http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=246x14072Oh my.
If the primitive needs money, the primitive'd do better working in an honest job such as in a factory.
beac (1000+ posts) Sat Mar-26-11 09:35 AM
Original message
Garden sitter?
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 v*****s, 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?
Actually, it's just a stupid idea.
Best to just have the neighbors watch one's garden when one's gone, and for one to watch the neighbors' gardens when they're gone. Simple as that. No muss, no fuss.
elleng (1000+ posts) Sun Mar-27-11 11:14 PM
Response to Original message
1. Sounds like a good idea to me; include house-plants too.
Might be slow-going in this economy, but I like it.
trud (493 posts) Mon Mar-28-11 01:19 PM
Response to Original message
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 (1000+ posts) Fri Apr-01-11 06:24 PM
Response to Original message
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 (1000+ posts) Sat Apr-02-11 09:42 AM
Response to Original message
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 v****e seedlings, and it is working out very well
NJCher (1000+ posts) Thu Apr-07-11 10:55 PM
Response to Original message
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.
I dunno. It appears if the "beac" primitive just got along better with her neighbors, she'd have no problem having her garden watched while she's away. The Dale Carnegie technique. It works.
