdaughter6664]

Those headbands are super cute!

[@allencozine]

I would buy them too for my wife!😄

[@jessmarie2692]

Me too! Came straight to the comments to see if anyone else asked where she gets her headbands from. Seems great for hot summer gardening!

[@christiensgarden3325]

I’d buy one too

[@judybaugus2909]

I think this is a really important video. I think many people believe they can make a living off the small farm. I find more people making it off utube an merchandising. One point that is very important is that you really can make a dent in the grocery bill by planting what you eat and preserving it. The garden is something that gets better every year. I live on city lot. But grow all kinds of food for my family. My front yard is the main garden space. But I also have a peach tree and blueberry bushes medicinal herbs along the kids play yard fence. Im old I grow mostly in containers. Along the garage was just a long patch of weeds. I planted an orange lemon and clementine tree there. Protected from frost and helps to keep garage cooler. I love your vibe. You are like hippie earth momma mets Jesus. A side note from a 60 year old spending time with your children and gardening is always more important than cleaning.

[@sabbaticusfarm]

Also... I love all these people in the comments who are having such success!! Such an encouragement and a brave testament that small backyard hobby farms can feed the world!

[@apiecemaker1163]

I have for the longest time wanted to share my quilting, canning, gardening, etc. Maybe one day I can find the right platform to do that. Thanks for the encouragement.👩‍🌾💛

[@diannemiller4754]

Seed starting is my favorite thing to do in these Michigan winters. I spend a lot of time binge watching my favorite gardening videos. I put up my lil greenhouse in the living room with grow lights. Neighbors have commented on the colorful lights.

[@katyrussell2923]

I did the same thing in my living room this winter. I am also in Michigan.

[@jessicajordan680]

I love that you weren't afraid to try different avenues of income to see what you liked best and what worked for your family and lifestyle. Fear is the biggest killer of dreams. Knowledge is the cultivator of confidence! It's not failure if it isn't right for you. It is a lesson ☺️🧡

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

Love your words of wisdom ❤

[@bravegirlarise7672]

I didn't even think about selling flowers. Now I'm adding that to my dream garden. 😍🌼🌷🌺

[@tammyfrazier8720]

You can get good money from a florist, out of trimmings from trees. Christmas like different type of pine trees of holly bushes. If u have any of them kind of trees check it out

[@berrystraws]

This is 100% true. Also cuttings from woody shrubs. Good tip!

[@rachelbeil4280]

great idea! 💗

[@galinarou]

Thanks so much for the inspiring and helpful advice! I totally agree that when someone gets serious about their hobby it gets expensive fast, and finding a way to offset the cost is also a sign off successful learning and productivity in your hobby journey.

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

Absolutely!! I’m currently working on an updated version of this video with some new things I’ve learned

[@nowadays2973]

Your video help me decided what I want to do. Thank you

[@SpicyBricy]

I gave away my extras. Maybe next year get the confidence to sell. But love love love starting from seed!! Just a hobby. 😁

[@melissasullivan1658]

Ha! I literally just walked inside from handing off 3 ground cherries and 2 tomato starts that were extra (for free). I’d love to be able to sell my extra plant babies. It turns out I’m really good at growing from seed. Time for moola! 😈

[@leskemp33]

I gave away a ton of tomato and pepper plants this year. I’ve been thinking about a plant sale for next year.

[@tamararoberts9307]

I've always just gave away too. But Jill is encouraging me to profit ❤

[@christydalgaard]

I would love to hear more about cut flowers like something like flowers 101 from seed to cutting ;) :P

[@everafterflowerfarm]

Yessss!!! I’m so excited to start our flower farm this year and grow it year by year. I’ve got dahlias and roses in pots everywhere until moving day! 😂

[@ashleyengle5149]

Such an encouraging video!! Thank you for sharing your knowledge & advice!! ❤️

[@kittiew260]

I gave my extra plants hundreds away to friends & a community garden. I am glad to donate vs make cash. It was fun & will help feed hungry.

[@teresaminnick2252]

Excellent video! I have a hobby farm called Butterfly Kisses Hobby Farm. I only have 1.5 acres. Main hobby is my hens who free range from dusk to dawn. I kept track last year feed costs (and they are spoiled!). Their feed costs and my cats and dog are covered by people wanting my eggs. Since I am a new widow with limited income that was important. My yard is gardening for butterflies in Florida so I enjoy propagation of pesticide free plants that are not available in stores. Just a hobby and what I sell covers buying more supplies. I also sell Varieties of Hoyas in hanging baskets that I propagate. I get frustrated being older and on my own sometimes because I have so many ideas but not another set of hands if it’s a two woman job. Thanks for sharing your ideas and hopefully others will leave good comments how they are hobby farming!

[@charlottesesco8795]

Where in Florida are you..I’m in the panhandle

[@shamrock3354]

@@charlottesesco8795 me too!

[@BlackDogDesigns]

Another great video Jill, thank you for all the fantastic tips👩🏼‍🌾

[@teresacreamer7385]

Love the information in this video. There are a couple of things that you talked about that I could benefit from by selling to make a little extra money. At no means am I looking to get rich 😂 I just want to make enough to expand my garden.

[@leeannmillet8215]

Thank you I love starting from seed so much fun seeing and watching them come up.

[@jaycee1301]

I would love to see a video on your rabbit tractor and how you keep them from tunneling!!

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

Coming soon 😉

[@christycoalson36]

Yes please.. I bought 2 rabbits in February. I'm wanting to breed and sell them but don't want to keep them in a stable hutch.

[@MontsFamilyHomestead]

All so very true Jill, We have a small hobby farm with goats and our sons family has rabbits and chickens. It takes a little time to build a farm/homestead to make a little money. Great advice.

[@carol67460]

You are so sweet to share your hobby farm

[@lelaburnett4197]

It's so exciting to see the journey YOU are taking... and as you do...adjust and make changes to better accommodate your life. Great video. Thanks. Also, thanks for responding on my other comments. You really are a MUSE to me right now.. along with many others who are doing exactly what we love..... Becoming a steward of the land is really exciting. Something I'm continually shocked by.. from learning, to helping, to growing, to troubleshooting...and then... those who ask YOU for advice. Such a blessing. God really did create a perfect world. Love!!!

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

Thank you for the kind words ☺️

[@thesoapcrate596]

I love all the different ways to make money and support the homestead. I think a lot of people fail to look into the rules though, some places you need permits or more to sell anything. The regulation of farming is crazy in different areas.

[@melissasullivan1658]

See that’s what I’m worried about. We have a farmers market and I was trying to understand permitting but I still don’t understand whether I’m even allowed to sell plant starts or not. The term ‘producer’ is very vague.

[@thesoapcrate596]

@@melissasullivan1658 Talk to your local extension office. They can help guide you, even ask other farmers.

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

Great advice, that's what I would recommend ❤

[@sarahhines92]

Love this! You have so many great ideas and it’s definitely inspiring me to try to turn my hobby farm into something more profitable so I can be there full time instead of work! Thanks for the great videos!

[@jasminenash9142]

This is a great video. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and ideas!

[@dr.rev.lindabingham]

Blessings to all!

[@marywest1275]

Jill have you watched any of the videos of you can't eat the grass. She is a flower farmer way up north. Has some beautiful flower varieties. She and her husband have expanded to some vegies recently. Check her out this week.

[@gmsb121]

So much great and useful information. Thank you for this informative video.

[@user-in2cp1kd4g]

I'm doing flowers and jalapenos next year...that's it. Too many bugs! Wish I had a local farmer that I could trust not to put the bad kind of pesticide on food, I would be a lifetime customer.

[@rebeccarobinson74]

Very informative. Thanks for sharing.

[@noelleparris9451]

I really like your positivity 👏🏾. You have a good spirit and your encouragement (I've watched a number of your videos) is very uplifting and seems so sincere ☀️. Took me a minute but I'm subscribing 😌

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

Thank you for the positive feedback and welcome to our journey ❤

[@erinbs1072]

A lot of people getting into cut flowers this year not realizing it’s just as much work as veggies.

