Hey everyone! I'm thinking about starting a local gardening business. I live in an area with a lot of well-off elderly folks who have beautiful gardens, so I feel like there could be a great opportunity here. But I'm worried that many of them may already have gardeners. I'm currently studying the RHS Level 2 theory course, and while I do have some gardening experience from maintaining my own garden and an allotment from a while back, I'm pretty new to the professional side of things. I just had my first child last year and will be going back to a job I dislike, which is pushing me towards this career change. I'm looking for advice on what essentials I need to get started—like tools, insurance, business cards, proper clothing, and anything else. I'm more into general garden maintenance than heavy landscaping, and I want to do this part-time as a way to supplement our household income. Is my dream of working in people's gardens realistic? Thanks for your insight!
3 Answers
You're definitely not dreaming! I switched to gardening recently after spending years in the office and it’s been amazing. Before starting your own business, consider working with local gardeners to gain experience and tips. It's a great way to learn and may lead to referrals. Also, tools are key, and a van is useful too! Give it a shot—you'll reap the rewards!
This sounds like a solid plan! Wishing you the best!
I made the switch to gardening three years ago, and it's absolutely the best decision I've ever made! It's totally possible to make this work part-time, especially with good tools. I recommend investing in quality electric gear; I use Ego products because they are lightweight and their batteries work across multiple tools, which saves a lot of time. Don’t forget to establish your business presence through social media or local community apps to gain referrals and establish your reputation. Just go for it!
I love the idea of being on social media! How long did it take you to find regular clients?
Totally agree on the electric gear; it has made my life so much easier.
Getting your RHS qualification is a great move, especially if you're aiming for clients who appreciate knowledgeable gardeners. Pricing can be tricky at first; I suggest starting around £25-30 per hour for regular work. It might make it easier to adjust later without feeling guilty about charging more. Remember to clearly outline your services and don't hesitate to say 'no' to jobs that seem too much for you. It’s also wise to check out resources like Landscape Juice for pricing strategies and tool advice. Always be reliable—clients love consistency!
That’s solid advice! I've been in the gardening business for a while and it's true clients respect reliability. Just curious, do you think that pricing is different for experienced gardeners versus newbies?
Thanks for sharing these tips! This is all super helpful.
Great advice! Are there any online platforms for finding local gardening jobs?