Are you a gardener? Or looking to become a gardener? Then make sure first that the job will suit you. Do you have the rights skills to be a good gardener? And not just that, also for you to be able to enjoy your work! So find out here if you tick the boxes and a gardening career should be the one for you.
So what are the skills every gardener should have?
Practical Gardening Skills
So firstly, let’s have a look at some practical gardening skills. Because even if you are the most passionate nature lover. It does not necessarily make you a great gardener, unfortunately. Gardening and groundsman work is a real craft and it really requires knowing what you are doing.
So a very good understanding of practical gardening skills is a must need. You should really have above-average knowledge of plants, shrubs, trees, and flowers. Ata minimum you should know when to plant what, when to trim and cut back, and when to fully get rid.
Some other key practical knowledge and skills you should have are as follows:
- Composting
- Soil Analysis
- Pollenation
- Pest Control
- Tool Care & Maintenance
Gardening Skills: The Physical Side
Having discussed the practical skills a gardener needs, there are also other factors to consider. Working as a professional gardener is very hard physical work. It is not for the faint-hearted! People might underestimate how intense it can be on the body.
But to be able to be a successful gardener. And for you to enjoy your gardening job. You really need to be physically fit and able. You will get aches and pains from working with heavy machinery. As well as dragging heavy plants around. Chopping wood. Digging hard soil. the list of heavy-duty physical work is endless, really. So being physically up for the job, is crucial.
Gardening Skills: Enjoy The Outdoors
This may seem self-explanatory. But a really important thing to take into account when you are considering becoming a professional gardener. You will work outdoors, in all the weather! And if you are living anywhere with hot and cold seasons, you need to be ok with this.
Are you happy working as hard in ice-cold rain, wind, and snow, as you are in the beautiful sunshine? Everyone enjoys a bit of gardening when it’s nice and sunny. But it becomes a very different thing, very quickly, when it is pouring it down with rain all day.
It takes a certain type of person to enjoy working outdoors in all weather. And if that is you – amazing! You will probably make a great gardener. But if you do not, then seriously reconsider if this is the right thing for you. You need to be out there come rain or shine. Because the garden will not wait!
Gardening Skills: Enjoy Working Alone
Although you might work in a team of gardeners, or in a large household team for a private household. Being a gardener, in general, is a job that is done on your own. On some occasions, you might do some tasks with a colleague. But most private household gardeners will be the only gardener working in the outdoor space.
So think about if that is for you. Are you a really sociable person? Do you like having people around during the day to chat to? Or do you not mind getting stuck in with the work without too much socialising.
Some people love working on their own. If this is you -great. Then being a gardener might be the right thing for you! Just imagine what a day in the life of a gardener might look like. You will spend all your time outdoors doing heavy manual work. It is very different from sitting in the office next to lots of colleagues!
But if you love this sense of freedom, then why not consider a gardening career.
How can Polo & Tweed Help?
Do you want to learn more about how to become a private household gardener? Or are you ready to find a new or your first, job as a gardener? Polo & Tweed can help! We work with clients all over the world looking for part-time, full time, and freelance gardeners for private households. Our experienced recruitment consultants will be able to match your skills with the right job that will suit you! Why not contact us here now to register with us and we look forward to speaking to you, and finding the right gardening job for you!