How to become A Gardener

Gardening is an art, a science, a passion. Ask a Gardener, and they will regale you with endless tales of the sheer joy of planting seeds, the eager anticipation to see them sprout, watering the saplings as you stand under the sun, your hands soiled with dirt, your entire being in tune with nature. Gardeners are specialists who expend a great deal of love, attention and patience in designing and maintaining gardens in a way that each plant prospers. 

• Nurseryman

• Greenhouse Worker

• Horticulturist

• Horticulture Scientist 

• Production Horticulturist 

• Landscaper 

• Landscape Architect

What do Gardeners do?

A Gardener would typically need to:

• Cultivate, beautify and maintain the garden to match the client’s expectations and requirements

• Sow evergreen and seasonal plants; tend to the grass, hedges and plants by watering, pruning and trimming them as needed; weed and aerate the grass 

• Edge lawns, lay mulch (organic materials such as compost and bark or other materials) around the plants to retain soil moisture and prevent weeds

• Prepare and lay flower beds

• Clean the garden daily, remove litter and recycle garden rubbish

• Maintain and use garden equipment, machinery and tools as needed

• Make proper use of natural and synthetic fertilisers; monitor the progress and needs of growing plants to adjust fertiliser dosage and timing

• Check the health of plants and spray pesticides to prevent or control disease and pests

• Adhere to health & safety rules and regulations; report to the supervisor if there are any garden-related issues

• Ensure customer satisfaction through excellent service; stay current with the latest developments in the gardening techniques

Typically, Gardeners work outdoors in all sorts of weather. They may also spend time in greenhouses, depending on location. Weather and the terrain may make the conditions for professional Gardeners less than ideal.

While working hours depend on the season, Gardeners typically work for about 37 hours per week. The growing season will demand an early start to the day. During peak times, you may need to work extra hours to maintain the beauty and vibrancy of gardens and parks. 

While Gardeners may typically work in full-time jobs, you may also find part-time and casual or seasonal work. Gardening jobs are most common in spring, summer and fall and involve mostly planting, mowing and trimming. Gardeners may provide other seasonal services, such as grounds maintenance, snow removal, and installation/removal of holiday decorations.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Gardners can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies. Most Gardeners are self-employed and work for private clients.

Gardeners are generally employed by:

• Government Authorities

• Amusement Parks

• Gambling & Recreation Industries

• Educational Services

• Local Authorities

• Private Companies & Contractors

• Developers

• Voluntary Organisations

• Sports Clubs

• Universities & Colleges 

• Large Industrial Companies

• Plant Nurseries

• Heritage Organisations

Professional associations and organisations, such as the International Waterlily & Water Gardening Society, are crucial for Gardeners interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications. 

• Developing hay fever due to pollen and grass allergy

• The risk associated while climbing ladders, using machinery, such as lawnmowers or chain saws, or using chemical pesticides and fertilisers

• Working in bad weather conditions 

• Physical exertion from tending to plants and landscapes by planting, pruning, and harvesting

• Working at heights

• The risk involved with pruning shears, machetes and other sharp blades 

• Dealing with dirt and mud

Any academic program that a potential Gardener takes up typically requires a period of supervised experience, such as an internship. 

Start a home garden and volunteer to help with local botanical or community gardening projects. Gain hands-on experience by working in the facilities department of an enterprise as a Gardener. Assisting or job shadowing an established professional Gardener will give you deeper insights into what the job demands.

Short-term contracts are a convenient way to gain experience. Read about the profession and interview experts in gardening to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

While it is optional to have a formal qualification to work as a Gardener, voluntary vocational or higher academic qualifications may help you upskill and increase your knowledge. 

To become a professional Gardener, you may take up degree or training courses in horticulture and landscape design provided by universities. Securing a bachelor’s or master’s degree typically includes coursework that explores plant physiology, diseases and maintenance and gives you deeper insights into gardening, horticulture and landscaping.

Although formal education for ground maintenance jobs is not mandatory, certain employers may demand specific qualifications or certification.

