How Does a Garden Center Owner Spend a Workday?

Being in a garden center can be a fun experience—being surrounded by green plants, the fresh smell and a variety of foliage can make you feel alive. You might think that plants grow themselves and that working at a garden center would be easy work, but owning a garden center requires more attention and work than you think.

• As the owner of the garden center, you would have the responsibility to oversee other employees at the store. Making schedules, filling out paperwork, and issuing paychecks are all requirements of the owner.


• Garden center owners who work at their center with their employees may water plants and provide fertilizing treatments. General maintenance of the plants such as pruning or removing dead foliage may also be required.


• A center owner inspects his plants frequently to check for any signs of disease, damage, or infestations. If pest control is needed, you can choose what type of treatment plan to use to isolate and eradicate the problem.


• Cleaning the center may be necessary as all plants need dirt to grow and dirt can get dirty! Sweeping and spraying off walkways after customers leave may need to be completed daily.


• As the garden center owner, you would be able to dictate what plants you choose to carry. You would also take inventory and order any plants needed.


• Helping customers may be something that the owner does. Whether it be taking orders online, over the phone, or aiding a customer in choosing the correct plant, you may feel closer to your business by engaging in these activities.


• In order to stay up-to-date on the latest horticulture trends or techniques, you might take classes to further your knowledge in the industry. This knowledge can be directly applied to making your business more successful or more well-matched to the needs of your customers.