5 Things I Wish I’d Known Before I Started as a Plant Tech [Part One]

While many people learn the ins and outs of a plant technician position over time, there are a number of things that I feel would have been incredibly helpful to know upfront. Before I dove straight into writing this post, I decided now was the perfect time to solicit input from some techs I’ve known throughout the years. We had some very interesting conversations surrounding the topic (and, of course, some reminiscences) and were able to come up with a short list of information we wished we had known before starting in the industry as a plant tech. Hopefully, all the thoughts that follow will be an inspiration to improve training, both for owners and techs.

1. I wish someone had told me…

…how heavy water is! While it’s true that some companies try to eliminate the use of watering cans by focusing on watering machines, the truth remains that at some point (if not all the time), a plant tech will have to carry water, often lifting it above head height, and pour it without splashing. A two-gallon can of water weighs over 20 pounds, and managing it requires practice and muscle.

2. I wish I would have known…

…how sore I’d be for the first few weeks! No matter if you’re a middle-aged mother of three venturing into employment for the first time in 20 years or a strapping young grad who plays football and runs marathons, you’re going to go home the first week or two and collapse on the bed. Don’t worry, it gets better.

3. I wish I had been shown…

…how to move correctly. I might have been able to save myself from a little discomfort if I knew how to properly lift, carry, and climb. I wish I knew the importance of making sure my footing was secure before putting weight on it, evaluating situations for safety, and fixing them if they were not safe. These points are worth more than a passing comment or series of line drawings in a Department of Labor handbook. Too many careers have been ended by a twisted back or a fall that could have been avoided with practical education.

4. I wish I was given a real guide…

…to the accounts, plants, plant care, pest control, and the intricacies of a professional interior landscape technician. A two-legged guide would have been the best, but a written list would have been better than nothing. Feel free to check out my post on training your plant techs for account retention and profitability for guidance when developing a training schedule. Too many companies provide just a few hours of training, a list of accounts with a map (if you’re lucky), and maybe a visit to accounts with a supervisor or previous tech. Then, you’re on your own. That approach can be overwhelming for a new plant tech and not very efficient from a business point of view.

5. I wish someone would have educated me on…

…the big impact that plants have on the people around them. People grow to love “their” plants! A flower on the receptionist’s desk is cause for excitement in the entire office. Woe be to the tech who cuts back the pothos that has covered the top of someone’s filing cabinet. Not to mention all the studies that show how people’s emotional well-being, productivity, and creativity increase when surrounded by plants. Use the infographic below to help educate new plant techs about the massive benefits of indoor plants.

There you have it—a handful of tips I wish someone had passed on to me when I first started out as a plant tech. I hope this advice from seasoned pros helps the next generation avoid some pitfalls and find their footing quickly. Caring for plants and working with clients is such a fulfilling job. With the right preparation and know-how, any beginner can thrive in this industry. If you’re an interiorscape business owner, consider opening this topic up to your techs to see what suggestions you get.