Although not compulsory, certification in landscape design, horticulture, arboriculture, tree care safety, and grounds maintenance may help career progression. 

Certification demonstrates a Gardener’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. When acquired from an objective and reputed organisation, it can help you stand out in a competitive job market, carry a significant salary premium of up to 18 per cent, increase your chances of advancement, and allow you to become an independent consultant.

Depending on your location, you may need a license to use fertilisers and pesticides. Securing a license usually involves clearing a test on the proper use and disposal of insecticides, herbicides and fungicides. A driving license may be advantageous to commute between different jobs. 

Individual government entities conduct the licensing process. Typically, other than passing an examination, licensing requires fulfilling eligibility requirements, such as a minimum level of education, work experience, training, or completing an internship, residency, or apprenticeship.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. Employees with consistently high levels of performance may be eligible for promotion every two to three years. 

Entry-level jobs typically get your hands dirty as you take on cultivation and maintenance work. With experience and good communication skills, you may progress to become a Crew Leader or Supervisor, managing teams of Gardeners engaged with the horticultural upkeep of facilities, such as recreational areas. You would also manage the execution of planting schemes.

Some Gardeners may move to different functions within gardening. Progression into managerial roles is more likely if you acquire formal academic qualifications in horticulture to supplement your experience.

You may diversify into different roles such as Outdoor Recreation Officer, Countryside Officer, Horticultural Education Officer or Forestry Worker. You may also take on landscape architecture, design and planning, or enter areas such as education and the media. The media may require researchers or production assistants for television or radio programs related to gardening. Experienced Gardeners may even launch their own landscaping companies.

Candidates with academic qualifications in horticulture, certification in landscaping or related areas, and relevant work experience have the best job prospects. 

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Gardener build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. It allows you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge.

You may undergo a short period of on-the-job training through informal or structured in-house programs, including learning about planting, maintaining areas, and using equipment, such as mowers, trimmers, leaf blowers and small tractors. Major employers offer well-structured training schemes that include working with golf courses, university campuses and municipalities. You may undertake coursework in horticulture, arboriculture, urban forest, insect and disease diagnosis, tree climbing or small-engine repair. 

Some employers offer opportunities in management as well as health & safety training. The notable institutes in amenity horticulture provide practical experience as well as horticultural theory. 

Specialisations for a Gardener

Gardeners may specialise in trees and shrubs (arboriculture). They could also acquire expertise in maintaining football, cricket or golf grounds. They could take up interior landscaping and tend to plants in office blocks, shopping arcades and other indoor areas. Other avenues of specialisation include restoring old gardens, implementing tree-planting schemes, and regenerating derelict land.

Dress Code for Gardeners

It is essential to wear comfortable clothes that allow free and easy movements, such as bending, stretching and squatting. Wear layers to be safe from cold weather, especially early in the morning. You may layer up with vests that allow free arm movement. Trousers with pockets can be helpful to store and carry tools while at work. Use sunscreen and a brimmed hat as sun protection. Keep bugs away with a repellent applied skin before going outdoors. To be safe from thorn pricks, you may wear jeans, washable leather gloves, long- or three-quarter length-sleeved shirts. Wear tennis shoes to protect your feet when the weather is dry. Rain boots are a must to keep your feet dry during rainy times.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Gardeners have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Gardener has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety. When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

There are innumerable microorganisms in a single teaspoon of soil, more than the number of people on earth!

If you love being outdoors, yearn for the scent of soil and freshly cut grass, and dream of bright and radiant flowers blooming in your client’s garden, gardening can be a rewarding career option for you. Gardening is typically a more straightforward job than many others as working with nature affords immense satisfaction and acts as a stress-buster. Furthermore, your success will bring joy to visitors to the garden.

Along with using your hands-on experience in gardening, ensure that the garden has nutrient-rich and well-drained soil and proper sunlight for the plants to thrive. Choose the right plants according to the season. Use mulch and fertilisers to make the plants grow efficiently and the garden attractive.