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

Fortunately, Amazon’s under-the-radar outlet is full of deals on patio and garden essentials, including outdoor wicker furniture sets, canopy tents, savvy storage solutions, and gardening tools. —Emily Weaver, People.com, 7 June 2025

The best way to turn compost piles is with a strong shovel or gardening fork. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2025

The space has vast potential for entertaining, gardening — or adding a pool, tennis court or guest house. —David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 7 June 2025

The Flower girls, dressed in bright costumes of fashionable gardening gear and props, danced to popular music. —Yvette Walker, Kansas City Star, 2 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for gardening

• hardening
• pardoning