Those with a green thumb have a talent that literally breathes life into the world. We have such an innate connection to the natural world, and green thumbs have a talent to nurture it, to bring the natural into our spaces. From taking brilliant care of houseplants to breathing life into stunning gardens to even growing food, there seems to be nothing that a green thumb can’t do.
This skill is also, on the whole, rare. Sure, everyone can take care of their yard or water houseplants, but it takes a special kind of dedication and interest to really learn the ins and outs of plants and what they need. So rare, in fact, that you can easily make your passion into a career.
There are many ways you can do just that, so if you’re interested in what careers you can start with your green thumb, here’s a quick list:
- Gardener
Large properties all need gardeners. Unlike landscapers, gardeners work with what’s already there. You’d be tasked with mowing the lawn, pruning, weeding, and general upkeep throughout the seasons to keep those beautiful spaces looking beautiful.
To start such a role, you’ll often want to start working under another gardener, or alternatively fill in gaps in the market. If you invest in a zero turn lawn mower, for example, you can be hired on because of your ability to cut grass on large properties and keep the landscaped parts looking pretty.
- Propagate and Sell
If you want to start making money off your innate talent to take care of plant life, start selling seedlings. Succulents and other rare houseplants have a huge market, and you can easily start selling them on by taking cuttings. Do be careful about which plants you try to propagate, however, as some are copyrighted, meaning you can’t propagate them legally. No one would know if you did it for personal use, but selling it can easily be traced and tracked.
- Tree Surgeon
If you get the required training and license, then you can work as a tree surgeon (sometimes known as an arborist). Tree surgeons work to help trim trees, diagnose illnesses, and generally work to keep forested areas all the way to residential neighborhoods healthy. You’d often either work for the city, or for a park organization. It would be your job
- Garden Center Specialist
Another easy way to start a career in gardening is to get a job at a garden center. There are many roles involved, too, meaning you can often start from any background and work your way towards the roles you want. If you have experience as a barista, for example, you can work in a garden center café and then shadow and train with the gardening team to eventually make the switch.
- Landscaper
If you have an eye for design and a deep knowledge of the best plants based on ambient conditions and soil, then you can do well as a landscaper. To get your start here you’ll either want to design a landscape for a friend or family and start your portfolio up that way, or alternatively work as an assistant or landscaper as part of a larger team.
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