Starting a Gardening Business on a BUDGET

[@albe013]

what you need to start up is 1-lawnmower 2-strimmer 3-hedgecutter 4 -blower as at some point you will be asked to trim a hedge or a bush also some means of transport and a few hand tools like a spade ,shovel ,lawn edger ,trowel fork loppers and a pair of secateurs some rubbisg bags 2-petrol cans one for ordainary petrol and one for 2-stroke petrol and a funnel with a filter as this will keep alot of contaminants out of your machines and a money saver try to do your own servicing and machinery maintence as this can be between £30 to £50 an hour follow these and you can make a start have done gardening for 46 years and working in gardening for 40 years

[@MichaelTravis-b1z]

Would you not need a fork as well?

[@SmallEyeSpecimenHunter]

Great comment thanks I’m thinking about starting up

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

Drop me an email mate I may have something of interest to you

[@DjDolHaus86]

For many years I was getting by with a Flymo hover mower, a strimmer, a hedge trimmer (all mains electric), a hoe, a fork and a spade being carted round in my battered Mondeo estate. Probably cost me about £200 in tools and £1k on the car. I've still got the flymo, those things are bombproof. Also, a big part of the job is just talking to elderly people, a lot are starved for company and just enjoy having someone to talk to.

[@v8mooowder354]

This is so true about old folk. I used have an old lady in her 80's, on her own. Her garden would take all of 15 minutes to do, then we would be sat at her kitchen table, puffing away on fags and drinking coffee together for 45 minutes. She was great, proper Geordie (this is in Wiltshire) she had some great stories and sayings. Have had lots of other old folk too, they are great for story telling. My business has changed these days, but still look after the odd oldie when they need me.

[@ah-ok3po]

You are absolutely spot on. I'm a former greenkeeper, now in my 6th season self employed. Started with a trailer on the car and Ryobi tools from b&q. I now have a transit custom, a number of commercial contracts, and top of the range commercial equipment.

[@Hitcher-to8zp]

This has been really good motivation. I work for the council grass cutting etc and have been really wanting to go self employed. Thanks so much for the advice!

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

No problem. All the best 👍

[@andresilva5667]

How you doing bro? Did you start it?

[@MikesManCave]

Started my Gardening Business with my old lawn mower, line trimmer and blower that I already had, total value of tools was around $300, advertised on local Facebook pages, picked up a few jobs straight away, used to carry these tools in my Ford Falcon sedan, I still have my first ever 2 customers to this day and now have commercial equipment and a van to keep it in. Anyone can do it. Never used any other form of advertising.

[@jamesdanaher3041]

well done lad ! good advise

[@conorhoward5002]

Month 4 now doing the garden business. Going very well, slow but still happy. Thank you for all your advice!

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

@@conorhoward5002 you're welcome. All the best mate

[@Zeridium]

Hi mate, thanks for the video, one issue I have is I have multiple ideas and I feel I'm wasting time by trying to cost, and prepare what I need for my gardening business start up (but I'm also looking at an opportunity for a wedding venue idea) How did you make your decision and commit to it when you have lots of ideas in your head? My biggest flaw in life is I think of millions of different ideas but never sure which to pursue first.

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

@Zeridium yeah that's a big problem mate and you could end up giving it to shortly after starting. I've grown veg since I was 15 and love working/messing around in allotments and gardens so I knew I was going to stick at it. If you're in two minds now I'd honestly say don't go for it. It's a hard trade

[@Zeridium]

@@TheGreyGardener1990 Hi, yeah I see what you mean. Mainly my motivation is I'm just tired of working for others. I've done property management/housing most my life (getting rentals ready) and it's not the labour I'm bothered about, more to do with freedom to do my own thing and not worry about someone else's business morals but my own and my hard work. I look around my neighbourhood and so many people who need some TLC on the lawn/grass alone and thinking of just going strimmer/mower and maybe an edger to start off. And then knock on some doors with leaflets/maybe get some business cards after.

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

Yeah only you know really. Sorry if that sounded harsh but it's not something to go into lightly if you need it to give you a proper wage.

[@irfanbala8679]

Hi pal, I have watched a few of your videos and I must say they are very informative. I have just started my gardening business a few months ago and I started from the neighbourhood app and Facebook! The neighbourhood app is amazing like you said as I get my enquires and jobs from there. I’ll keep watching and keep the good work up! Wish you all the success!

