Small pick-your-own fruit or veg plot

Local families, day-trippers, keen cooks and people who make jam or freeze fruit.

Customers pay for what they pick, by weight or by container. Some small sites add a modest entry or parking charge, or sell a few ready-picked extras at a table by the gate.

• Growing fruit or vegetables
• Organising seasonal work
• Friendly customer service
• Basic marketing on social media and local groups

• Check whether you need planning permission or a change of use for parking, signage or a shed, by asking your local council
• Public liability insurance is essential when the public walk on your land, and employer's liability once you hire seasonal staff
• If you sell by weight, check the rules on scales and trading standards with your local council
• Check the lease or tenancy terms, including whether you can open to the public
• If you use sprays, check what training and certificates are needed
• Weather and crop failure can wipe out a season, so don't rely on one crop
• Toilets, handwashing, and a clear risk assessment for a public site

Startup costs are typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on the land, crops, equipment and any signage or facilities you need. These are estimates, so check rent and plant costs for your chosen crops before starting.

Ask your local council about planning permission or change of use for parking, signage or a shed, and the rules on selling by weight. Check public liability insurance, your lease terms, spray training, toilets, handwashing and a risk assessment.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on crops, season and visitor numbers. Weather and crop failure can wipe out a season, so avoid relying on one crop. Expect at least about 15 hours a week.