Whether you need a regular gardener to maintain your garden or you need someone to clear weeds and restore your garden to its former glory, you need to know how much it will cost and whether you can factor it into your budget. Read our cost guides to find out how much a variety of gardening jobs will set you back.
Cheap gardeners can cost as little as £12 per hour, but the UK average is £27 per hour. The average day rate for a gardener is £196 per day, but it can vary between £77 and £400. Gardeners in London and the south east will charge more than those in other parts of the country.
Be wary of very cheap gardeners as they may not have the relevant experience and skills to do a good job. Always check a gardener’s references and ensure that they have insurance before you engage them to do any work for you.
Gardeners don’t necessarily have to be expensive, but it’s important to remember that many gardeners have lots of qualifications and experience which means that they can charge more. They can also have a lot of overheads if they bring their own tools and equipment, as they get used a lot so require a lot of maintenance. Research from The Gardeners Guild shows that around 26 of a gardener’s annual turnover is spent on business costs, so they need to factor this into their hourly and daily prices.
How often a gardener should come will depend on the size of your garden and how much lawn and plants you have to maintain. During the growing season, you may want your gardener to come between once a week and once a fortnight to keep your garden in good condition.
Of course! You can pay your gardener with cash, card or any other form of payment that you agree with the gardener. The most important thing is to agree on a payment method first before your gardener starts work to prevent any misunderstandings along the way. Paying your gardener with cash isn’t illegal, but your gardener still has an obligation to declare the payment to HMRC.