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 mode's 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.

Sims can join the Garden Club to get a discount on fertilizer and seeds.

Talent badges

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.

Planting/Harvest Seasons

Strawberries, Peppers and Eggplants produce more fruitfully if planted in Spring and harvested in Summer. Tomatoes, Cucumbers, and Pole Beans produce more fruitfully if planted in Summer and harvested in Fall.

The Sims 3

The skill is augmented by the Green Thumb, Loves The Outdoors traits, and the Super Green Thumb lifetime reward.

Abilities

Level	Ability
1	Given seeds: Lettuce, Apple, Grape and Tomato
2	Weed
3	Fertilize
5	Plant Uncommon
6	Revive Plants (with Green Thumb trait)
7	Plant Rare and Special seeds
8	Plant Cheese and Eggplant (via Skill Opportunities)
9	Plant Burger Patty and Steak Plant (via Skill Opportunities)
10	Plant Omni Plant seeds (via Skill Opportunities)

Helpful Tips

Sick of watering your plants?

This helpful 'Schprinkler' waters plants on a 5x5 area.

Although it seems like a waste of water having to run your sprinkler 24/7 it is totally worth it. You don't need to go near it to turn it on and off, it's remote like music systems. Even though you are not charged for the water, you can upgrade the Schprinkler and make it Auto-Water your plants between 4am and 7am, which is helpful as it starts an hour before the growth occurs, and ends an hour after.

Green Thumb personality trait and Super Green Thumb Lifetime Reward will help gardening.

Sims with the Green Thumb personality trait will be able to "Talk To Plant"s which will increase the quality of plant produce. Sims with the Super Green Thumb Lifetime Reward will grow plants one level of quality higher than the seed or fruit they planted.

Search the neighborhood for better quality seeds to start with.

Challenges

This section describes features that are only available in The Sims 3.

Master Planter

A Master Planter must plant every type of plant that can be planted in the game. Once you have mastered the varieties you will be able to reduce weed growth significantly on future plants.

Note: 19 types total, ca. 5.2% per type

Botanical Boss

Botanical Boss must harvest at least 75 Perfect fruits and vegetables. After so many Perfect harvestables, the plants of Botanical Bosses almost never die from neglect.

Master Farmer

Master Farmers have harvested at least 650 fruits and vegetables. The plants of Master Farmers remain watered and fertilized longer, meaning their gardens are more efficient.

Opportunities

This section describes features that are only available in The Sims 3.

Uncommonly Good

Bring 20 Excellent Harvestables to the restaurant to receive the ability to plant Cheese and Eggs.

Outstandingly Rare

Bring 10 Excellent Cheeses to the Restaurant. The chef at the restaurant has upped the ante on your gardening abilities. You've been asked to bring in 10 homegrown Cheeses of Excellent quality. It's no simple task, but it is one that'll land you the ability to plant some meaty new items.

Allows you to plant steak and hamburger patties.

The Omnificent Plant

Bring 10 Outstanding Steaks to the Restaurant. The chef at the restaurant has one final challenge for you to complete before granting you unlimited gardening power! You've been asked to bring in 10 homegrown Steaks of Outstanding quality. It's a nigh impossible order to fill, but you must find a way if you want the Omni Plant!

Extreme Life Insurance

[Friend] fears a visit from the grim reaper may come all too soon and would like a little... insurance. Grow a Death Flower and deliver it to [Friend] before it's too late. You'll be paid handsomely for this piece of insurance - a wise choice!

Garlic Goodness

The Restaurant is featuring a new all-garlic menu to keep up with the current garlic trend all over town. Unfortunately, everyone's eating so much garlic that the restaurant is running low! Grow 3 Very Nice (or better) bulbs of garlic and deliver them to the restaurant. They'll pay for your produce!

Bad Apples

Bring 10 bad quality apples to the restaurant for stew

Outstanding Tasting Ingredients

[Friend] is trying to prepare a special recipe at home, but insists upon fresh homegrown ingredients. Unfortunately, [Friend] doesn't know how to garden! Grow 3 Outstanding fruits or vegetables for [Friend] and deliver them to earn some money!

Absolutely Great Produce

[Friend] is trying to prepare a special recipe at home, but insists upon fresh homegrown ingredients. Unfortunately, [Friend] doesn't know how to garden! Grow 3 Great fruits or vegetables for [Friend] and deliver them to earn some money!