Garden Centre Worker

Garden centre workers work in garden centres which sell plants to the public. Some gardens centres buy in a stock of plants to sell to the public, whilst a smaller number grow their own plants and flowers for sale.

In recent years, garden centres have branched out further into selling garden tools and machinery, conservatory and garden furniture, protective clothing and a wide range of cards and gifts.

Garden centre workers are likely to be involved in some of the following:

• growing plants, including sowing seeds and planting bulbs
• watering, weeding, pruning, and feeding nutrients to plants
• identifying and dealing with pests and diseases
• maintaining horticultural tools, machinery and technical equipment
• selling to and serving customers and providing advice and guidance.

Hours vary, depending on the type of garden centre and the season. In large retail garden centres staff may work a standard full-time week. In other centres, where plants are grown on site, early starts are common in the summer months. The work can be physically demanding and involves work inside or outside in all weather conditions.

Salaries range from around £12,000 to £15,000 per year up to £40,000 or more per year for those in a management post.

A garden centre worker should:

• be able to work alone and as part of a team
• be able to communicate with colleagues and customers effectively
• understand and follow health and safety rules
• have good customer service and sales skills

There are over 2,900 garden centre businesses within the UK, employing over 64,000 people. Jobs are available throughout the country.

Although no formal qualifications are required, some employers ask for GCSEs (A*-C) or a BTEC First Diploma in horticulture. Some employers may look for customer service experience or qualifications in retail and/or sales.

The Diploma in environmental and land-based studies may also be useful for this area of work. It may be possible to enter this career through an appropriate Apprenticeship scheme.

Full- and part-time courses in horticulture are available at many colleges, providing practical experience and a useful grounding in the skills and knowledge required.

Entrants mostly train on the job, working alongside experienced workers or a supervisor. In most large organisations, it is possible to progress to supervisory and managerial positions after gaining experience and additional qualifications.

Further details