Small organic plot for salads and herbs

Local restaurants, cafes and delis, plus neighbours and shoppers buying through a farm gate stall or a local market.

Weekly supply to a few food businesses at an agreed price, plus direct sales of bags or bunches at the gate or a market stall.

• Growing quick crops and planning successive sowings
• Reliable weekly picking and delivery
• Talking to chefs and shop owners to win orders

• You can only market produce as organic if certified by an approved body, so check requirements before using the word on labels or menus
• Check your tenancy, allotment rules or mortgage and landlord terms before selling from the land
• Food business registration with your local council and basic food hygiene for picking and packing leaves
• Public liability insurance if you sell directly or have visitors on site
• Income is small and seasonal, so keep costs low and test demand before investing

Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £6,000, depending on the plot, tools, seeds, any covered growing space and packaging. These are estimates, so keep costs low and test demand with a few customers before investing more.

Monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £1,500, depending on plot size, how many cafes, restaurants or neighbours you supply, and the season. Income is small and seasonal, so many people start it alongside other work.

Things to check: you can only market produce as organic if certified by an approved body. Also check your tenancy, allotment rules or landlord and mortgage terms, food business registration with your council, and public liability insurance if you sell directly.