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

After all, the gardening season does fall opposite to his busy season of Christmas. —Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 13 Dec. 2025

Here's what to know about fall foliage Talk about taking all the gardening out of gardening. —Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 12 Dec. 2025

Best Amazon Prime Gardening Gifts Whether your friend or family member is a gardening guru, an indoor plant parent, or both, gardener-friendly gifts like this 50%-off raised garden bed or this variety pack of medicinal and tea herb seeds will go over swimmingly. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Dec. 2025

This under-the-radar section is packed with kitchenware, home decor, gardening tools, and more that make great presents for everyone on your list. —Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 6 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for gardening

• hardening
• pardoning