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

For an even easier option, layer autumn leaves, twigs, and compost on top of cardboard and build soil for a new garden using the lasagna gardening technique. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Nov. 2025

Schmidt is a Poway resident with over 40 years of gardening experience. —Clarence Schmidt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Nov. 2025

Your gardening conundrums and successes, as well as questions and comments, are always welcome. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 8 Nov. 2025

The Farmers’ Almanac, a longstanding reference for weather forecasts, gardening tips, home tips and stargazing, is ending its more than 200-year run. —Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for gardening

• hardening
• pardoning