More horticulture jobs are appearing in the UK lately. Workers with strong skills are needed at farms, gardens and plant nurseries. A lot of companies are willing to sponsor visas for people from other countries.
Find out in this article how to apply for horticulture jobs in the UK, types of roles available, typical salaries and the process for obtaining a visa.
What is Horticulture?
When we grow plants for food, beauty or health, we practice horticulture. This work covers farming fruits and vegetables, planning gardens, looking after parks and studying plants. The industry of horticulture is very strong in the UK. It adds £24 billion a year to the economy.
Why Work in the UK’s Horticulture Sector?
- The country is short of workers in the horticulture industry. Because of Brexit, there were fewer EU workers, so employers have begun recruiting from across the world.
- Most UK firms are recognized as “licensed sponsors” by the government. They are allowed to hire people living outside the UK through Skilled Worker Visas.
- Skilled horticulture jobs offer good salaries.
- In the UK, there are training programs, certificates to earn and possibilities to focus on a specific field.
UK Visa Sponsorship for Horticulture Jobs
You need a Skilled Worker Visa to be able to work in the UK. Here’s the process involved in electronics:
- Be offered work by a UK company that has a Sponsor License.
- Candidates should be recruited only if their job earns at least £26,200 yearly (or the going rate).
- Show that you can use English at about the CEFR Level B1.
- When applying online, don’t forget to submit your job offer, passport and proof of savings.
Many horticulture jobs such as Horticultural Technicians and Nursery Workers, are included on the UK’s Shortage Occupation List. So, it’s possible to get your visa approved faster.
Popular Horticulture Jobs in the UK (Roles + Salaries)
Here’s a table of common roles, duties, and average salaries:
| Job Title | Role | Average Salary (GBP/Year) |
|---|---|---|
| Horticulturist | Plan gardens, grow plants, manage green spaces | £22,000 – £35,000 |
| Garden Designer | Design outdoor spaces, choose plants, work with clients | £25,000 – £40,000 |
| Nursery Worker | Grow seedlings, maintain greenhouses, prepare plants for sale | £18,000 – £25,000 |
| Arborist | Care for trees, prune branches, assess tree health | £24,000 – £32,000 |
| Landscape Architect | Plan parks, urban spaces, or commercial projects | £28,000 – £45,000 |
| Crop Technician | Monitor crops, manage pests, improve harvest quality | £20,000 – £30,000 |
| Floral Designer | Create flower arrangements for events, shops, or hotels | £19,000 – £27,000 |
Salaries vary by experience, location, and employer size.
Tips to Boost Your Application
- Joining programs including RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) qualifications make your resume stronger.
- Study British methods: Review cottage lifestyle gardens as well as organic and environmentally friendly farming.
- Local gardening projects give you a way to improve your gardening experience.
- Choose skills like pest control, irrigation or plant biology to feature in your CV.
Life as a Horticulture Worker in the UK
- Work Hours: Most roles are 40 hours/week. Seasonal jobs may require weekends.
- Weather: Prepare for rain! The UK has mild summers (15–25°C) and cool winters (0–10°C).
- Culture: Teamwork is key. Many employers offer training and social events.