How to write a gardener cover letter (with an example)

When preparing a job application, there are some documents an employer may request. A cover letter for your CV is often one of these necessary elements for a gardening position. Learning to write a personalised cover letter using specific keywords can increase your chances of getting a job offer. In this article, we discuss what a gardener cover letter is and explain the steps for writing one, provide a template and give an example to help you write yours.

What is a gardener cover letter?

A gardener cover letter is a formal document that summarises your relevant skills and experience. It explains how these traits make you a suitable candidate for the job. This letter is usually brief and straightforward. It focuses on how you might apply your knowledge and experience of gardening concepts or tools to achieve specific objectives in the position you hope to obtain.

Related: 18 jobs in gardening (with primary duties and salaries)

How to write a gardener cover letter

The following includes five steps you can follow to create a cover letter for the position of a gardener:

1. Create a header with your contact details

This section includes personal information, such as your phone number, email address and location. Read the job description carefully to determine whether your potential employer requires a degree before adding one after your name. While some employers may not require a degree, jobs at facilities or institutions may look for a bachelor's degree in horticulture, landscape design or plant physiology and nutrition. Other positions may only ask for a high school education.

Related: How to become a gardener (with skills, salary and FAQs)

2. Show interest in the job position

When you start writing your cover letter, express your excitement for the job you want. As a gardener, you may work in a nursery, botanical garden or public park. Mention the name of the facility or organisation when addressing your interest in the role. You can also use this paragraph to discuss your areas of interest, such as your career objectives and what you want to gain from working at that specific place.

Related: How to start a cover letter (with 7 powerful examples)

3. Discuss your experience

Use the second paragraph to describe your gardening experience. You can mention your previous relevant job responsibilities, which may include managing green spaces or maintaining gardening equipment and tools, such as leaf blowers, mowers and trimmers. Describing your experience assures your potential employer you understand your role. Consider proving your competence by discussing your accomplishments from previous jobs. Your achievements may include helping the facility overcome planting issues or a specific action you took to reduce expenditures. When describing your achievements, state your role in the situation and the outcome.

Related: How to become a landscape architect

4. Reaffirm your suitability for the position

In the third paragraph, mention the qualities or knowledge that qualify you for the gardener's position. Use keywords from the job posting to write about your relevant skills or experiences you think the employer may find valuable. Some qualities to list might include your background in landscaping or your ability to operate various horticultural machinery and powered hand tools. Conclude your cover letter with an appreciation of the reader's time. Depending on the institution's requirements, restate your qualifications for the gardener's position and add a statement showcasing your interest.

5. Proofread your document

Proofreading your cover letter ensures your document is free of grammar and spelling errors. There are several ways to achieve this. You can ask a relative or a close friend to check it for errors. Another option is to use digital tools. These tools can help you detect spelling or grammatical errors while typing.

What to include in your cover letter

The following are some details that an employer might seek in your gardening cover letter:

• Gardening experience: Examples of duties include watering, feeding and trimming various plants.

• Physical stamina: A gardener's job may require standing for long periods, so recruiters often look at your cover letter to see if you mention your physical stamina and abilities.

• Pest control: Pest control includes managing and eliminating weeds and insects that may affect plant health. It also covers a broad knowledge of various pesticides and the ability to recognise insects that can benefit plants.

• Understanding preventive gardening measures: Gardeners work with machinery and chemicals that require extra caution. Understanding preventive and safety measures demonstrate your ability to perform your duties without endangering yourself, others or the plants.

• A passion for the outdoors and plant life: Since gardeners mainly engage in greenhouses or outside operations, showcasing a passion for the outdoors may leave a good impression. It also demonstrates to the employer that you want to perform your job effectively because you enjoy doing it.

• A horticulture or landscaping background: Horticulture and landscaping serve as relevant fields for the gardening profession. It showcases your ability to nurture plants and flowers in an aesthetic way.

• Fertiliser knowledge: Understanding a variety of natural and synthetic fertilisers, including how to apply them, can boost plant production safely. Incorporating this knowledge into a cover letter demonstrates your ability to improve soil fertility and promote plant growth.

Related: How much does a gardener make? (Duties, skills, salary)

Cover letter template for the position of a gardener

Below is a cover letter template for a gardener's position to guide you:

[First name] [Last name] [Phone number] | [Email address] | [City]

[Date]
[Company name]

Dear hiring manager,

[Express excitement for the position, including the role title and the company name]. [Introduce yourself by explaining why you're applying for the job and how the job aligns with your career goals, and what specifically draws you to the company].

[Explain your relevant experience and qualifications without repeating what's in your CV]. [Highlight one to two relevant achievements with facts and data when possible.] [Explain why you'd be a good fit for the company]. [Optional - address employment gap or career transition].

[Express gratitude]. [Summarise qualification]. [Restate interest in the role]. [Call to action + availability and preferred contact method]

[Complimentary close],
[Signature]

Related: How to use the best cover letter format (with examples)

Cover letter example for the position of a gardener

Here's an example of a cover letter for the position of a gardener to guide you in writing one:

Megan Jordan +44 7912 325678 | markann@email.com | Glasgow

November 2022

Ace Park

Dear Hiring Manager,

I'm excited to apply for the gardener position at Ace Park. As a mindful professional with experience in landscaping and horticulture, I possess the knowledge and skills to contribute significantly to the facility's growth. I admire the park's dedication to upholding a standard of environmental aesthetics. Joining this institution is a great opportunity to develop and showcase my skills.

During my previous gardening role, I grew and managed a large variety of plant species to ensure the gardens met specific requirements. In addition, I advised management on choosing plants and fertilisers to invest in. This help meant they could spend less while still achieving their beautification goals for the environment. I'm also dedicated to safety and maintained a secure environment for every occupant in the facility for over three years. Alongside physical stamina, I possess comprehensive knowledge of regional plant life, which makes me a good match for the role.

Thank you for your time and consideration. As a candidate passionate about the outdoors and plants, my knowledge of plant life, pest control and different fertilisers can help the facility meet its objectives. I look forward to learning more from you about the gardening position. You can contact me by email at meganjordan@email.com for further details about my qualifications.

Sincerely,
Megan Jordan

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.

Related:

• How to become a pest control technician: skills and benefits