Garden sitter?

[beac]

I've been mulling over an idea and wanted to run it by you guys.

Whenever I go out of town for more than a day or two, I either have to rope in a neighbor to water/tend the garden or decide to leave the plants to the often-not-so-tender mercies of Mother Nature. I've often wished there was a garden-sitting service I could hire to tend my veggies, flowers and herbs and so that I can enjoy my time away without worrying that I'll come home to a vegetal disaster.

And, since no such service exists in my area, I'm thinking of starting one myself. Yes, it still wouldn't solve MY problem but it would solve my other problem of wanting to have some part-time, flexible work.

So, fellow DU green thumbs, what say you? Is this something you think people would pay for and, if so, how much? Flat daily rate? Fee based on size of garden? What kind of guarantees and or waivers would you want or be willing to sign? Is this a crazy idea or a good one?

[elleng]

1. Sounds like a good idea to me; include house-plants too.

Might be slow-going in this economy, but I like it. Good luck.

[trud]

2. hmmm

I remember reading an article in the NYTimes some time ago about people with weekend houses, and how their gardens were wrecked due to lack of care during the week, and they were faced with big weeding chores when they wanted to relax on the weekends. If I had the kind of money that allowed me to have two houses :-) I would pay for someone with a good gardening reputation to maintain the garden during the week.

You might ask the local gardening stores that know you to vouch for you or let you post flyers.

I'd expect a fee based on the size and complexity of the garden. Heck you could plant stuff for them and so on.

You probably need liability insurance or some sort.

[WhiteTara]

3. Well, you might be right about the business, but

I would install a drip system with an automatic timer. It works better so well. You never have to lug a heavy hose around the yard destroying tender plants, sweating under the hot summer sun.

They're easy to install, but do take some labor.

[NRaleighLiberal]

4. Interesting. I've pondered the same.....as you say, friends/neighbors don't do a good job at this

typically it is under-care in fears of causing issues - we've returned to find our plants under watered and under picked.

I think the success of such a business would depend upon the local financial situation, as well as concentration of home gardeners, of course - maybe start small/inexpensive to get your name out there and a reputation (I know all of this is probably business 101 and Doh stuff....).

No idea of rates - maybe do a troll of craigslist in a few big cities or just an overall search to see if such things exist, rates, etc.

We decided to not try this - instead we went into selling heirloom veggie seedlings, and it is working out very well

[NJCher]

5. I like your idea!

I'd like to do it myself here in NJ.

I think I'd go around to all the plant nurseries and see if I could get them to refer me.


Cher

[beac]

6. Thanks everybody!

I've read all your posts and want to write a more in-depth reply, but have been traveling w/limited internet access. Will write more when I'm home. Good ideas all around!

-beac

[LiberalEsto]

7. That sounds like a good idea

I'd love to do it myself, but I wouldn't want to go into a garden that uses chemical pesticides, or have to apply them.

[beac]

8. Wow, that's a good point, I hadn't considered that. I'm glad you mentioned it,

If I do decide to try this, I will DEFINITELY advertise myself as an "organic sitter."

As I am going away for five weeks myself this summer, I think this year will be the "gathering information" and "writing a plan" stage.

Thanks for the reminder to be specific about "wills and won'ts"! :hi: