As the festive season accelerates, a growing number of UK households are urgently seeking creative ways to supplement their income and manage the financial pressures of Christmas. The trend is unmistakable: online searches for "make money quickly" have surged by a staggering 171% in the past month, while the TikTok hashtag #sidehustlesinowngarden has amassed over 9.9 million posts.
Your Garden's Hidden Earning Potential
Robin Antill, founder of garden spaces firm 1st Choice Leisure Buildings, believes that simple outdoor ventures can provide a welcome financial boost. "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 his six practical methods to generate money from your garden in the local area ahead of the holidays.
Sell Homemade Compost and Declutter Your Shed
Antill points out that high-quality compost is more valuable than many realise. With spring sowing on the horizon, gardeners are actively searching for nutrient-rich compost. If you have a well-established compost pile, consider bagging it up and selling it online.
Similarly, a thorough clear-out of the garden shed can unearth hidden treasures. Items you no longer need could be perfect for someone else's restoration project or DIY endeavour, turning clutter into cash.
Offer Festive Services and Grow Seasonal Herbs
With busy schedules and homes full of guests, many people are willing to pay for help. Offering garden maintenance services like leaf clearance, hanging Christmas lights, or pruning shrubs can meet this seasonal demand.
For a more direct festive link, cultivate and sell herbs essential for Christmas dinner. Traditional herbs like rosemary and thyme still thrive in the cold. You can pot cuttings from your own garden or buy a single plant to divide and nurture on a sunny windowsill. Decorating the pots adds a charming touch for buyers.
Craft Natural Decorations and Rent Your Space
If you're creatively inclined, forage for pinecones, evergreen sprigs, berries, and dried flowers from your garden or local parks. These natural materials can be transformed into beautiful Christmas wreaths and handmade decorations, which are popular as thoughtful, budget-friendly gifts at online marketplaces or local fairs.
Finally, if you have a summerhouse or garden office sitting unused, consider renting it out. It could provide a tranquil sanctuary for someone needing a quiet workspace away from the festive family bustle. Antill suggests listing the space by the day, week, or even hour on platforms like Facebook Marketplace to attract potential renters.
By leveraging these straightforward ideas, your garden can become a valuable asset this December, helping to ease the financial strain and add a little extra cheer to your Christmas.