[@johncollier2581]

Fair play to you mate, some sound advice there! Good luck.

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

👍

[@mickmeadows]

Thanks mate. Appreciate the inspiration and wish you success. After several years of corporate office work, I’m seriously considering trying to do a gardening business as you said (mainly mowing grass & garden clearing). Thanks for tips.

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

No worries, it's tough but worthwhile. Best of luck 👍

[@hr9315]

Mick, did you take the plunge and how are you getting on? I’m in the same boat.

[@mickmeadows]

@@hr9315 Hello mate. No, I’ve not done it yet but am in process of finishing my business plan. At this rate, probably in a year or two. How about yourself?

[@hr9315]

@@mickmeadows fair enough. Not got that far yet haha I’ve basically worked out what I need to earn each month to survive and feed the family and that’s about it haha.

[@mickmeadows]

@@hr9315 well, that’s a good start! I do know someone who started his own gardening business about 5 years ago and now apparently charges £35/hr! He seems to be doing alright.

[@Wayne-wm6wq]

I started with a viking done the job now have massport seconds hand honda strimmer still have now I've had it 8 years cost 120 and a second hand leaf blower 60 again still use it now only changed a plug

[@dn744]

I was a builder. 1st private job was only £120. After a few years, it was sites and private. Jobs over 1 million each. Yet, I can't lost with divorce, started again, but made more family time. Less money, less stress. A more happy medium 🙌

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

Good balance is key but hard to find and sometimes not always possible I guess

[@joshbev4887]

Thankyou for this video mate 👍 been thinking about doing it for over a year now. Not the best time to be starting as weather will be changing for rhe worst soon. But got to start somewhere aye

[@roballen7075]

thank you mate. i really needed to see this

[@younggardeners1908]

Me and my mate are both 17 , we are looking to start a gardening business very locally to where we live as none of us drive at the moment. Plan is just to use a wheelbarrow to move our lawnmower strimmers etc. We have everything we need to get started but its just the advertising side of things.

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

Good stuff. Well all I used was Facebook and the next door neighbour app

[@jonnysgardenmaintenance]

Start knocking on doors lads where lawns are in need of TLC tell them they need the lawn cut in no time use will be up and running book them In every 2 weeks, great video lad loving the content 👍

[@gregdec7507]

I’m slowly starting out my gardening business in Kent so your information is useful, thanks. Where did you get your business cards? I’m thinking VistaPrint

[@kerrybyrne4509]

Thank u, very insightful and encouraging, I'm taking lessons for driving and expecting negative feedback wen I bring this idea to light cos Ive only jus started lessons, b nice to plough thru on my trailer so thank u

[@mackthomas8750]

Just subscribed Really really good video Thanks for the shout out Started with a lawn mower and some very basic tools I was borrowing then built a bike trailer got more tools and invested as much as I can back in to the business and it all paid of I've now got a nice truck 4 people working for me most days and booked up till almost the end of the year If you do a good job and work hard doesn't matter how you start and what you start with eventually your hard work pays off.

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

Glad to hear you're doing well mate. Similar to me really, invest as you go, grow and hopefully build the business. People are just happy you've turned up. That's what I've found haha

[@gjbeevs6302]

Cheers buddy. I am looking to start small as a sideline. Then if it picks up, I'll do it full-time and Jack me job in. I love being in the garden.

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

Best of luck mate

[@JohnM...]

Watch Keith Kalfas. I know he's American, but the advice he gives is amazing (him and Brian'sLawn care give really good business tips and route density tips). I'm starting out in spring 2023. Good luck mate!

[@gjbeevs6302]

@@JohnM... much appreciated. 👍

[@candiskull1]

thanks mate I watched your video to the end. I got the idea when I moved into a unit with an overgrown yard. I tried to ask the complex for a guy to help but he didnt show up in the end so I went and bought a weed eater and a a rake and just got on with it! I have what we call in SA a bakkie so thats transport sorted. great tips on the advertising part. There's a guy I know that breaks his back doing this for very little money so I reckon I could get him involved. Cheers

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

Glad you enjoyed the video mate. Good luck on the venture 🙂

[@paulgregory1028]

Thanks

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

Thanks so much mate. Glad you've enjoyed the video 👍

[@RobinDivine777]

Thank you for your insights. I've inherited a diversity of gardening tools and a ride-on tractor, so I'm looking to gain some work experience before taking a plunge into going solo. Will some independent gardeners take me on for work experience, and do I require insuring myself with a public liability insurance cover?

