Running a gardening business can be highly rewarding during the warmer months when demand for landscaping, lawn care, and plant maintenance is high. However, as temperatures drop, many gardening services experience a slowdown in work. Instead of waiting for business to pick up again, there are ways to keep your gardening business thriving during the off-season.
- Offer Seasonal Services
The off-season provides an opportunity to diversify your services. Consider offering:
- Gutter cleaning: Leaves and debris can clog gutters in autumn and winter.
- Tree pruning and hedge trimming: Many trees and shrubs benefit from winter pruning. Proactively mention to regular clients which specific trees could do with pruning that was overlooked during summer.
- Mulching and soil preparation: Help clients get their gardens ready for the next growing season.
- Outdoor cleaning and maintenance. Offer to do behind the shed or in the cabana.
- Indoor plant maintenance: Businesses and homes with indoor plants may need care during the colder months.
Expanding your services may help maintain cash flow and keep clients engaged year-round.
- Market Your Business to Stay Top of Mind
Even during quieter months, it’s important to stay visible to existing and potential customers. Consider:
- Stay in touch with regular clients via text and email. Personalised messages asking for feedback and mentioned what may need to be done next in their garden can help keep you busy.
- Ask your happy clients for referrals. During the busy season it’s hard for some homeowners to find a gardener. Ask your regular clients if any of their friend need a gardener.
- Updating your website and social media with before-and-after photos, gardening tips, and seasonal offers.
- Sending out a newsletter with advice on winter garden care and promotions for upcoming services.
- Offering bonuses for early bookings to encourage customers to schedule work in advance. For example, fee clean of cabana. Take away extra rubbish.
Consistent marketing may ensure your business remains the first choice when clients need gardening services again. Provide extra value so that clients see the need for your services during winter.
- Upskill and Improve Business Operations
The off-season is a great time to refine your skills and improve your business. You might:
- Take horticulture or landscaping courses to expand your expertise.
- Learn about new gardening techniques or eco-friendly solutions.
- Review your pricing, contracts, and business expenses to improve efficiency.
- Upgrade tools and equipment to be ready for the busy season.
Investing in these areas may help you provide better service and operate more efficiently in the long run.
- Secure Public Liability Insurance
As a gardener, working with tools and equipment around clients’ properties comes with risks. Public liability insurance may protect your business from financial loss if a third party is injured or their property is damaged due to your work. Whether you’re trimming trees, laying mulch, or maintaining lawns, having suitable insurance may help provide peace of mind during both the peak and off-season.
- Partner with Other Businesses
Building relationships with related businesses may open up new opportunities. Consider collaborating with:
- Landscapers or builders who may need additional help on projects.
- Nurseries and garden centres that may refer customers to you.
- Real estate agents or property managers who require garden maintenance for properties on the market.
These partnerships may help you generate steady work, even in slower months.
- Plan for the Next Busy Season
Use the off-season to prepare for when business picks up again by:
- Reviewing customer feedback and identifying areas for improvement.
- Creating marketing campaigns to gain repeat business and referrals from existing clients, plus attract new clients.
- Restocking supplies so you’re ready for a busy period ahead.
Taking a proactive approach may ensure that your business is in a strong position when demand increases.
Conclusion
The off-season doesn’t have to mean a complete halt to business. By offering extra value to your regular client, asking them for referrals , offering seasonal services, staying engaged, improving skills, securing insurance, and forming partnerships, your gardening business may continue to thrive year-round. Planning ahead, being proactive and being adaptable may keep your business profitable no matter the season.
Disclaimer: The content of this blog article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. While we strive to ensure accuracy, we make no guarantees about the completeness or reliability of the information. For guidance regarding what and how much public liability insurance cover you need, we recommend consulting with a business insurance broker. Any actions you take based on any information provided here are at your own discretion.
