How To Make Money On 10 to 20 Acres: 81 Creative Ways To Kick-Start Your Earnings

You have a bit of land, and you're wondering how to make money on 10 to 20 acres. Many traditional crops are out of the question as margins would be too low.

Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to use your 10-20 acres to turn a tidy profit without wasting a lot of money. Check them out below!

How To Make Money On 10 Acres: Grow Small Acreage Crops

Common cash crops such as corn require large acreage to turn a profit. But there are some crops you can grow that won't need hundreds of acres. And here are just a few ideas you can use to get started!

1. Microgreens

Microgreens are vegetable greens (leaf vegetables) harvested just after the leaves have developed. These have the potential to develop into the next health craze.

Because microgreens take up little space and have a quick turnaround, they are a good choice for how to make money on 10 acres.

2. Salad Greens

Salad greens are easy to grow when compared to many other possible crops. Because they have a quicker turnaround time and don't need as much space as many cash crops, they can be grown on smaller average farms.

Some examples of salad greens include:

• Green or Red Leaf Lettuce
• Arugula
• Iceberg Lettuce
• Romaine Lettuce

3. Garlic

Garlic is one of the easiest and most profitable crops to grow and can lead to high yields even on smaller acreage farms. This can be a good option for newer farmers looking for a first crop to try.

One other benefit to growing garlic is it is known as an insect repellent. This can be a good plant to grow in conjunction with others for protection from insects.

4. Mushrooms

Mushrooms are another method for how to make money on 10 acres. You can grow large quantities on smaller plots of land. However, growing them is more complicated than simply putting some seeds in the ground.

The best thing is to start small and scale up once you get a knack for growing mushrooms. It's quite easy also to grow mushrooms on an acre while using the rest of your vacant land for other crops.

5. Ginseng

Ginseng is a good crop for wooded areas as it loves growing under hardwood trees. Not many people grow ginseng plants, but it has the potential to be quite profitable when compared to many other specialty crops.

One thing to note is that many ginseng farms in America have gone under due to tariffs and other issues trading with common ginseng markets in Asia. However, there is a market for ginseng in America through the health food industry.

6. Bamboo

Bamboo is growing in popularity in the United States and is perfect if you live in a warmer climate. The best part of bamboo is how much you can make with only an acre of land.

While the grass doesn't produce fruit, the shoots are used for food, and the wood can command a reasonable price on the market. It's also a fast-growing plant which means a quicker turnaround.

7. Berries

Locally-grown berries can fetch a premium price on the market in the right location. You could sell at a local farmer's market to local restaurants or villagers. As berries are small, they don't require as much land as crops like corn or sunflowers and can be quite a profitable business.

Some common berry types that you can grow on a smaller acreage include:

• Strawberries
• Blackberries
• Raspberries
• Blueberries
• Acai Berries

8. Pumpkins

Pumpkins can be an excellent crop to try your hand at during the summer months. You can grow between 1 and 10 acres of them and see a healthy profit.

The pumpkin season generally lasts from mid to late summer to fall. This means you can have other moneymaking endeavors during different parts of the year.

9. Herbs

Herbs can be a good moneymaker in the right environment. Ideally, you want to plant multiple herbs across your farm. If you can, try to get certified organic to increase your profit potential.

Some of the common herbs grown on farms throughout the United States include:

• Dill
• Parsley
• Mint
• Cilantro

10. Grapes For Wine

Growing grapes for wine can take quite awhile but can be a great way to turn a profit if you are dedicated and patient. Be warned, though, it can take a few seasons to get operations going correctly.

11. Hops

Hops are the green flowers that grow on the Humulus lupulus plant. These flowers are commonly used for making beer. If you live in an area with many breweries, you can supply them with hops for beer-making.

12. Tea Leaves

It's possible to plant as many as 6,000 plants on a single acre, making tea a good option for smaller acreage. However, the plant requires a warm and high-humidity environment to grow properly.

13. Hay

While you may not make a fortune, it is possible to grow hay on smaller plots of vacant land to sell locally. The one drawback with hay is you likely won't be as competitive in pricing as larger-scale farms.

14. Flowers

Many different types of flowers can be grown on a commercial farm. These flower types may include peonies, zinnias, tulips, roses, etc. The trick is finding the right flowers for your region that can be grown on smaller acreage.

15. Hemp

Hemp is a type of Cannabis sativa typically grown for industrial or medical use. Numerous products are made from hemp ranging from rope to beauty products and plastics. These hemp products are in high demand with a solid compound annual growth rate.

