How to Start a Gardening Business from Scratch: Step-by-Step Guide
Starting a gardening business is a great opportunity if you enjoy working outdoors, love plants, and want to run your own business. Whether you focus on lawn care, planting, garden design, or maintenance, this industry offers low startup costs, recurring clients, and year-round income with the right strategy.
Here’s a complete step-by-step guide to help you start a successful gardening business from scratch.
🌱 1. Decide on Your Gardening Services
Start by choosing what services you’ll offer based on your skills, interests, and local demand.
Popular gardening services:
Lawn mowing and edging
Weeding and pruning
Hedge trimming and tree care
Garden clearance
Planting and garden design
Seasonal maintenance (e.g., leaf removal, winter prep)
Pressure washing patios and driveways
💡 Tip: Start with basic services and expand as you gain experience and equipment.
🧾 2. Register Your Business
Choose your business structure and register it legally:
In the UK:
Sole Trader – simplest to start with
Limited Company – offers more protection and credibility
Also:
Register with HMRC for tax purposes
Get Public Liability Insurance to protect against property damage or injuries
Consider employers’ liability insurance if hiring staff
🧰 3. Buy Essential Tools and Equipment
You don’t need everything at once—start small with basic but reliable tools.
Starter equipment:
Lawn mower (petrol or battery)
Hedge trimmer
Secateurs and pruning tools
Rake, shovel, and spade
Wheelbarrow
Garden waste bags or bins
Gloves, boots, and protective wear
💡 Buy quality second-hand tools to save money when starting out.
🛻 4. Set Up Transport and Storage
You’ll likely need a van or trailer to transport your tools and garden waste.
✅ Make sure your vehicle:
Is big enough to carry your equipment
Has business insurance
Is kept secure and organised
If working from home, create a small storage area or shed for your gear.
💵 5. Set Your Prices
Decide how you’ll charge clients:
Common pricing methods:
Hourly rate (e.g., £25–£40/hour in the UK)
Fixed price per job (e.g., lawn mowing £30 per visit)
Monthly packages for regular clients
💡 Research local competitors to stay competitive while covering your costs.
📢 6. Find Your First Customers
Start promoting your business locally and online:
Ways to get clients:
Flyers and leaflets in local areas
Facebook and community groups
Create a simple website with service details and contact form
Set up a Google My Business profile
Ask friends and family to recommend you
💡 Offer a discount for first-time customers or referral rewards.
🧾 7. Track Jobs and Manage Your Business
Use a job management app or spreadsheet to keep track of:
Client contact info
Bookings and schedules
Payments and invoices
Equipment and expenses
Tools like Jobber, Setmore, or even Google Calendar + Excel can help you stay organised.
📸 8. Build a Portfolio
Before-and-after photos of your work help build trust and attract more clients.
✔ Take high-quality photos of each job
✔ Post them on your website and social media
✔ Ask happy customers for written or video testimonials
🚀 9. Grow Your Gardening Business
Once you’re established, consider:
Hiring a helper or team member
Offering new services (e.g., landscaping or pressure washing)
Selling seasonal packages (spring clean-ups, winter prep)
Partnering with local estate agents or landlords
💡 Focus on customer service and reliability to get repeat business and referrals.
✅ Final Checklist to Start Your Gardening Business:
✔ Choose your services
✔ Register and insure your business
✔ Buy tools and transport
✔ Set fair, profitable pricing
✔ Promote locally and online
✔ Manage jobs professionally
✔ Collect reviews and photos
✔ Plan for growth
Starting a gardening business is a low-barrier, high-potential venture. With a solid work ethic, quality service, and smart marketing, you can turn your green skills into a growing business.
🌿 Ready to plant the seeds for success? Let me know if you'd like a free flyer or quote template to help you start!
