How to Hire Someone to Start Your Container Vegetable Garden

A busy LA professional with a large sunny concrete patio wants to hire someone to set up a herb/vegetable container garden—not a landscape designer for estates.

Where to Find the Right Person

• Local classifieds: Craigslist, Nextdoor, Facebook Marketplace, community bulletin boards. Post a clear ad: "Seeking experienced container gardener to set up edible garden on patio. Provide labor, materials list, and planting. Pay: $X/hr or flat fee."
• Master Gardener Program: Contact your county UC Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners. Many volunteers or certified members offer paid consulting/installation.
• Local Garden Clubs / Horticulture Societies: Members often do side work.
• Specialty Nurseries: Independent nurseries (not big‑box) often have staff who do installations.
• Edible Landscaping Companies: Search "edible landscaping Los Angeles" – several firms specialize in exactly this.

What to Specify in Your Request

• Patio dimensions, sun exposure, weight limits (concrete).
• Desired crops (herbs, veggies, any perennials).
• Budget for containers, soil, plants, irrigation.
• Preference for organic methods.
• Timeline and maintenance expectations (one‑time setup vs. ongoing care).

Vetting Candidates

• Ask for photos/references of previous container edible gardens.
• Confirm they understand container‑specific needs (drainage, potting mix, root space, fertilization).
• Get a written estimate and scope.

With a clear ad and targeted outreach, you'll find a skilled gardener who loves this scale of work.