[@leathersocks4155]

You're right about people not turning up. Got a few jobs from that.

[@leathersocks4155]

I invested in stihl battery. It was expensive the rm135. But the rotary head is fantastic. No need for a strimmer. Does hedges and clearing against pavers.

[@GardeningIndonesia]

Good gardening, i like gardening boy

[@stealthovw7913]

I love this comment

[@stevenhyatt6185]

Hi I trying to start up now and ur video really help thanks

[@Patmac74]

I reckon you are reading my mind..... I was just looking around for a budget set up. Everyone seems to have the big hondas, stihl, weibang, and the big money multi tools and blowers,. These are things to work up to alright but a solid starter budget kit to try the business out and sink or swim is what's needed

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

Haha yeah thats it. If you've got money to throw at it great, but the reality I found was that its a bit unknown and scary in case you don't get work. I know now that the demand is huge so it's all good but you don't know until you get going.

[@MICHAEL-wg2lh]

@LM Grass Cutting Services yea I'd have to disagree titans tools fall to pieces pretty quickly , ok for a one home use once in a while, be better off buying quality second hand gear , honda, Makita , Stihl ect

[@v8mooowder354]

I started with what I could find at boot sales, had a job, need a certain tool, off to the boot sales....

[@MattCooper10]

Hello, I’m thinking of starting up my own gardening business in the new year, I’m already working for my local council, cutting grass and pruning the hedges, I will have a really decent amount of money behind me to start me off thanks to an inheritance I am getting, what advice would you give me ?

[@Mick-k8t]

So what do you do in the winter months not many people want their garden done

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

I've got a few videos on winter months so feel free to have a look mate. Lots to discuss about winter work, more than I could comment on really

[@Dan-pw5yi]

So true start cheap work up

[@gamingvelociraptor8865]

Cracking video. Subscribed

[@FromLawtoGardening]

Great video!

[@Grahams-Grass]

I think the best thing you can do when you first start out is to learn how to service fix and maintain your equipment . To me there's no point working hard to pay someone else to fix your equipment.. you have the time when you first start and to me its good practice to have a fews hours a week to maintain clean and check over a brocken mower earns no money. Clean it sharpened it service it 👍

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

This is an area I really want to do more in. When it dies down over winter I might try and tinker and around and try to learn some things! So when you service your gear, what do you actually do. What parts do you change?

[@Grahams-Grass]

@@TheGreyGardener1990 blade gets a sharpen every 2/3 weeks . Full Service oil new filter new plug . Spray lube down the cables and anything that needs lube... if you have bearing wheels check and lube them... if you don't have bearings. Just plastic bushes I would lubricate those every 2_3weeks or they will just wear out and you will have wonky wheels you have to remember a domestic mower is made to do 20 cuts a year and last 8/10yrs... Every 8 weeks it will get just an oil change Every week just blow our the air filter.. I Hose it down at least once a week ... .. self propelled lawnmowers you need to keep the belt guard clear or it will fill up with grass and can take the belt off worse still could snap it ..

[@paulmasendi3708]

Very good insights

[@jamesdodds4583]

Been a great help for me setting up in Northumberland. Next year or two will definitely be getting a van. Cheers for the videos 👍👍

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

Good luck mate. Big game changer a van

[@jimmyfaulkner5746]

Hope it's still going well for ya mate

[@antonylonsdale5156]

Love this video. Reassuring. I just dont know or idea on price of job. Whats a ball point of a 10m by 10m garden on cutting. What do you do with the grass as would it be advisable to put in their bin?

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

Hi mate, I've done other pricing videos giving you guidelines and in some cases real amounts so feel free to check them out

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

Customer bin for sure. Taking waste away is a big hassle

[@franciscosoares7154]

How do you price your jobs? Thinking about starting my own gardening business, like you I’ve got experience by doing jobs for friends and family. One thing I’m quite unsure of though is how to price jobs.

