Hiring a gardener

If you are looking to hire a gardener, you will probably be confused as to how much you are expected to pay or want to pay and what sort of tasks they should undertake.

If you have a relatively simple garden which mainly needs regular mowing during the warmer months of the year plus a bit of weeding and pruning from time to time, then you may find that your gardener’s hourly rate will be less than for someone who is expected to have a higher level of knowledge of the plants, shrubs, trees and flowers in your garden and to undertake heavier work.

It is a good idea to interview your gardener before you decide to employ him or her. If you do require more than regular mowing, then do question your gardener to ascertain their level of knowledge. Establish whether he or she will use their own tools or whether they will want to use yours. A gardener with his or her own liability insurance is likely to charge more per hour. However, if he or she doesn’t have insurance then anything that happens on your property becomes your responsibility. Be clear on the tasks that you want carried out and don’t be afraid to ask for references.