Lucy - BQ Magazine EditorGardening can be a very creative pursuit. It’s relaxing, it’s mindful, and it’s beneficial to the environment – what other hobby has so many clear pros to it?
It’s also a worthy business idea. Gardening has long been a thriving niche and many people have made a name for themselves by applying their creative genius to the outdoor world. Seriously, in the US alone the lawn and garden industry is worth around $133 billion.
And this number isn’t all that much of a surprise. People want nice gardens to relax in, and with the current climate crisis hanging over their heads, they also want biodiverse green spaces around them.
But what does that all mean for an aspiring professional gardener? Could it mean now is the perfect time to start up an outdoor business? Let’s consider the factors below.
Most People Have a Garden
Most properties have a garden outside, even if someone is living in a shared living situation. If there’s a ground floor and the surrounding area allows for green space, someone in that building is going to have a garden.
That means most people have an outdoor space that’ll need maintenance. You could be the person they call to get the work done, whether this is simple upkeep, seasonal planting, or full landscaping rework. Plus, for those looking to sell, there’s a lot of value in a well-landscaped backyard!
Even in commercial zones, a lot of business owners hire gardeners to add curb appeal to their businesses. You could be the person that makes a difference between someone coming in and someone walking past.
Very Few People Have Time to Garden
And now the follow-up to our first point! Most people have gardens in some shape or form, and while some people may like gardening as a hobby and do so in their spare time, very few have the time to actually create the garden of their dreams.
Again, that’s where you could come in. You can get the hard work done for them, and any time they need a bit more work done, they know exactly who they can call on.
Initial Equipment Costs Can Be Hefty
Of course, now we have to get onto the cons of the idea. In the world of professional gardening, you’re going to have to bring your own equipment to every job. Not only that but if you want to take on bigger projects that pay good money, you’re going to need some serious equipment on your side.
As such, the initial equipment costs can be a bit hefty. You’re likely going to need a shed’s worth of handheld tools, and on top of that, you may need a ride-on mower, a crane capable of removing large trees, and a truck to take all the waste away when you’re done.
A lot of gardeners keep these costs low by hiring equipment here and there, but the more you want to specialize, the more often you’re going to need this kind of equipment.
If you buy forestry equipment for sale, make sure you’re buying from a reputable company that’s known for product longevity. You don’t want your crane or your chainsaw packing up after only a couple of months of use!
Autumn and Winter Can Be Slow
No business is busy all the time. Every single type of business or freelance venture out there goes through a period of low sales, reduced work, and very few new customers. When you’re a gardener, year ends are likely to be the slowest times of year for you.
Not just because the cold and wet weather means most plants go into hibernation. When people have the holiday season to save up for, they’re not going to spend on a non-essential service like a gardener.
As such, you’re likely to need to save for these two seasons ahead of time, to ensure you can still pay bills without the same amount of work. That’s not to say you’ll be out of work, but you won’t get the same projects that pay well and showcase your skill.
If you can, try to branch out into winter maintenance, such as mulching the soil and preventing the ground from freezing. You can also advertise waste removal services during this time that may be seen as a higher requirement, such as removing the debris that comes with leaves dropping off the trees and washing away moss and algae that grows on the patio.
Gardeners Need a Lot of Experience
You’re not going to hire just anyone to work on your garden. You want to know the person pruning the petunias and laying irrigation knows what they’re doing. Mostly, you want to be sure you’re getting value for money.
This means every gardener needs to have an eye for detail, at the very least. Preferably though, any professional gardener needs the ability to adapt to elements like the specific measurements, soil type, and sun exposure of any garden they’re hired to work on.
These skills don’t come easily. Sure, some people have natural talent, but hard graft will be required to bring a client’s vision to life. Just like plumbers and electricians, if you expect people to invite you into their homes and private spaces, you need to be able to promise skill and reliability.
Consider this before you start advertising your gardening service; what experience are you missing and how will you build it? Some people start with basic services like lawn mowing and slowly expand their offerings. Others ask friends and family if they can try out new techniques on their gardens for free, and then add the result to their portfolio.
So, is gardening a good business idea to start up right now? The demand is clearly there, but the startup costs can be daunting and you’re going to need plenty of experience under your belt. Take this all into account and see if gardening professionally will be viable for you.