Gardening: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What gardening is

Gardening covers preparing beds, planting, weeding, pruning, mulching and watering for flower or vegetable gardens, along with advice on plant choice and soil. People hire a gardener when the beds are overgrown, when they want a garden that blooms or produces well, or when they do not have the time to keep one going.

Signs you need it

  • Beds are overgrown with weeds, and the plants you want are being crowded out
  • Vegetables or flowers struggle with poor soil, poor drainage or the wrong sun exposure
  • The garden looks tired by midsummer, and the plants are not blooming or fruiting well
  • You want a seasonal plan for planting, feeding and cleanup that you can follow
  • You want someone to keep the garden looking good through the season

What the pro does

  • The gardener walks the beds to check sun, soil, drainage, existing plants and any pest or disease signs
  • Beds are weeded and loosened, and compost or amendment is worked in where the soil needs it
  • Plants are set at the right depth and spacing, with vegetables or flowers grouped to suit their light and water needs
  • Mulch is spread around plants to hold moisture and keep weeds down
  • Watering and pruning are done on the schedule that suits each plant, and the gardener explains what to watch for

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Number of beds and total garden area
  • Level of weeding and soil work needed before planting
  • Number of plants and how many need to be sourced and planted
  • Whether the job is a one-time setup or ongoing care through the season
  • Watering needs, and whether the gardener uses a hose or the garden has irrigation
  • Pruning, deadheading and pest work that is part of the plan
  • Access to beds, including tight corners, steps and raised beds

What a written quote should spell out

  • The beds covered and the work planned for each one
  • The plant list if plants are being bought, with sizes and quantities
  • The soil work, including compost or amendments and where they come from
  • Who handles watering, the gardener or you
  • The visit frequency and the months of care included
  • Who buys plants, mulch and amendments, and how those costs are shown

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What do you do to test or improve my soil before planting?
  • How will you choose plants for my sun and drainage?
  • Who is responsible for watering when you are not here?
  • Do you use organic amendments, and what do you use for pest control?
  • How often do you visit, and what do you do on each visit?
  • Will you grow vegetables and flowers in the same beds, and how do you plan the spacing?
  • Can you show me a list of plants and their care needs before you start?

Red flags

  • They plant before looking at the soil or the sun in each bed
  • They plant tall vegetables where they will shade crops that need full sun
  • They use heavy pesticides without asking about the plants, pets or family
  • They cannot say when the garden will need watering or how they will handle it
  • They will not show a plant list or name what they are planting

What you can do yourself

A homeowner can weed, mulch, water, deadhead flowers and plant small bedding or vegetable plants on their own, using hand tools and a hose. Call a pro for large beds, for soil problems that need testing and correction, or for pruning high branches or trees. If you prune above your head, use a sturdy stepladder on firm ground, and follow the label on any product you apply.

Licenses and permits

Gardening and planting are commonly not licensed; pesticide applications for pay and tree work may need separate licenses in many areas. Check with your state or local licensing agency before you hire for those services.

Gardening questions

When is the best time to start a vegetable bed?

It depends on your local climate and the vegetable. Ask the gardener to set the planting calendar for your area, and to tell you which crops can go in early and which need warm soil.

How do I keep a garden looking good all season?

Keep up with weeding, mulch, deadheading and watering, and plan replacements for plants that finish early. Ask the gardener for a monthly task list you can follow between visits.

Should I add compost to my beds?

Compost helps many soils, but the right amount depends on what is already there. Ask the gardener to check the soil first, and to say how much compost and what type they recommend.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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