Anyone who wants to become self-employed as a gardener needs a trade license and sufficient capital. Your personal fitness also plays a role.
Turning your hobby into a job, a dream that many have, but only very few (can) fulfill. Perhaps you have already thought about earning money with the love of gardening. This idea is not so far-fetched, because the path from hobby to professional gardener is not as "rocky" as it seems at first.
Of course you have to think carefully beforehand about who your target group should be, what activities you would like to and are able to offer and whether you as a gardener and landscaper can survive small dry spells, because in the cold season the orders are usually less.
Do I need training to be a self-employed gardener?
Yes - because it depends on what you want to do for yourself. Gardener is a protected term, if you call yourself that, you have to prove that you have appropriate training - but a master craftsman's certificate is not required, unless you want to train. But even if you don't want to go to school anymore, you have the option of being self-employed - namely as a garden helper. Garden care and garden design will then be among your most important tasks, but be careful: if you want to offer special services such as tree felling work, you need a chainsaw license.
Do I have to register a business?
Yes! Regardless of whether you are a trained gardener or a gardener, a business registration is mandatory in any case. Registration takes place at your municipality or city administration. If you do not intend to operate larger machines or devices, your ID card is usually sufficient for business registration, otherwise appropriate proof of the relevant specialist knowledge must be submitted.
It is also possible and sometimes useful to register a side business. This way you can calmly test whether the profession of gardener is really something for you and whether you can earn money with it in the long term. If this is an option for you, the employer must give their consent for the sideline.In addition, the Treasury keeps an eye on how extensive your secondary activities are. As a rule, no more than 20 hours per week should be worked and the income should not be higher than that of the main job.
Self-employed as a gardener - how do I acquire customers?
First of all, it should be said that the Germans have built up a probably never-ending love affair with their garden. Gardens are therefore becoming more rather than fewer, and there is also the aspect of demographic change. People are getting older, and at some point they will no longer be able to do necessary gardening work - but giving up their beloved garden is often not an option. This is where you come in!
If you know something very well, customers will tell each other about it. Word of mouth is a powerful thing.
Jeff Bezos - Founder of Amazon
Another target group are people who are very busy in their job. They are often looking for a gardener who will mow the lawn and keep the front yard in good shape. Look for such offers on classifieds portals, a hot tip are also regional groups in the social media. If you not only want to serve private customers, but also want to accept gardening orders from companies and municipalities, you have to participate in public tenders.
Financial situation - equity or credit?
Even if you initially want to work in a sideline, you cannot avoid making a certain investment. Regardless of whether you are designing your front yard or tending a grave, you need basic tools and a car. If you want to work full-time as a gardener or garden and landscaper, you need a business plan and a financial concept.
The service of a professional gardener is more than just pulling weeds and planting flowers. You will need to purchase quality tools and machinery, and set up an office or shop as well. Going to the bank will be unavoidable. However, before you apply for a loan, check what financial burdens you can handle each month.
Necessary Insurance
Whether gardening helpers or gardeners and landscapers, you need good insurance cover in this job. You work with pointed or sharp tools and possibly also with electrical machines, so despite the greatest care something can always happen. It is best to talk to the insurance agent you trust about accident and professional liability insurance - including the IHKhelps with such questions and advises you which insurances are mandatory.
Starting your own business as a gardener - checklist
- Check own expertise and resilience
- Is there enough capital for self-employment?
- Define target group
- Register business
- Buy tools, work clothes and car
- Create website, advertise
- Acquiring customers
(elderly or employed garden owners, companies with outdoor facilities, small communities) - Take out insurance