Gardener
Gardeners grow and look after plants in parks, gardens and other green spaces.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a gardener, you will:
- raise and look after plants from seeds or cuttings
- dig, plant and weed flower beds and borders
- tidy overgrown shrubs and trees and clear paths
- control pests that damage plants
- use equipment safely, like lawn mowers and hedge trimmers
- build items such as sheds, patios or fences
We've identified this as a green job
As a gardener, you could plant a variety of flowers, shrubs and greenery to encourage pollinator insects and increase biodiversity. This can have a positive impact on the environment.
Find out more about green careers
Working environment
You could work in a garden, in a park, at a client's business, at a client's home or in woodland.
Your working environment may be at height and outdoors in all weathers.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could:
- become a head gardener, garden designer or horticultural manager
- set up your own business, gardening for private customers
- move into a related role, such as landscaper, groundsperson or arboricultural officer
- do a qualification to work as a tree surgeon
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- the ability to work well with your hands
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with others
- customer service skills
- the ability to operate and control equipment
- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- physical skills like lifting, bending and reaching
- ambition and a desire to succeed
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
- have a Certificate of Competence, if you carry out hazardous tasks using a chainsaw
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
- specialist courses run by a professional body
You could do a course in gardening or horticulture to learn some of the skills and knowledge you need.
Courses include:
- Level 1 Certificate in Horticulture Skills
- Level 2 Diploma in Practical Horticultural Skills
- Level 3 Extended Diploma in Horticulture
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a level 1 course
More Information
You could do a:
- Horticulture or Landscape Construction Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
- Landscape or Horticulture Supervisor Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Horticulture and Landscaping Technical Manager Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
More Information
You might find it helpful when looking for work if you have some practical experience, for instance from working in a garden centre.
You could also start as an assistant gardener with an organisation and work your way up.
Many organisations offer volunteering opportunities, for example:
You'll also find volunteering placements through Do IT and the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO).
You can apply directly for jobs. Employers value work experience and skills in gardening. Horticultural knowledge and enthusiasm are also important.
You can take a course with The Royal Horticultural Society to learn more about gardening or complete a qualification that may help you to get a job.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a gardener from:
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This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.