[@WickedAwesomeGardening]

Don't forget, you can sell that extra manure too! :)

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

Good point, I should have added that one.

[@WickedAwesomeGardening]

@@WhisperingWillowFarm Might not have thought of it if you're using all of it for your own farm :)

[@ginnievota6141]

Thanks Jill! So encouraging

[@darlenewright5850]

Thanks for taking the time to share

[@marcidevries5515]

My kids sell seedlings each spring to raise the money to fund 4H and fair projects for the year. They sell well!

[@leroneerwin7605]

Great Great video Jill. I've been watching Roots & Refuge for awhile and love them so I just had to include you guys in my watching regimen and I'm so glad I did. You guys are awesome. I'm just a backyard garden guy. My family calls me Old Mac Leebob because Leebob is my nickname. My garden is The PeeWee League Farm. I love the idea of selling seed starts because I have so many left over. I'm gonna try it. Thanks!

[@ncberli]

Thanks for the advice and encouragement💗 I actually just bought two books on flower farming, so it’s great to hear you’ve had good luck with that! We tried making KZbin videos to help pay for our hobby farm, but it’s a lot harder than we realized!

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

Just remember anything worth doing is going to be difficult but rewarding in the end. I encourage you to keep going and remember consistency is key with KZbin

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

You just gained a new sub

[@ncberli]

You are too sweet.. Thank You!! 💗

[@Linda-jp9ys]

I subscribed! :)

[@ncberli]

@@Linda-jp9ys Thank you SO much. You guys inspired me to finish a video tonight, thanks! 😊

[@Looseey1973]

I want to sell cut your own flowers. Never been a fan of flower shop flowers, nothing wrong with them just prefer to have someone personally pick flowers that they think or know I would love.

[@sabbaticusfarm]

I absolutely love this video! Thank you! Another video idea... how to get over your fear of going for it/handling disappointment when it doesn't work out when pursuing these endeavors.

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

Girl I wouldn't know where to start other than jumping in headfirst with the support of my husband of course

[@sabbaticusfarm]

@@WhisperingWillowFarm Well that settles it, hubby is on board and I'm starting some quick plants for a fall crop plant sale 😅 Thank you, Jill, I appreciate you so much!

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

You got this!

[@michelewhite1150]

Well done huny x

[@sageparis6771]

So much good info!

[@megangray7769]

This was so helpful thank you! And your smiling face is encouraging as well! Much love to ya sista ❣️ can't wait to see what you guys are going to grow at the new place ! 🙌🌈☀️👍😊🌻🙏 I'm hoping next year my family can get our starts out to sell and I'm hoping to start learning about fruit trees and different shrubs we can start and sell as well, super excited!

[@theomnomnomnivore]

😭 it's the start of winter here 🥶😆

[@cathykillion5958]

Enjoyed the video

[@junematthews8612]

Ps, go with the head band merchandise!!!!!!😉

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

I'm working on it 🤞

[@angelaraum1545]

Yes please. I'd buy buy. I like many many of them.

[@magnoliagrovehomestead8321]

JILL, you have no idea how much I needed this today. Like you, I have huge dreams. Over the weekend, I went to look at my dream farm, completely set up and ready to go (including a spot at the market). But it's an investment, and my husband is nervous about it. Also, this is much more my dream than his. I've fought tears literally all day because I know I'm going to have to tell these people that I can't take over their farm, and it makes my dreams feel impossible if I walk away from this opportunity. This video, though, reminded me that we all have to start somewhere, and I can still do some things even if I can't do all the things I want yet. Thank you 💗

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

Girl keep dreaming and pursuing those dreams because they are worth it. Taking little steps to get closer to the goal is way more rewarding than jumping all in especially if it's a large investment. You got this ❤

[@amandabuchanan5689]

I'm wanting to grow my hobbies farm into a profitable farm 🤞currently got chickens,goats, and veggie.

[@HappyHealthyLiving]

Inspiring 🙌🏻 thank you 😊

[@sharonjennings1282]

Do you have any videos on your cut flowers or how you make bouquets? I'm growing flowers this year and can use all the help that I can get

[@RSJ-Texas]

Nice ideas !!!

