If you’ve ever stood in the middle of a garden center feeling overwhelmed—or worse, spent weeks planting a garden that never really took off—you’re not alone. That’s exactly where a garden coach comes in. Most people are familiar with the idea of a personal trainer or a life coach, but a garden coach? That’s still a new concept to many. In short, a garden coach is your personal guide to growing a successful, beautiful, and productive garden—one that fits your lifestyle, budget, and Florida’s unique climate.
A garden coach doesn’t show up with a mower or a truck full of sod. Instead, we partner with you to help you learn, plan, and grow. Think of it like having a GPS for your gardening journey—we plot the route together, and I help you avoid costly mistakes or dead ends along the way. Depending on your needs, I might help you choose the best location for your garden, teach you how to improve your sandy Florida soil, guide you through plant selection based on your goals, create a custom planting plan for the season, or offer support when pests, weeds, or confusion creep in. Whether you’re starting fresh or trying to revive a forgotten garden bed, I’m here to walk beside you so you feel confident and capable at every step.
One of my favorite examples is a recent client who believed, “nothing grows in my yard.” She had a side yard full of sandy soil and struggling shrubs but dreamed of harvesting herbs and salad greens. We walked the space together, chose a sunnier spot, amended the soil, and built a seasonal plan. A few months later, she sent me a photo of her first homegrown salad: arugula, baby kale, cherry tomatoes, and basil. The smile on her face said more than any testimonial ever could. That’s what garden coaching is about—helping you go from unsure to overjoyed, one step at a time.
It’s also worth clarifying what a garden coach is not. I’m not a landscape installer, a lawn service, or a one-size-fits-all garden template provider. Coaching is personal, flexible, and focused on empowering you to create a space that feels like your own. I don’t just tell you what to plant—I help you understand why, so you can make smarter choices in every season going forward.
Wondering if garden coaching is right for you? Here are five signs you might benefit from a garden coach: (1) You’ve tried gardening before and didn’t get the results you hoped for. (2) You feel overwhelmed by all the options at the nursery or online. (3) You want a garden that’s beautiful and productive, but you’re not sure where to start. (4) You don’t have time to research every detail yourself. And (5) you’d prefer to learn from a real person instead of watching endless YouTube videos.
If that sounds like you, I’d love to help. At Stepping Stone Garden Coaching, I offer one-on-one garden consultations, seasonal planning, and hands-on coaching designed to help beginners in Central Florida grow with confidence. Whether you’re dreaming of a lush kitchen garden, a native pollinator haven, or simply a peaceful place to unwind, I’ll help you take the next step.
Ready to grow smarter—not just harder? You can schedule a free consultation today!