[kespindler]

Build a better mousetrap, and you'll learn how to build a better mousetrap. You need to market it (or partner with someone who will) if you want to make money.

1. Get some kind of market validation before you build. Get commitments from paying customers (or even pre-payment), or directly see them paying for a near-identical offering, and have a competitive advantage to deliver it more cheaply.

2. Do an inventory exercise of why these projects have failed. Doing a quick run-through, it looks like you didn't do marketing or user research for any of these projects. If making a side business still excites you, make sure you do these steps before going to build any future side business.

3. I know nothing about landscaping, but as an outsider, Bloom looks a promising product. Go talk to customers!

3. If the marketing side of things doesn't interest you, but you still want to make side money, reach out to me, my email is <hn username> at gmail. My background is pure engineering, but I have friends who are looking for technical co-founders and have ideas that I could use more technical talent on.