[@sajmt1414]

Great ideas. This was so helpful.

[@lookup5674]

I've been really wanting to do rabbits. I had them growing up. I want the fertilizer for my garden, its hard to find around here and expensive. I just don't know enough about raising them and only been researching this possibility a short time. Would love to watch a few episodes you make on raising rabbits. Found you awhile back from Jess!

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

This is our first year raising rabbits and we are in the learning stages. We aren't comfortable enough to really teach many things. We watch Living Traditions as they are an excellent source of information.

[@BecauseHeLovedMe1st]

Soilless media. To start, I want to be excluded from regulations by using soilless media, as required. I've looked it up, but yet I can't seem to wrap my mind around it. Please recommend a good soilless media to use. And thank you for sharing 😊 Much love ❤️

[@junematthews8612]

Would a cooperative group of hobby farmers working together be better able to keep a farmers market stocked? Less pressure on each individual and a chance to stick to your own strong points. PS you and Jess know the most important livestock on your acreage is children! You will be past 50k subscribers within two months.👍🇬🇧

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

That's a great question. We are trying to create something like that here where it's all about community and not competition

[@Linda-jp9ys]

Great video and information! Thank you!

[@allisonfugere2098]

How do you approach a local florist to sell your flowers? There are 4 with in a few minutes 1 that I know forsure is a chain store. 2 im positive are mom and pop shops.

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

Great question. Most mom and pop florists would love to buy as much local as possible because they recognize how fresh the flowers will be. I encourage you to walk in, introduce yourself and maybe show them pictures of what you are growing/have grown. Ask them what their needs are.

[@allisonfugere2098]

@@WhisperingWillowFarm Another question! How do you price? Per stem, per bundle, different flowers cost more or less some flowers take longer, or need more mantinance (like roses).ect rarity of variety, colors? How does one set a price?

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

Typically the florist tells you what they will pay. Some flowers bring more than others

[@erinholloway1651]

Do you have to have a license or permit to sell starters or flowers?

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

Great question. We don't here in AR

[@redcreekfarm4305]

I ❤️ your headband! You have to link where you get them!!

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

www.naturallife.com/collections/boho-bandeaus

[@redcreekfarm4305]

Thank you 🌻

[@daleservidio2034]

Love the video. Great info Jill. Crazy question: I’m in my low 😊 60’s. Got my first tattoo when my husband passed away. Getting tattoo fever. Your arm: where did you begin, top or bottom? Did you slowly progress? I want an arm tattoo with flowers, roots, ☀️/moon, love ❤️

[@FemmefitalefitclubTV]

How much work is it to clean out the chicken coop?

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

The one we have now takes a long time because of the size. I would do chicken tractors from now on

[@rachelgunderson9138]

I love your headbands! Where do you buy them from? I would love to buy some for myself and also as gifts for friends!

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

www.naturallife.com/collections/boho-bandeaus

[@rachelgunderson9138]

@@WhisperingWillowFarm thank you!!

[@beulahacreshomestead1927]

Where do you sell your plant starts?

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

There is an annual plant sale that hosts local farmers in my area

[@GinaReddin]

What's the difference between organic and heirloom flowers? Is it just in the feeding of them?

[@januarysdaughter6664]

Who do you sell the cut flowers to?

[@charlottephillips7328]

Where would you buy a cage like the one you have your rabbits in. We just want one or two rabbits for pets but that looked awful nice for them to get out and have a little rain and a grass?

[@alexjagneaux7079]

Jill, what flowers are you selling? Are you selling arrangements or stems only? And who are you selling them to? Selling cut flowers is something I've wanted to get my girls (7 and 9) into, but I'm not sure where to start!

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

I would reach out to your local florist or flower shops

[@joannharrison3983]

Where do you buy your organic seeds

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

Great question. Multiple sources including Johnny's, Hoss tools, Botanical Interests and a few more.

[@tammihall4070]

Jill where do you get your beautiful hair gators?

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

I order them from the Natural life

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

www.naturallife.com/collections/boho-bandeaus

[@thehomesteadnurse]

Loves the topic, definitely needed this info! & love how clear your videos are. What lens do you use?

