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Backyard Bazaars

Artisan Hardwood Biochar Charcoal Producer

Convert fallen forest branches and hardwood offcuts into specialised high-carbon soil conditioners for organic growers.

Startup Cost: £35 Location: Local/Outdoors Difficulty: Medium Potential repeatable business A few hours a week

Earning and time figures are our broad estimates, not guarantees — actual results depend on your area, your effort and demand.

Why it's left-field

You are carbonising ordinary backyard wood waste inside sealed kilns to create premium charcoal for gardeners.

How it works

  1. 1Construct a simple dual-drum burn retort.
  2. 2Collect and heat-treat local hardwood scraps.
  3. 3Crush, package, and list finished biochar bags.

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Homegrown Dried Herb Bundle Seller

Bundles of home-dried mint, rosemary, thyme and lavender — grown in a bed or pots — sell as kitchen and craft staples at markets and online.

Startup cost: Startup Cost: £10-£20Location: Location: Home/MarketsDifficulty: Difficulty: EasyEarning potential: Useful side incomeTime needed: A few hours a week

Why it's left-field

Supermarket herbs cost pennies but arrive damp and wilted; a beautiful dried bundle from a real garden looks generous and sells at craft-fair prices.

Backyard Bazaars

Upcycled Drawer Planter Maker

Old wooden drawers become charming herb and salad planters — salvaged free from skips and refits, then sold filled with plants at markets.

Startup cost: Startup Cost: £10-£20Location: Location: Home/MarketsDifficulty: Difficulty: EasyEarning potential: Useful side incomeTime needed: A few hours a week

Why it's left-field

The materials cost nothing and the finished piece looks deliberately rustic, which is precisely what garden buyers pay extra for.

Backyard Bazaars

Pet Memorial Stone Painter

Hand-painted stones with a pet's name and dates — made from free or cheap stone — sell steadily to grieving owners who want something personal.

Startup cost: Startup Cost: £10-£20Location: Location: Remote/HomeDifficulty: Difficulty: EasyEarning potential: Useful side incomeTime needed: A few hours a week

Why it's left-field

Grief doesn't check price lists, and a painted stone made to order feels irreplaceable in a way mass-produced plaques never do.