I’ve had this land for 12 years, and as of now it’s greatest benefit has been the training it’s provided me to help sharpen my bush hogging skills. Nothing against having a proven acumen for bush hogging per se, but unless you want to make your living as a bush-hogger, the skill is not overly….Shall we say; ‘marketable’.
The land; which has so dutifully expanded my bush hogging skills, is a total of 16 acres, and happens to be connected to the front half of the parcel where I do have two ‘consistently rented’ small houses on. So, that said, it’s certainly worth keeping.
The acreage is beautiful, land is in high demand in the area, and the property itself has lots of potential. So much so, that I’ve even laid the foundation for a barn on it, you can see that here. If you want to have a more in-depth look at how the property came to be, this video explains it pretty well.
My long term plans of using the acreage to start a Lavender Farm.
I want to take my bush hogging skills to the next level. My confidence in my ‘tractor-ing skills’ has now reached ‘feverish level’, so I want to capitalize. The farm life is demanding more of me, and that’s why I’ve decided my long-term plan for the property is to start a lavender farm.
In case you hadn’t heard there are many benefits of starting a lavender farm
It’s true, Lavender is where it’s at, just ask A Purple Life, lavender is the flagship theme of her entire website. Oh, and Lavender is a pretty fantastic little medicinal herb.
It’s used in teas and essential oils because it’s highly desirable for its calming properties. It’s fantastic for treating anxiety, depression, restlessness and insomnia. I mean, to be honest, most people on the globe struggle with one or more of these afflictions, so lavender can be beneficial for anyone.
Lavender is like a super crop. It’s so…multidimensional, not to mention it just smells really nice. It’s also able to dress up a bouquet of flowers like Marilyn Monroe’s little white dress took her image to the next level. And, dont even get me started on when the wind blew it up.. Hubba Hubba!
Growing lavender for profit, by starting a lavender farm.
As this is a site about investing, I will stay true to my readers and tell you about the benefits of investing in a Lavender Farm. Investing in a lavender farm can be both financially rewarding and also rewarding from a community building standpoint, and as a great way to repurpose the land.
Right now, my land is simply a field of annoying weeds, poison Ivy and uneven ground which make bush hogging even more treacherous. I’ve removed a lot of these annoyances, but still have a ways to go. You can read about my Land Clearing Project here. I want the land to be picturesque, I want it to be productive, I want it to be a place my daughter desires to go, and maybe she will decide she too wants to be a Lavender Farmer.
Here are 4 revenue streams you can use to make money from a Lavender Farm.
Sell Bottled Raw Essential Lavender Oil
It takes about 750 plants to make one gallon of Essential Lavender Oil. This product is ½ of an ounce and sells for $8.99. With there being 128 Oz in a gallon, we can presume that these 750 plants could produce 256 of these. If each one were to sell for $8.99, that would be a gross profit of $3201.44.
But wait, it gets way more impressive:
Sell Infused Lavender Oil, using Carrier Oils
Raw oils only go so far. But, you can make your own Infused Oil using nothing more than the tops of your Lavender Plants infused with some Carrier Oil (Such as Coconut Oil or Jojoba Oil). There is a process in this however, and it does take some time, but the yield can be fantastic.
And lavender infused oils sell all year long. A typical 8 Oz bottle sells for approximately $20 USD. So, if you had a field full of 750 lavender plants, it’s very possible you’d never run out of the plants needed to make this Infused Oil. The bottles pack and ship very well, and at $20 per 8 Oz bottle, goodness that nearly pays for Juniors’ first 2 years of college!
Produce and Sell Lavender Sachet Bags
Sachet’s are used for providing a fresh scent to clothes, linens, or about anything else you’d like to smell good. Tuck one under your pillow, and I promise you’ll have a better night sleep! Hide one under the seat of your car, and your friends will always want to ride with you. 
Lavender Sachet’s are all-natural alternatives to many different non-organic products, so it’s environmentally friendly. Heck, the one thing that doesn’t like lavender sachet’s; you guessed it, the dreaded Clothes Moth. Trade those Moth Balls in for some clean-smelling Lavender Sachets.
Rent your property for wedding receptions, photo shoots, and market it as a destination venue.
Last, but certainly not least, is my favorite kind of remuneration; Passive!
Renting out your Lavender Farm for photo shoots, wedding receptions, birthday parties, office retirements, family reunions is certainly a possibility, and one that can provide great passive cash flow. People would love (and pay good money for) the opportunity to celebrate their nuptials surrounded by the beauty and captivating scent of lavender plants.
Folks are all about the photo opp, and more importanly the ‘LIKES’ that come with it! Lavender Farms make for great Instagram Stories, and Facebook Posts, and that’s what it’s about these days.
So, if you’d decided starting a lavender farm is for you, lets talk about some of the ‘technical aspects’ of getting started.
Where to find land to start a lavender farm
Finding the right land for starting a lavender farm requires careful consideration of various factors. Here are some steps and resources to help you find suitable land for your lavender farm:
1. Contact your Local Agriculture Department
This is a resource that I didn’t even know existed. One of the benefits as a taxpayer is you can contact your local agriculture departments, extension offices, or agricultural associations and they will provide advice and guidance for available land, soil types, and other farming resources.
2. Real Estate and Land Websites
Use real estate websites and platforms to search for agricultural land listings. Websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and LandWatch allow you to filter properties by land type and location. Be sure to search specifically for agricultural or rural land.
3. Local Real Estate Agents
Reach out to local real estate agents who specialize in agricultural properties. They often have listings and insights into available land suitable for farming. Keep in mind they work on commission, so they’re likely hungry for a sale. It’s best to do your own research first, then when your in the position to buy, contact an agent. Use them to help you negotiate a good deal, and to help walk you through the sales process.
4. Network with Farmers
Attend agricultural fairs, lavender festivals, or farmer’s markets in your target region. Networking with local farmers can lead to information about available land for sale.
5. Online Forums and Social Media
Join online forums, groups, or social media communities related to lavender farming or agriculture in your desired region. You can seek advice and potentially find land listings shared by other farmers.
6. Consult Lavender Associations
Contact lavender associations, such as the US Lavender Growers Association or organizations in your country or region. They have resources, member directories, or information on land availability for lavender cultivation. The US Lavender Growers Association also has an annual conference you can attend, if that strikes your fancy.
7. Visit Potential Sites
Once you identify potential properties, visit them in person to assess the soil quality, drainage, sunlight, and overall suitability for lavender farming. Consider factors like accessibility, infrastructure, and proximity to markets. Lavender prefers soil that drains well, so if they soil you’re looking at is
8. Work with Agricultural Consultants
Consider working with agricultural consultants or agronomists who specialize in lavender farming. They can provide expertise in land selection and cultivation practices.
9. Legal Considerations
Be aware of local zoning regulations and permits related to agricultural land use. Ensure that the land you choose complies with all necessary legal requirements for farming.
10. Financial Planning
Evaluate the cost of land acquisition, infrastructure development, and ongoing operating expenses to ensure your lavender farm is financially viable.
Remember that starting a lavender farm is a long-term commitment, so take your time to find the right piece of land that meets your needs and goals. Conduct thorough due diligence and seek expert advice when necessary to ensure the success of your lavender farming venture.
But, let me leave you with this checklist before you go.
Remember, while lavender farming can be profitable, it’s also a labor of love. Your passion for this beautiful and aromatic herb will shine through in the quality of your products. Over time, you’ll not only cultivate lavender but also a deep connection to the land and a thriving lavender-based business. So, roll up your sleeves, breathe in that soothing lavender scent, and embark on this enchanting journey into the world of lavender farming.