[@evelynrogers7145]

What kind of rabbits do you have?

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

Standard Rex

[@newcolorfarm8959]

Do you have any advice when it comes to raising funds to start a farm? I've always wanted to start a food forest to sell produce to local grocers, restaurants, at farmer's markets, to donate to food pantries and families in need. I also want to sell my seeds as well as create a small nursery so I can sell seedlings to local gardeners. I would absolutely love to live on (and off of) the land... and work at it everyday.

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

My only advice without diving into your personal life and asking lots of questions is to start by making small sacrifices and cutting out any unnecessary spending. We follow Dave Ramsey's program

[@newcolorfarm8959]

@@WhisperingWillowFarm Thank you for the reply! I will look into that program. newcolorfarm@gmail - if you want to ask any personal questions. :)

[@gardeninglittlebylittle]

What about if you're a hobby gardener?... Not a farm.... But I still love watching your channel...

[@stevennolan5315]

where did you get that greenhouse?

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/j52vkmWvd8yge7c

[@newcolorfarm8959]

I want to start a food forest... but, I can't have chickens.. I'd name them and become too attached lol

[@jessicarana1906]

You certainly don’t have to kill them! You can just let them give you manure and work your garden and you give them a good home!

[@wrapsbyrachel5571]

you are about as adorable as it comes! :-) Where do you get your headband/wraps?

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

Thank you! I get all my headbands from the Natural Life

[@wrapsbyrachel5571]

Thanks so much, never knew about them before. And they have such beautiful things!!! I was a little disappointed that there are very few plus sizes for the clothes, but was PSYCHED to see they have a LOT of wraps designs on their sale page... I ordered almost every one of them! I am super psyched to try them. Keep up the great work

[@bethgaither1214]

I would definitely buy heirloom plant starts if I saw them for sale!

[@kansasmisfit7404]

I never let my chickens out of their coop cause I dought they will ever get back in. I sell my eggs 3 dollars a dozen . Don't you have to have a license to sell the eggs for hatching?

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

Not in AR

[@minnesotagal507]

Maybe not a license but there are regulations, check out Bobblehead homestead, he knows

[@AnnaWagnerCarroll]

“Chickens are the gateway…” Boy are they ever! 😂 This was so encouraging while still reminding to be realistic. I think I might try some (or one) of these ideas.

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

Baby steps 😉

[@user-in2cp1kd4g]

JILL...HOW MUCH CAN YOU GET FOR A ZINNIA? DO YOU SELL THEM TO FLORISTS? HOW DO YOU KEEP THEM FRESH AFTER THEY'RE CUT?

[@user-in2cp1kd4g]

I think I read that there is a farm in Central Florida where you can go out and cut zinnias yourself for a dollar apiece.

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

It really depends on your market but I would encourage you to find a local florist and ask them. We get $1/stem

[@tonijurkones9797]

Hello 👋❤️💜💚👍

[@angelicadial7513]

Is it a hobby farm if you’re trying to replace your grocery bill? 🧐

[@tamararoberts9307]

Thx for the encouragement ❤

[@user-in2cp1kd4g]

And the bugs don't eat up flowers...

[@marcidevries5515]

Different bugs, but they sure do! 😉

[@Pollypole]

@@marcidevries5515 Agreed! I've had Japanese Beetles all over my zinnias...blech!

[@lisabrown5976]

Great information! I often wondered about this.

[@augustagootee6254]

Oh man those zinnias are taken off

[@lynnpurfield9430]

I love watching your videos Gill and thank you from th bottom of my heart for all you share with us, but, those rabbit s? So cruel. They need loads of space.....they are clever, like chickens and need mental stimulation to be happy like you like to be. They mostly prefer to burrow......big challenge, but not impossible. Good, healthy meat surely comes from natural, healthy grown animals and not caged up animals?

[@WhisperingWillowFarm]

We have big plans for the rabbits when we get to the new place. We are just working with what we have at the moment

[@BBGG-5]

💕🙏💕

[@debbiecole7005]

I sell daylilies