gardening

noun

gar·​den·​ing ˈgär-də-niŋ 

ˈgärd-niŋ

: the act, activity, or pastime of planning and cultivating gardens

… America's number-one leisure pursuit remains the gentle, slow-going, idyllic activity of gardening.

—Margaret Langstaff

… there is no shortage this spring of slick and glossy books on gardening that are long on toothsome photography and short of thoughtful text …

—Allen Lacy

Halide lamps are the most popular source of white light available for indoor gardening, providing the best light spectrum for all stages of plant growth.

—Laura L. Kramer

—often used before another noun

gardening gloves

gardening tools

Examples of gardening in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The community also embraces a sustainable lifestyle, with numerous locals engaged in farming, homesteading, and organic gardening practices, fostering a culture of self-sufficiency. —Meghan Bernd, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Jan. 2025

Founder Nina Raj and other volunteers were collecting native seeds and other gardening items in an effort to rebuild from the devastating impact of the Altadena fires. —Emma Specter, Vogue, 14 Jan. 2025

Tips for thriving winter houseplants The winter gardening season is a great time to focus on houseplants and build a collection. —Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2025

From evergreen perennials and shrubs to cool-season annuals, these gorgeous potted plants are perfect for outdoor winter gardening. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 11 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above