Gardening

True gardening (that is, gardening that doesn't just require watering the plants) was introduced in The Sims: Unleashed, where Sims could grow their own vegetables in their gardens. This feature was added to The Sims 2 with the Seasons Expansion pack and is also a feature in The Sims 3.

The Sims
True gardening (that is, gardening that doesn't just require watering the plants) was introduced in The Sims: Unleashed, where Sims could grow their own vegetables in their gardens. First of all, you need to buy a lot with which to plant your seeds (which can be found in the Plant Tool section of Build Mode for $65). Then, you need to go to Old Town and buy seeds from Custer's Market. Then you may plant them in your garden. However, that is the easy part; they need watering frequently, as well as tending to so weeds don't start growing. After a few days, they should be ready for harvesting, where you can store them in the pantry to eat yourself, or you can take them to Custer's Market to sell.

However, there are a few things that can endanger your crop-growing business. For a start, you can purchase plant tonic from Gardener Bob in Old Town, and although it can make your vegetables huge, thus increasing profits, there is a chance that it can kill the plants instead. Also, there are various pests that will try and eat your plants, such as rabbits and gophers (especially if you are growing crops). The only way of getting rid of them is buying a cat, which will chase off any small mammals that come into your garden.

The Sims 2
True gardening was reintroduced into the Sims world with The Sims 2: Seasons. In this version, not many aspects of gardening have changed, except for the fact that the higher talent badge the gardening Sim has, the easier it is to grow crops.

To plant seeds requires a gardening plot that can be bought in the Build modes Gardening Center. The plot can then be fertilized with a bag of fertilizer (§10) or compost (free with compost bin). The plot does not have to be fertilized but yields better results. Next plant a seed, water it, tend it, and spray it with pesticides until it is ready to be harvested. When it is ready to be harvested, clicking "Harvest" will put the fruit and vegetables in the Sim's inventory to be stocked in a fridge or juicer. Clicking on "Sell Produce" will automatically sell the produce for Simoleons.

Sim's can join the Garden Club to get a discount on fertilizer and seeds.

None
Sims can grow tomatoes (§8) and have orchard trees.

Bronze
Sims can grow strawberries and cucumbers.

Silver
Sims can grow peppers and pole beans.

Gold
Sims can talk to their plants to increase their health and grow eggplants.

Planted in Spring/Harvested in Summer
Strawberries, Peppers and Eggplants produce more fruitfully.

Planted in Summer/Harvested in Fall
Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Pole Beans produce more fruitfully.