Raise Animals For Food

While 10 acres isn't enough for a cattle farm, there are some animals you can raise and still turn a profit. If you're looking for how to make money on 10 acres, here are some animals that do well on smaller plots of land.

16. Broiler Chicken

Broiler chickens are raised specifically for meat production. You can raise them as either pastured or organic chickens and net a reasonable profit in the right markets. These chickens have been bred to grow fast, allowing you a quick turnaround time.

17. Pastured Pork

Unlike cows, pigs don't need nearly as much room to rise to maturity. You can fit around 25 pigs per acre, which can provide a tidy profit come slaughter time if all goes well.

However, one thing to note is that pigs have a unique smell, so be prepared to be around that often.

18. Pastured Turkey

Turkeys are another animal that can be grown on smaller acreage compared to cattle and other large ranch animals. You can generally raise around 100 turkeys per acre. In the United States especially, turkeys can bring in decent seasonal income.

19. Heritage Livestock

Heritage breed animals have characteristics and traits resembling more traditional livestock before the advent of mass farming. These animals work well on pasture-raised farms and are more in demand. If you have certified heritage animals, they can fetch a higher price.

20. Tilapia Farming

Tilapia is a low-calorie, high-protein fish commonly consumed around the world. The fish can be farmed in ponds or tanks and has a rapid breeding and growth rate, making it optimal for farming.

21. Ducks

Ducks, like chickens, typically don't need as much vacant land as larger farm animals. You can raise ducks for their meat or their eggs. You will need water for a duck farm, so make sure to consider the costs.

22. Sheep

Sheep can be raised for a variety of profit-making methods. While they can be sold off for their meat, there is also their wool (specialty breeds) and milk for dairy. Sheep don't need as much space as cows or other large animals.

23. Goats

Goats are similar to sheep in that they can be raised for various purposes. Typically, they don't need as much land as larger animals. Common products from goats include:

• Milk
• Cheese
• Meat
• Pelts

24. Rabbits

Rabbits can be raised for various reasons, including meat, pelts, manure, or to sell to pet stores. Because these animals are smaller, they require significantly less space. One thing to be aware of is losses from predation.

25. Guinea Fowl

Guineas are a type of bird that can be raised for their eggs or meat. Typically, guineas do better on larger areas of vacant land (2 acres or more) as they enjoy roving in large herds.

Sell Your Own Products From Your Plants or Animals

Whether growing crops or raising animals, there are many products you can make. Consider what products you can make when learning how to make money on 10 acres to help maximize your potential profit. Plus many of these you can use for your own food!

26. Free Range Eggs

Free-range eggs come from animals not grown in small coops or entirely indoors. These animals include hens, ostrich, guineas, ducks, and more. The term free-range can vary in definition. 

27. Raw Cow's Milk

Raw cow's milk has been growing in demand over the past decade. However, it's critical to look into your city and state laws as non-pasteurized milk is highly regulated in most states.

28. Raw Cheese

Raw cheeses are those made from non-pasteurized raw milk. As with raw milk, you need to be aware of the laws surrounding production and sale in your local area and state as statutes differ.

29. Wool

Wool is a textile made from lamb, goat, Angora rabbits, and certain other animals. Typically, animals are specially bred to produce higher-quality wool in larger quantities.

30. Jams and Jellies

Jams and jellies are value-added farm products typically made from various fruits and certain vegetable types. This can be a great way to use excess fruits or vegetables.

31. All-Natural Beauty Products

Natural beauty products, meaning those made from natural and organic ingredients, are in high demand. Even big-box stores like Walmart are working to stock these products on their shelves.

Many people sell their natural products like these on Etsy (make sure to look into any licensing requirements).

You can make a range of products such as:

• Soap Bars
• Shampoos & Conditioners
• Toothpaste
• Lotion

32. Candles

Candles are another value-added product made from leftover crops and waste (and we have a long list of candle company name ideas you may want to check out). You can make candles from a variety of natural ingredients, including:

• Soy Wax
• Vegetable Wax
• Beeswax
• Palm Wax

33. Essential Oils

Essential oils are made from plant compounds and used for various therapeutic and other reasons. Common oils include peppermint, lavender, lemon, and many more types.

34. Pickled and Fermented Foods

Pickled and fermented foods can be great value-added products. They can be made from everything from fruits and vegetables to meats. Common foods include kimchi, miso, salami, and more.

35. Canned Foods

Canning foods is another good way to use leftover vegetables or fruits to sell to others. Common canned foods include corn, tomatoes, green beans, and various fruits.

36. Dehydrated Fruits and Vegetables

Dehydrating fruits and vegetables is a way to extend their shelf life. You can make these value-added products from almost any vegetable or fruit you grow.

