Growing and selling vegetables from a backyard or small plot
Grow spinach, cabbage, tomatoes, onions and herbs in a backyard, communal or small plot and sell to neighbours, spazas and street traders.
Thin evidenceLast checked 24 Oct 2026
- Startup costR300 to R5 000
- First incomeabout 60 days
- Price evidenceNo reliable SA figure yet
- Commercial viability65 / 100
Who it suits
Patient people with some land, water and the habit of working outside every day.
The customer and the problem
Typical customer: Neighbours, spaza shops, street vendors, schools and churches.
Fresh, cheaper vegetables close to home.
Is there demand?
Seedling trays and containers are sold by SA suppliers at published prices (Damax trays from about R3, Martin Dale Seedlings), so you can cost a bed. Selling prices for backyard vegetables are not published in a source we trust; check spaza and street prices near you.
- Selling bunches of spinach at the gate
- Supplying a spaza or vendor
- Community garden co-ops
Getting customers
A gate sign, WhatsApp status and a standing order with a shop.
Relies on: Word of mouth and referrals, Partnerships with other businesses, Responding to enquiries.
Money
- Revenue model: Price per bunch, head or bag.
- Price evidence: We found no published South African price list we trust for this, so we do not quote a rand figure. Ask three sellers near you what they charge before you set yours.
- Gross margin: Good if water is cheap and pests are kept down.
- Payment costs: Cash or QR.
- Operating costs: Seeds, compost, water.
- Recurring costs: Seeds or seedlings, compost, water, pest control, fencing repairs.
Time to first income
Leafy greens can be cut in five to eight weeks; others take longer.
Competition, risks and scale
Moderate.
- Drought and water restrictions
- Pests and theft: fencing and netting help
- Gluts when everyone harvests at once: stagger planting
Room to grow: Grows with more beds, tunnels or a co-op.
Legal and tax in South Africa
Check that you may use the land and water for growing. Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs).
How it fits South Africa: Strong in rural areas, townships and towns with space.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start growing and selling vegetables from a backyard or small plot in South Africa?
Our research puts start-up costs at about R300 to R5 000. Recurring costs: Seeds or seedlings, compost, water, pest control, fencing repairs.
How long until the first income?
Typically about 60 days, and between 35 and 120 days. Leafy greens can be cut in five to eight weeks; others take longer.
Can I do it with only a phone?
Yes, a smartphone is enough to start, although a laptop helps as you grow.
What about tax and legal rules?
Check that you may use the land and water for growing. Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs).
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Researched by the Earn Path team · editorial policy