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

Your questions, comments, gardening triumphs and conundrums are always welcome. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 10 Sep. 2025

Check in with your gardening center or local state extension office about what types of cabbages would do well in your area. —Amy Brightfield, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2025

The garage is great for things that are made to withstand the outdoors, like gardening supplies, patio furniture and decor, outdoor toys, camping gear, tools, bikes, and sports equipment. —Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 3 Sep. 2025

Winn’s love of gardening began early, planting cotton seeds for an elementary school project and helping his grandmother shell butterbeans on her porch. —Lila Hempel-Edgers, Charlotte Observer, 2 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for gardening

• hardening
• pardoning