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

@franciscosoares7154 I've got quite a few videos on pricing up jobs so it's probably too much to go into on a comment. Drop me an email mate, I may have something of interest to you.

[@franciscosoares7154]

@@TheGreyGardener1990 Ok great, thanks

[@johnohalloran915]

How do u go about pricing a job???do u take all the grass clipping with ya ...and where do you bring it to dispose off it...

[@johnohalloran915]

Like no point been a busy fool and not charging enough..the n u can't overcharge or they won't get you back

[@dogmangreengrass736]

waste carrier license handy

[@lewiscoyne5609]

Hi, thanks for the info it’s great to know. I’m at a stage where I’m getting costs together etc in terms of a decent van how much would you or did you pay, hope you don’t mind me asking. Thanks

[@salvatorenicosia1758]

Ciao volevo farti una domanda sul guadagno . Conviene chiedere una paga oraria o a lavoro finito? È un dilemma 😁 grazie in anticipo

[@JK315-ub9xn]

How long do you tend to give customers to pay for a job? Do you issue receipts or anything? Really enjoying your videos mate, I’m getting a lot of information and is pushing me to really think about venturing into this as a career

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

No recipts unless they ask. I ask for payment to be made ASAP. Most customers will pay within 24 hours. Some need reminding from time to time but that's ok. If I had to chase and chase constantly I'd let them go

[@jonnysgardenmaintenance]

From experience if you buy cheap you buy 2 - 3 times spend an extra few pounds and it will last you much longer and all round better finish on the job, if your mowing lawns for instance I would advise at least 6.5hp lawnmower a little 3.75hp to small for gardens full with moss especially first cuts of the season you don't want your mower struggling, but yes lad we all start with what we can afford you can still make money 👍

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

Agreed mate 👍

[@pablo9364]

That Picasso with the seats out can hold a hell of a lot . They don’t make cars like that any more

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

Good little car. Served me well

[@Torchy84]

Great video when you're starting at the very beginning is it acceptable to ask if you can use their bin for the garden waste thank you

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

Absolutely. I always use customers bins. When you get into taking waste away, it's a big hassle and more of an expense to the customer

[@Torchy84]

@@TheGreyGardener1990 thank you

[@tomarmstrong5244]

Give them the choice and charge a bit more for taking waste away. You can compost most of it.

[@tylerlunn5504]

Hey mate I'm an apprentice and I have a kit of milwaukee power tools, should I just stick with the same platform for weekend side jobs to reduce extra battery platforms or go for a different brand for that sorta stuff? Because obviously milwaukee stuff is dearer but I already got six batteries for it

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

Hard for me to say mate as I don't know you're budget or how good the other gear is

[@missjackson6953]

Do you recommend a 3 in 1 leaf blower that also vauum and mulch?

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

amzn.to/3nsh4QB This is the one I have. You can get it cheaper than this on other sites I think though. But I love it, gets used every day.

[@Grahams-Grass]

There's only a shortage in the North East 🤣 we got plenty in the East Midlands 👍

[@adamlittlewood1453]

Great video.im working for a company doing ground maintenance mostly hedge cutting mowing strimming and planting I've had around 6 yrs experience and love the work but I want to be my own boss.i have a good mower and can purchase a cutter strimmer and blower what do I need to do first for advertising and putting my name out there.i am from Halesowen in the west Midlands. Thank you.

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

Hi mate, you might find this video useful kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYaopKWlmN11e5o Sounds like if you went it alone you'd be fine like. Go for it mate 👍

[@misskitty988]

Please tell me where you get rid of the waste if there is no garden waste bin .

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

You'll have to find out places near you that take commercial garden waste. You'll also need a waste carrier licence too

[@desmondsweeney6233]

Hi, yesterday I started to post my gardening services flyers. I just joined nextdoor neighboir app. How did you get clientd on there? Did you have to make making posts? Or did you join groups and post in there?

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

I do/did a mix. Post in the desired areas plus my own page. Haven't posted anything in a while admittedly

[@desmondsweeney6233]

@@TheGreyGardener1990 i have 3 enquiries and 1 job booked for tomorrow using the app 🙂

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

@@desmondsweeney6233 ah good stuff! It was really good for me at the start.

