7 Proven Ways to Make Big Profits with Your Garlic Growing Business

If you’ve been looking for a small farming idea that’s both simple and profitable, garlic growing might just be your golden ticket. Garlic farming is booming around the world, thanks to rising demand from restaurants, supermarkets, and health-conscious consumers. Whether you’re growing it on a small backyard plot or several acres, there are multiple ways to make money from garlic — and most require very little investment.

Let’s explore seven proven ways to build a profitable garlic-growing business, from the ground up.

1. Grow What People Want

This might sound obvious, but it’s the foundation of every successful garlic business: grow the type of garlic your customers actually want to buy.

Before planting a single bulb, take time to research your market. Visit local grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and organic food co-ops. Ask chefs, local restaurants, and produce buyers what varieties they prefer. Some may want large, flavorful hardneck garlic for cooking, while others might prefer softneck garlic for long-term storage or braiding.

You can also ask your customers what they’d love to see — perhaps garlic with unique flavor notes, organically grown bulbs, or varieties that are ideal for roasting. Once you know what’s in demand, you can grow with confidence knowing your garlic will sell out quickly.

Pro tip: Keep records of which garlic varieties sell fastest each season, so you can scale up those next year.

2. Sell at Farmers’ Markets

Farmers’ markets are booming everywhere — and for good reason. They bring together enthusiastic local shoppers eager to buy fresh, high-quality produce directly from growers. Setting up a small stall at your local market can help you build brand recognition and loyal customers.

Make your display attractive. Clean, uniform garlic bulbs look more appealing when neatly bunched or displayed in baskets. Offer free samples of garlic dips, sauces, or roasted cloves to draw people in. Use signs that highlight what makes your garlic special — “Locally Grown,” “Organic,” or “Hardneck Variety – Big Flavor.”

You can also collect customer emails or phone numbers for a simple mailing list. This allows you to notify buyers when your next harvest is ready or when you launch garlic-based products later on.

If the market is full or expensive, don’t give up. Partner with another vendor and share a booth to split the cost and exposure.

3. Focus on Growing Healthy, Organic Garlic

The secret to profitable garlic farming lies in quality. Customers are willing to pay top dollar for garlic that looks clean, tastes great, and is organically grown. Organic garlic sells faster and often commands prices 30–50% higher than conventionally grown bulbs.

Start by preparing your soil properly. Garlic thrives in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Use organic compost, natural fertilizers, and avoid chemicals. Keep weeds under control and ensure proper spacing to prevent fungal problems.

Healthy garlic bulbs are firm, full, and blemish-free. They store better and look appealing at market stalls or in packaging.

Remember: Healthy soil equals healthy garlic — and healthy garlic equals higher profits.

4. Start a Mail-Order or Online Garlic Business

If you’re ready to go beyond local sales, consider selling garlic online. More customers now order produce directly from farmers via e-commerce platforms or farm websites.

With a mail-order garlic business, you can ship garlic bulbs, seed garlic, and garlic products nationwide. This opens up an entirely new customer base — home gardeners, chefs, natural medicine enthusiasts, and garlic lovers everywhere.

Highlight what makes your garlic unique:

• Is it organically grown?

• Do you offer rare heirloom varieties?

• Do you produce garlic-based items like oil, powder, or seasoning?

You can promote your garlic through your own website, Etsy, or online marketplaces. Advertising in food magazines or health blogs can also bring traffic to your shop.

Don’t forget to tell your garlic’s story — people love buying directly from small growers who are passionate about what they do.

5. Sell to Produce Brokers or Wholesalers

If you want to move large quantities of garlic quickly, consider selling directly to produce brokers or wholesalers. These middlemen buy in bulk and resell to supermarkets, restaurants, and food distributors.

The advantage is that you can offload a large portion of your harvest at once, freeing you up to focus on growing instead of individual sales. While you’ll sell at wholesale prices (lower profit margins), the volume can make up for it.

To attract buyers, ensure your garlic meets commercial quality standards — uniform bulbs, proper curing, and professional packaging. Build relationships with brokers early in the season so they know when your crop will be ready.

6. Create Value-Added Garlic Products

This is where your creativity — and profit margins — can soar. Turning raw garlic into value-added products can multiply your earnings.

Here are a few popular garlic-based product ideas:

• Garlic-infused oils and vinegars

• Garlic powder and seasoning mixes

• Pickled garlic

• Garlic-based insect repellents or deer deterrents

• Garlic pest control sprays for gardens

Even imperfect or misshapen bulbs (known as “cull” garlic) can be used for these products. You could package smaller bulbs in mesh bags as natural flea repellents for pet owners.

Because value-added products can be stored longer and shipped easily, they let you earn money year-round — even when fresh garlic isn’t in season.

7. Choose the Right Type: Hardneck vs. Softneck Garlic

Not all garlic is created equal. There are two main types — softneck and hardneck — and the one you choose affects your profitability.

• Softneck Garlic: Common in grocery stores, stores longer, and suitable for warm climates. It has more cloves per bulb but milder flavor.

• Hardneck Garlic: Produces fewer but larger cloves, with richer flavor and beautiful scapes (flower stalks) you can sell as gourmet vegetables. It thrives in cooler climates and often fetches higher prices at farmers’ markets.

For small growers and home-based garlic farmers, hardneck garlic is usually the most profitable choice. Its flavor, size, and versatility appeal to premium buyers, chefs, and organic food lovers.

Conclusion: Turn Garlic into Gold

Garlic growing isn’t just a rewarding hobby — it’s a solid business opportunity that can bring real income. Whether you sell at farmers’ markets, to wholesalers, or online, there’s a market ready for high-quality garlic.

By focusing on what people want, maintaining excellent product quality, and exploring creative ways to sell, you can turn even a small backyard into a profitable garlic farm.

Start small, grow smart, and watch your garlic business thrive. Before long, you’ll be harvesting more than just garlic — you’ll be reaping the rewards of a growing industry with incredible potential.