How to become a gardener

How to become a Gardener

Becoming a professional gardener is achievable through multiple pathways. It often involves a combination of practical experience, education, and professional development. Here's a detailed roadmap to launch and advance your gardening career.

Gain Hands-On Experience
Start by developing practical gardening skills:

• Work in your own garden – Practise basic skills like planting, pruning, weeding, and soil preparation.
• Volunteer opportunities – Seek experience at community gardens, botanical gardens, nature centers, or local parks.
• Entry-level positions – Apply for assistant or helper positions at landscaping companies, nurseries, or garden centers.
• Internships – Look for internship programs at botanical gardens, arboretums, or university horticultural departments.

Consider Formal Education
While not always required, education can accelerate your career growth:

Completing a Master Gardener Program is one of the most popular pathways for aspiring gardeners in the USA. Offered through Cooperative Extension offices in most states, these programs, which are typically comprised of 40-50 hours of classroom instruction, require volunteer service hours in exchange for training and continuing education to maintain licensure. The curriculum covers plant science, soil health, pest management, and local growing conditions, and provides an excellent opportunity to network with experienced gardeners.

Certificate Programs, generally offered by community colleges, last six to twelve months and focus on practical horticulture and gardening skills.

Associate Degrees are also often available through community colleges. Two-year programs in horticulture, landscape design, or ornamental horticulture are more affordable than four-year university programs and often include hands-on training in campus greenhouses and gardens.

University Programs are aimed at individuals looking ahead to higher-level positions and specialized roles. Applicable degrees include a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture or a Bachelor's in Landscape Architecture (requires licensing for design work). Alternative majors include plant sciences, botany, or environmental horticulture.

Top US Universities for Horticulture:

• Cornell University (New York)
• University of California, Davis
• Penn State University
• Purdue University (Indiana)
• North Carolina State University
• Virginia Tech
• Michigan State University
• University of Florida

Gain Diverse Experience
Work in different settings to broaden your skills: residential landscaping companies, commercial property maintenance, retail nurseries and garden centers, public gardens and arboretums, municipal parks departments, golf courses, estate gardens, greenhouse operations.

Develop Specialized Skills
Consider focusing on specific areas to differentiate yourself:

• Organic gardening – Growing demand for chemical-free lawn and garden care
• Native plant landscaping – Increasing interest in sustainable, low-maintenance gardens
• Edible landscaping – Integrating vegetables, fruits, and herbs into ornamental gardens
• Xeriscaping – Water-efficient landscaping, especially important in Western states
• Urban gardening – Rooftop gardens, container gardening, and small-space solutions
• Arboriculture – Tree care and management
• Turfgrass management – Lawn care specialization

Obtain Professional Certifications
Certifications demonstrate expertise and professionalism to employers and clients:

• Pesticide Applicator License – Required in most states for commercial pesticide application; administered by state departments of agriculture; requires passing written examinations; categories include ornamental and turf, right-of-way, and others; continuing education required for renewal (typically every three to five years)
• Certified Professional Horticulturist (CPH) – Offered by the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS); requires combination of education and experience; demonstrates advanced horticultural knowledge
• Landscape Industry Certified Technician – Offered by the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP); designed for experienced and knowledgeable technicians working in softscape or hardscape installation, maintenance and/or irrigation
• Landscape Industry Certified Business Manager – Also offered by the NALP; designed for experienced and knowledgeable landscape business owners or managers, or those on the management fast-track
• ISA Certified Arborist – This highly respected industry credential is administered by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Candidates must have experience; pass a comprehensive exam covering areas like tree biology, pruning, risk assessment, and safety; adhere to a professional code of ethics; and maintain certification through continuing education.

Build Your Professional Network and Commit to Continuing Education
Networking is crucial for career advancement and staying current with industry trends (e.g., new plant varieties, pest management strategies) and best practices. Join professional organizations, like the National Gardening Association (NGA), the American Horticultural Society (AHS), and those referenced above in the Certifications section, as well as state nursery and landscape associations and local garden clubs. Attend industry events, such as garden shows, trade conferences, and workshops. Participate in field days and demonstration gardens, online professional forums, and social media groups. Read industry publications and journals. Seek mentorship and learn from experienced gardeners in your area.

Consider Starting Your Own Gardening Business
If you choose to work independently…

• Create a business plan – Define services, target market, and pricing
• Obtain necessary licenses – Business license, pesticide applicator license, contractor's license (if required in your state)
• Get insured – Liability insurance and workers' compensation (if hiring employees)
• Invest in equipment – Quality tools, mowers, trucks, and safety equipment
• Develop marketing materials – Website, business cards, portfolio of your work
• Build a client base – Start with friends and neighbors, ask for referrals
• Consider specialization – Focus on a niche market to stand out