If you’ve always had a way with plants and find gardening to be your passion, why not turn this passion into a profitable business? Working with plants brings peace of mind and calms one’s soul, and it’s not a surprise that many gardeners are the happiest and the most content people, even if their business is considered “small.” If you’re considering the transition from a hobbyist to an entrepreneur, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here’s what you need to know in order to start your own successful gardening business.
Learn about aspects of the gardening business
Depending on what services you are planning to offer, your focus should be on different aspects of gardening. Those with plenty of space and finances can offer several different services to their customers, while those who are just starting should think small, at least at first. If you don’t want to take up too much at first, you have to think about what you can specialize in and what kind of product or service you can offer to your potential clients. In addition to this, you have to remember that there will also be administrative tasks such as learning how to budget your finances that you will have to think about, not just the plants, not to mention engaging with the customers. If you’re an introvert, it might be a good idea to employ another gardener to help you out.
Decide what service to provide
Gardening business covers a variety of services, and in order to avoid confusion, you need to come up with a detailed list of services you will be offering. The services most commonly offered by different gardening businesses usually include landscaping, lawn care, refining the look of an existing garden, garden maintenance, planting and harvesting vegetables, etc. You don’t want to disappoint your potential customers, but you also don’t want to take up more work than you can handle. This is why a list of services your business will be able to provide is essential, and once you complete it, makes sure to publish it on your website, social media, as well as in your office.
Get the tools for the job
While your own small set of gardening tools is enough to cover everything in your garden, you can’t rely on it if you’re planning on starting a business. Getting the right tools for the job is essential, and it’s going to be a big investment too. Having high-quality tools and equipment will ensure that your job is easy enough, so get at least another set of everything you’re already using. A few pairs of heavy-duty gardening gloves, a spade, a shovel, garden hose, rakes, pruners… You probably already have a lot of experience using these and know which ones are reliable and which ones will break easily. In case you’re planning on offering seedboxes, a set of carpentry tools is a good idea too.
Create a business plan
Starting a gardening business is not all about gardening – you have to focus on the business aspect as well. Having a solid business plan is a great way to ensure that you stay on track and reach your goals over an extended period of time. When you have a clear vision and know where you want to be with your business in the future, a good business plan will help you achieve that. Not only will you outline the services you’re planning on offering, but all of the ways you can make a profit as well. A good business plan is detailed, so even if you’re taking some things for granted at the moment, make sure you put it in writing. This will also help you if you ever decide to ask for funds because it shows your commitment.
Don’t forget to advertise
To get to your first clients, you are going to have to focus on marketing from the very start (often even before you officially start working). Come up with a marketing strategy that is going to make your small business stand out from the competition. To do this, you will have to cover several platforms: printing out flyers and business cards, making a profile and a page on social media, building your own website with your working hours, contact details, and blog, or perhaps even getting a van with your logo on it. That being said, you shouldn’t underestimate the good old word-of-mouth, as people will gladly hire you if you’ve already done a great job for someone they know.
Even though gardening can sometimes be hard, especially when you turn it into a business instead of a hobby, it’s also one of the most fulfilling jobs there are. Starting a gardening business might seem like a big step out of your comfort zone, but the reward is going to be worth it. If you take your dreams seriously and lay the groundwork before you start, your chances of success will skyrocket..
