If you are thinking about venturing into gardening, take heart in knowing that you do not need any stringent formal qualifications. Nevertheless, getting a job as a gardener is still more manageable if you are already qualified and have some education and training in the same.
Read on to discover how else you can become a gardener:
1. Enroll in a University Course
A course in gardening or a related field is a sure way to get you on your path. Courses you can apply for include growing different types of plants, how to safely handle garden machinery, and identifying plants. In general, courses with these subjects are referred to as horticulture – the art and science of growing plants. In addition, taking a course in specialized subjects such as how to tend to historic gardens could give you an edge.
The options available in universities include:
• Level 1 Certificate in Horticulture Skills
• Level 2 Diploma in Horticulture and Amenity Horticulture
• Level 3 Certificate in Practical Horticulture
Before applying for any of the above courses, you are required to have GCSE results that satisfy the minimum requirements.
2. Consider an Apprenticeship
What better way to learn gardening than by doing it practically as you study? This kind of program is offered by some universities and allows you to earn a horticulture and landscape operative intermediate apprenticeship. The skills you can gain include growing different crops, garden design, and keeping plants strong and healthy.
Additionally, professional bodies such as the Royal Horticulture Society offer apprenticeship opportunities to further your learning. For successful admittance into a horticulture apprenticeship, a GCSE in Maths and English with grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) is required.
3. Seek Gardening Experience
Volunteering as a gardener or working in an entry-level position helps gain gardening experience. When searching for gardening volunteering positions, the Conservation Volunteers and the National Trust recruit gardeners to volunteer in horticulture, gardening, and conservation. For those seeking direct employment, looking up entry-level gardener positions online will grow your experience over time. Pristine Gardens’ services are an excellent choice of gardening in Camberley.
4. Courses Offered by Professional Bodies
The Royal Horticulture Society offers specialist courses in gardening that involves plant health and growth, planning, and other related subjects. Enrolling in these courses can guarantee you a certificate or diploma in Levels 1, 2, and 3 which are also offered in universities and colleges.
5. Direct Application
If you already have experience in gardening and have gained certain skills, don’t hesitate to look up job postings and submit your application. However, be careful to scrutinize the job requirement and qualifications before you submit your application.
5 Vital Gardening Skills to Have
For aspiring gardeners, here are some five must-have skills to possess to beat your competition:
• Patience: Plants take time to grow. Therefore, a good gardener is patient enough to see the cultivation and growing process through.
• Creativity: Beautifully designed gardens require a splash of creativity. Gardeners that can design elegant and lush gardens that meet client expectations and are pleasing to the eye are exceptional.
• Attention to Detail: Gardeners should spot any minor changes to plants and crops at any given time. This requires a gardener with observation skills strong enough to detect when plants are in poor health.
• Tech-Savvy: With the help of a smartphone and a planning app, gardeners can schedule appointments to help manage their business that portrays a professional look.
• Organization: Having many clients is a good thing, but not being able to properly schedule and organize appointments can ruin your business. Proper planning and organizational skills are required to stay afloat in this business.
A beautiful garden that is manicured and tastefully designed can be attributed to gardeners that are experienced and have developed expert skills within their field. Follow the guide above to embark on your journey to becoming a professional gardener.
