Autumn may seem a strange time to start a gardening business but it is the time to focus on what you want to do. Get all your ducks (or seedlings) in a row and ensure you have the detail sorted and with that I include enough cash to see you through and chosen customer groups.


How to Start Your Own Gardening Business An Insider Guide to Setting Yourself Up as a Professional Gardener is a useful tutorial if you want to set up a gardening business. I recommend you consider your aspirations and limitations carefully and either set up a ‘Life Style business’ or consider becoming a qualified, professional career gardener.

 

Garden Customers

• Core customers are probably going to be proud garden owners, the elderly and the time poor who will pay someone else to do the hard work.
• Dedicate time to plant raising and selling if that is one of the products you are offering.
• Lawn cutting can be a specialism but needs the right mix of equipment and skills.
• Consider businesses as customers as the work will be regular and more care and maintenance than creation and innovation.
• There is a need for more gardeners in spring, summer and autumn but do not let that put you off. There are other services you can provide during winter such as tool maintenance sharpening and servicing (outwork it if you are not confident)
• Try avoid unnecessary travel that will eat into your productive day.

 

Life Style Gardener

• There are many jobs from spring onward for jobbing gardeners. Lawyers hang out a shingle but for gardeners a post card in the post office usually suffices.
• Labouring on hedges and lawns for the infirm or doing small construction and garden maintenance projects are within the grasp of most hobby gardeners.
• If your work is good then word of mouth should get you lots of referals.
• Hourly rates in the North of England vary from £6- £20 per hour depending on the level of horticultural skill, experience and quality of garden. Ask around amongst those already in business.

Career Gardener

• You need to have some formal qualifications and on the job training. See Alan Titchmarsh’s list from How to be a Gardener.

• At the Royal Horticulture society there is a progression from the RHS Level 2 Certificate in Horticulture through the Level 3 Advanced Certificate and Diploma qualifications, to the Master of Horticulture.
• Here is a comprehensive list of qualifications but there are many local courses, correspondence courses and ways of getting training.
• Specialisation is probably worth considering once the basic skill sets are in place.
• Landscaping and design are often areas that attract premium income.
• Learning on the job with a Parks and Gardens department will help with the cost of education.
• You also need a basic business skill set to cover getting paid, sorting taxation and keeping records. So try Business Link for start up advice.