[@desmondsweeney6233]

@@TheGreyGardener1990 I am really shocked. Just after 1 day I have had a few messages and 2 phone calls. I am so happy. Thank you for your help

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

@@desmondsweeney6233 No problem. I hope they work out for you. We'll done 👍

[@michaelmonti372]

how do you price up on the jobs

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

@michaelmonti372 I have quite a few videos on pricing so feel free to give them a watch mate. Too much info to go into on a comment really

[@WEEBRIDGEMANOFFICIALEK]

what did you say before public liabilty insurance cant make it out.

[@jamesburnett5090]

What mm of strimmer line do u use. I need to replace the line in my cobra petrol strimmer and don't know what mm to buy. Can u give me advice please.

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

I've just bought some more 3mm line tonight from B&Q. It's been OK and the last lot lasted ages but I haven't experimented with different kinds

[@jamesburnett5090]

Thanks for your reply. It's appreciated.

[@spraypalrefinishing5024]

Just found your channel, very good so far👍🏻. Looking to do part time to top up income, who do you have you public liability insurance with? And also, would you recommend a minimum size engine on a mower?? Cheers

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

I can't remember off the top of my head who I'm with, but just Google it and there are comparison websites. Used to pay £17 per month, now paying 21 as I forgot to cancel and look again for a cheaper quote. Mower wise I'm not too clued up in all honesty. Only used the cobra and a crappy push mower to get me started. Honda izzys are popular and slightly more powerful than mine. Some good mower channels on KZbin too

[@JohnM...]

Wondering about how to fill up Jerry cans for fuel without it spilling everywhere? 😳 (Guilty, and I looked like an ass!)

[@JoaoVaz-x2i]

Alright mate what sort of money can be made in a week roughly

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

Good mate. Obviously depends on how many hours you want to work and how many customers you can get and more importantly keep. Hard to say really

[@JoaoVaz-x2i]

@@TheGreyGardener1990 cheers mate for replying. Looking at starting around my area in Sunderland as local gardener has packed up because of health so gunna take he's place. But all new to me tbh. Was a wild fire fighter abroad so using tools ain't a prob

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

Yeah you should be ok then mate. Good luck 👍

[@harveyi20n48]

Do you need business insurance? Things like that?

[@constantinos6532]

To make you own job it is illegal or not is it any low on it, can please commend me? I like to have a job like this

[@187776]

How much do you charge for each task ?

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

It depends on the job. I don't have a set price

[@jamiefletcher8371]

I do it on foot

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

What gear do you use mate?

[@jamiefletcher8371]

Petrol strimmer 45cc yard brush and looking to get a lawnmower soon as I have just started my business up around Gateshead Newcastle and do jet washing

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

@@jamiefletcher8371 good stuff mate

[@jamiefletcher8371]

Is it alright if I post my Facebook page

[@eviltrev4272]

invest in your business and your business will invest in you.

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

Wise words 👍

[@whitevoodooman7276]

Turfing is a complete waste of time

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

Can't see myself doing turfing. More landscaping isn't it

[@slowmarchingband1]

In what way is it 'a waste of time'? Get a good supplier and you're sorted. We made £550 in a morning turfing a small plot a couple of months ago, the turf and top soil was just under £180.

[@whitevoodooman7276]

@@slowmarchingband1 I couldn't get anyone to pay 550 for any turfing . Tbh that sounds good lol

[@beckham7hall]

Are you on Instagram?

[@MattCooper10]

Hello, I’m thinking of starting up my own gardening business in the new year, I’m already working for my local council, cutting grass and pruning the hedges, I will have a really decent amount of money behind me to start me off thanks to an inheritance I am getting, what advice would you give me ?

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

Buy the best gear you can afford, don't charge by the hour and be as reliable as you can be

[@MattCooper10]

@@TheGreyGardener1990 Thank you, and what if work dries up over the winter ?

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

@@MattCooper10 I have a few winter videos that talks about various topics but I'm big on creating a winter fund and adding to it each month to see you through if needs be

[@MattCooper10]

Hello, I’m thinking of starting up my own gardening business in the new year, I’m already working for my local council, cutting grass and pruning the hedges, I will have a really decent amount of money behind me to start me off thanks to an inheritance I am getting, what advice would you give me ?

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

Buy the best gear you can afford, don't charge by the hour and be as reliable as you can.