37. Jerky

Jerky is meat that has been dehydrated to prevent spoilage and improve shelf life. If you have excess meat from animals, you can turn it into jerky to sell. Common jerky types include beef and turkey.

38. Pelts

Pelts are the fur of mammals. These can be used for various purposes, ranging from decorative pelts to clothing. Common animals used for pelts include rabbits, foxes, minks, and more.

39. Manure

Though not the most glamorous way to make money, manure can provide an extra income stream if you are raising cows or rabbits. Manure can be sold to garden and farming supply shops.

Profit Potential: Averages $5 per 20-pound bag

40. Seeds From Plants

Seed farms grow their crops in a way that will optimize the amount and quality of the seeds produced from plants. Depending on the types of seeds, this can prove quite profitable.

41. CBD Oil and Products

Cannabidiol is a type of oil derived from the cannabis plant. It has a variety of potential therapeutic purposes and can also be used in cooking. Check the legality of these products in your city and state, as CBD oil is not legal everywhere.

42. Pre-Made Meal Kits

With people everywhere getting busier, pre-made meal kits are becoming a popular way to cut down cooking time. You can make pre-made meals from fresh foods and deliver them to a local customer base.

43. Spice Mixes

Spices can be made from various seeds, flowers, bark, and other ingredients. People purchase spice mixes for soups, rubs on meats, and many other purposes.

44. Wine or Beer

If you opt to grow grapes or hops, you can create your wine or beer brands. The equipment needed to produce beer and wine is expensive. However, over time and with enough patience and effort, this can prove profitable.

Set Up Structures or Rent Out The Land

When learning how to make money on 10 acres of land, don't discount things like indoor and outdoor storage or setting up vacation rentals. There are plenty of ways to earn money through buildings on your raw land without having to grow your own produce.

45. Cabin Rentals

There can be a significant upfront investment with this endeavor, but cabin rentals can bring in a steady income. In the right location, cabins can rent well on sites like Airbnb. And tiny houses are becoming increasingly attractive to people. 

46. Bed and Breakfast

Similar to cabin rentals, a bed and breakfast can do exceptionally well if your vacant land is in a desirable area for travelers. If you have raw land in a high-tourism area, a bed and breakfast could be a good investment to make money.

47. Wedding Rentals

Weddings are an industry where there will always be demand. If you can set up a barn or other appealing venue, people will pay good money to rent your land for the weekend.

48. Hunting Lodge Rentals

If your land is located in an area where hunting is legal, and you can keep it stocked with animals, you could build a hunting lodge. Each year, people pay good money to hunt and stay at lodges. And this could be another good use of ‘tiny houses'.

49. Campsites

If you don't feel like building permanent structures on your land, it's possible to rent it out for campsites. This will work incredibly well in tourist areas.

50. RV Space Rentals

Like campsites, many people traveling in RVs are looking for a place to set up for the night or a few days, especially along tourist routes. You may need to set up electricity and water for this.

51. Boat Storage

Is your land in a place with winters? If so, you could make money helping people with boat storage during the winter months. You can charge variable rates if you build permanent structures so you can offer indoor and outdoor storage.

52. Horse Stables

Many horse enthusiasts who live in medium to large municipal areas need a place to store their horses. If you live near a city, you can set up a stable and rent spaces to horse owners.

53. Rent Plots For A Community Garden

In larger cities especially, space can be limited. So, if your land is near a larger metro area, you can rent out plots to people for a community garden.

54. Food Truck Rental Plots

One problem that food truck owners constantly face is finding places to set up. If you are near a metro area, you can allow food truck owners to rent space and set up. It's a bonus if you make it a regular event.

55. Create a Paintball Course

Paintball is an activity that can take up a lot of space. If your raw land is near a mid to large-sized city, there may be demand for a paintball course.

56. Start a Farmer's Market

Farmer's markets can be a great way to sell your fruits and vegetables and make money renting out space. If you're in an area with demand, you can set up booths and create a farmer's market.

57. Create a Shooting Range

Firearms enthusiasts and first responders often look for an excellent new firing range. If you have land outside a city or residential area, you can set up a pistol and skeet shooting range.

58. Rent Land For Concerts and Festivals

If you can find promoters who need venues, you can offer land for smaller concerts. It's a bonus if you can manage the organization and promotion of the show yourself.

59. Get Into Land Development

You can make good money developing your land if it's located near a growing area of a town or city. Development possibilities include strip malls, office space, or similar structures. And all you have to do is engage local developers to get the ball rolling.

