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How to become a Gardener

Gardener

Career progression and salary expectations for a Gardener

1

Gardener

| Up to £20,000
2

Head Gardener

| Up to £25,000
3

Garden Manager

| Up to £30,000

The role of a Gardener

Grass looking greener on the other side? You should be a Gardener...As a gardener you’ll be looking after a whole range of plants such as flowers, trees, shrubs and lawns in an assortment of green spaces. These could be public parks, sports grounds, gardens and schools. Your goal will be to provide enjoyment and beauty all year round.Typical duties of a Gardener include:
  • Growing plants from seeds or cuttings
  • Managing flower beds and borders
  • Preserving the health of the greenlife by warding off disease and pests
  • Looking after plant nutrition and watering
  • Using machinery such as lawn mowers, rotovators and hedge trimmers
  • Maintaining high levels of presentation in public parks and gardens
  • Cleaning tools and equipment
Aside from brief visits to the garden shed, the Gardener’s work is outdoors. You need to have a passion for exterior spaces and the desire to make them better no matter the weather.Plant life can be complicated and highly sensitive to the changing seasons, so a broad knowledge of gardening and the desire to learn more will be a necessity. An average to high level of fitness and stamina may also be desirable, as there are no desk chairs in the great outdoors.Other key skills include:
  • A keen interest in all things horticultural
  • Patience
  • Excellent attention to detail
  • A hands-on and practical approach to your work
  • Conflict management and problem solving
  • Green fingers (not literally)
"Being a gardener is great, but like any job it comes with its pressures and pitfalls. Growing plants is a long process, and mistakes somewhere along process can have disastrous consequences down the line. But if you know your stuff and plant with confidence, it’s the best job out there."

Get qualified as a Gardener

No formal qualifications are needed in order to become a gardener. However, a wide range of courses are available to help hone your horticultural skills and demonstrate you ability to future employers.

Recommended Gardener courses

  • Level 1 Diploma in Gardening, Garden Design & Horticulture - CPD Certified

    Empower UK Employment Training
    Entry Level Career Pathway Program - No Exam - Instant Free Certificate - Free Workplace Management Toolkit
    • 25 students
    • Online
    • 3.3 hours · Self-paced
    • Certificate(s) included
    • Tutor support
    Great service
    Highly rated
    Popular
    Trending
    ...Gardening & Garden Design: Module 03 Gardening & Garden Design: Module 04 Gardening & Garden Design: Module 05 Gardening & Garden Design: Module 06 Gardening & Garden Design: Module 07 Gardening & Garden Design: Module 08 Gardening & Garden Design: Module …
    Save 4%
    £12 £12.50

  • Garden Design, Gardening & Landscaping From Beginner to Master - CPD Accredited

    Wise Campus
    Latest Updated 2024 | 3 Courses Premium Bundle + 3 PDF Certificates | Instant Access |24/7 Live Support |Lifetime Access
    • 10 students
    • Online
    • 2.1 hours · Self-paced
    • Certificate(s) included
    • Tutor support
    Trending
    ...also offers suggestions for designing gardens. Moreover, the Gardening: Garden Design, Gardening & Landscaping course covers plant selection, garden management, and designing rain gardens. This Gardening: Garden Design, Gardening & Landscaping course teaches you all the skills …
    £12
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