Growing a Gardening Business Beyond the Garden

Posted byEarthly ComfortsPosted inEarthen PassionsTags:, , , , ,

When most people think of gardening, they picture the usual — mowers buzzing, hedges getting trimmed, the smell of fresh cut grass. That’s still a big part of what I do, but over the years I’ve learned that running a gardening business means adapting and growing far beyond basic maintenance.

Some years flow nicely, others feel like pushing through brambles. Just like plants deal with shifting weather, businesses must adapt to changes in people’s lives, finances, and now even technology. AI and automation are changing industries left, right, and centre. Which made me ask myself: What does growth look like for a gardener these days?

Initially, I kept it simple. I stuck to what I knew — green waste, composting advice, that sort of thing. From there, it made sense to offer shorter, “bite-sized” gardening visits too, because not everyone in town wants or needs a full day’s work in their garden.

It was simply a matter of listening, trying things out, and seeing what worked.

Once the basics were in place, other ideas began to emerge. People began asking for wildlife-friendly touches — small ponds, wildflower patches, and pollinator borders. There’s something about standing in a garden that’s buzzing with life that tidy lawns alone just don’t give you.

I also noticed people wanted quicker turnarounds. A tidy-up before a barbecue, a house viewing, or a family gathering. Gardens are being used differently now — more like extra rooms outside — and I’ve had to adjust to that.

Looking forward, I believe education and technology will play a larger role. Workshops, therapeutic gardening, maybe teaming up with schools. Feels like a natural step.

Then there’s the tech side. Robotic mowers, irrigation systems, rainwater harvesting — these things aren’t futuristic anymore, they’re already here. I don’t see them replacing the gardener, though. More likely, my job becomes helping people fit those tools into their spaces without losing the personal, wildlife-friendly touch.

Running a business means testing things. Some are straightforward, like waste collection subscriptions or mulch deliveries. Others, like the Soil Builders Hub Club, are more of an experiment — sharing compost and mulch across town so everyone’s garden benefits.

Some weeks, I think, “What am I doing this for?” At other times, it feels like laying the groundwork for something solid. Not every return shows up in the bank account. Sometimes it’s about resilience, building community, or just enjoying the challenge of something new.

Not all the work is about money, either. Some of the best stuff has come from helping out locally. Sponsoring Gazen Salts Nature Reserve, lending a hand with green projects, or just keeping shared spaces tidy.

Those things remind me of why I started. One side keeps the business afloat, the other keeps the spark alive.

Diversifying isn’t tidy. It’s not a neat line. It’s more like a mixed border — some things thrive, some fade, and every now and then something unexpected takes over.

That’s why I keep doors open. AI and robotics might change jobs, but they can’t replace the local know-how, creativity, or care that makes gardening meaningful.

I think gardening businesses are slowly moving beyond just “maintenance.” They’re becoming about stewardship, education, and community. Which feels right.

Like a tree, a business sets down roots, spreads its branches, and eventually offers shade and shelter.

For me, the real goal is more than just neat lawns and tidy borders—it’s to create a business that grows in step with its community, giving back as much as it takes. Striking that balance is what allows both the gardens and the people who enjoy them to thrive. That’s what true growth looks like for today’s gardener.

It’s not just about gardens anymore—it’s about how the gardener’s role is evolving, expanding from mere maintenance to something more comprehensive: stewardship, education, and community support.

Published by Earthly Comforts

The Earthly Comforts blog supports my gardening business.

7 thoughts on “Growing a Gardening Business Beyond the Garden”

      3. as well as can be expected, unfortunately. As I type this, my friendly maintenance man is tidying up my garden for the winter, something I would usually do. I am extremely grateful for his help, it eases the burden of being helpless, even just for a while…

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