Create Classes To Teach People About The Outdoors

When learning how to make money on 10 acres, you can set up courses online or in-person to teach people what you've perfected. This can include setting up niche or authority websites on farming, photography, or other related topics.

60. Photography Classes

If you have a knack for photography, you can use your land to teach online and offline courses.

You can do this in conjunction with one or more other ways to make money.

61. Outdoor Exercise Classes

More people than ever before are taking their health seriously. If you are a trainer or can arrange with a personal trainer, you can offer outdoor group exercise courses.

62. Start a YouTube Channel

You likely aren't the only person trying to learn how to make money on 10 acres of land. You can document your moneymaking endeavors to teach others how to utilize their land step-by-step.

63. Start a Blog

You can create a blog with articles tailored to helping others do the same things you're doing. Using affiliate marketing, selling eBooks, and website ads, you can earn money through your blog. For more details, check out our post on how to start a blog.

64. Write eBooks

People are willing to pay for eBooks that are informative and helpful. You can write eBooks about farming, raising animals, or anything unique you know regarding land that can help others. We have a guide on how to make money with eBooks.

65. Homesteading Workshops

Homesteading is becoming more popular as people move out of cities into rural areas. Many are willing to pay for lessons on cultivating their land to get the most out of it.

66. Create a Pet Sitting Business

Many people, especially in larger cities without space, need places to board their pets during vacations. You can set up a boarding facility to earn money on part of your land.

67. Run Farming Workshops

Like homesteading workshops, you can teach people how to farm and earn money for it. There are many opportunities, including setting part of your agricultural land aside for people to grow their crops.

Less Common Ways For How To Make Money On 10 Acres Of Land

Here are random ways to learn how to make money on 10 acres. There may be some overlap with some of these in the above categories. However, these are less common ways of earning money.

68. Raising Earthworms

Earthworms are used for various purposes, from composting to fishing bait. Raising these on your farm can turn a nice profit given the right conditions.

69. Black Soldier Fly Larvae

Black soldier flies are raised for their larvae, commonly used for composting. These can be used as a supplement to an established composting business.

70. Raise Snails

Snails are raised for food and beauty products, among other less common reasons. While not the most glamorous job, snail farming can be profitable.

71. Compost

You can quickly begin a composting operation if you're handling crops and have significant amounts of plant waste. Composting can be sold for profit to local businesses like garden and farming supply stores.

72. Heirloom Seeds

Like their animal counterparts, heirloom seeds are seeds that can be traced back hundreds of years. People keep these seeds for specific desirable traits. You can grow these plants and sell their seeds.

73. Tree Nursery

Tree nurseries grow various tree types to the desired size. After reaching this size, trees can be sold to garden supply shops or purchased and planted for conservation purposes. Fruit trees can be an added bonus.

74. Stud Services

If you have horses or dogs (or another male animal) that are good stock, you could earn from putting the males out to stud. This requires experience and will likely take time to get started.

75. Christmas Trees

With millions of Christmas trees sold in the United States each year, there is high demand. It will take time to get going, but you can earn money growing and selling various fir tree types.

76. Honey

Honey bees can be a great addition to your land, not only for bringing in income but also for environmental reasons. If you're comfortable with bees, they can be a solid choice for smaller acreage operations.

Profit Potential: $300 – $600 per hive (average of 2 to 7 hives per acre)

77. Seedlings

Seedlings are early-stage plants growing out of the seed. These are often sold at nurseries and garden supply shops for people to plant. You can produce various types of plants to sell.

78. Firewood

If you don't mind waiting to set up operations, you can plant trees in rotation for firewood. It will likely take time to get started, but the correct planting can lead to a high-yield operation.

79. Livestock Dog Breeding

Dogs used for herding cattle and other farm purposes need to be specially trained. If you have the knowledge and skills to train them, you can become a specialized breeder.

80. Livestock Feed

Livestock feed can include everything from grass and leaves to hay. If you're already growing these crops, livestock feed can be a great value-added product.

81. Lease Mineral Rights

If there are minerals or oil on your property, or it's believed there is, you can lease the rights to companies for drilling and mining. This can prove highly lucrative depending on the circumstances.

Final Thoughts On How To Make Money On 10 Acres

There are so many ways you can learn how to make money on 10 acres that you shouldn't be at a loss. Most of these you can do simultaneously to earn multiple streams of income.

The key to smaller acreage is that you likely won't be able to earn 100% of your income through one method. Due to economies of scale, your profit margins will be lower than people who own larger plots of land.

While this may be frustrating, if you can find a few different ways of making money that works synchronously, you shouldn't have to dedicate too much extra time to each earning method.