Gardening (The Sims 3)
- For gardening in other games, see Gardening.
Gardening is a skill in The Sims 3.
The skill is augmented by the Green Thumb and Loves The Outdoors traits, and the Super Green Thumb lifetime reward. It involves (as with gardening in real life and the previous Sims games) the planting, growing and harvesting of various plants that Sims can find within the game. Unlike the previous Sims games, The Sims 3 gardening has been much expanded upon, introducing many real-life plants and several fictional species such as the 'Life Fruit' and 'Flame Fruit'.
With the arrival of The Sims 3: World Adventures, the gardening skill has been expanded even further, now to include plums, pomegranates, pomelos (a fruit similar to Grapefruit) and cherries. As well as these key fruits, many new species of grape have been introduced, spanning from the average, normal grape to rarer types found within the destination of France. Although it was said several times by independent gaming websites, the sixteen new grapes that there were supposed to be have not all been included. So far six new types of grapes have been found.
Statistics
Number Planted, Unique Plants Planted, Items Harvested, Perfect Items Harvested, Unknown Seeds Planted, Best Harvestable, Money Earned, Largest Money Bag Harvested.
Challenges
Master Planter
A Master Planter must plant 19 types 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.
Botanical Boss
Botanical Bosses must harvest at least 75 Perfect fruits and vegetables. After so many Perfect harvastables, 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. And if you have a garden gnome he will come to life and water your garden.
Abilities
| Level | Ability |
|---|---|
| 1 | Able to water and plant, given seeds: Lettuce, Apple, Grape and Tomato |
| 2 | Weed |
| 3 | Fertilize |
| 5 | Plant Uncommon Seeds |
| 6 | Revive Plants (with Green Thumb trait) |
| 7 | Plant Rare and Special seeds |
| 8 | Plant Cheese and Egg plant (via Skill Opportunities) |
| 9 | Plant Burger Patty and Steak Plant (via Skill Opportunities) |
| 10 | Plant Omni Plant seeds (via Skill Opportunities) |
Plants
Plants include things found around town, store bought produce that can be planted, seeds given from leveling up the gardening skill.
| Image | Plant | Rarity | Skill Level | Normal Value | Perfect Value | Source | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Apple Tree | Common | 0 | §4 | §16 | Store, Apple, Apple Seed | Eating Apples in the earliest stage of pregnancy increases a Sim's chance of having a boy. |
|
Grapevine | Common | 0 | §4 | §16 | Store, Grapes, Grape Seed | Key ingredient in Nectar (mediocre though) |
|
Lettuce Plant | Common | 0 | §3 | §12 | Store, Lettuce, Lettuce Seed | |
|
Tomato Plant | Common | 0 | §3 | §12 | Store, Tomato, Tomato Seed | |
|
Lime Tree | Uncommon | 5 | §9 | §36 | Store, Lime, Unknown Common Seed | Good plant for money making as they produce a lot of fruit at a reasonable rate for a lot of cash |
|
Onion Plant | Uncommon | 5 | §7 | §28 | Store, Onion, Unknown Common Seed | |
|
Potato Plant | Uncommon | 5 | §7 | §28 | Store, Potato, Unknown Common Seed | |
|
Watermelon Vine | Uncommon | 5 | §9 | §36 | Store, Watermelon, Unknown Common Seed | Eating Watermelon in the earliest stage of pregnancy increases a Sim's chance of having a girl. |
| File:Bell Peper.jpg | Bell Pepper Plant | Rare | 7 | §12 | §48 | Store, Bell Pepper, Unknown Rare Seed | |
|
Garlic Plant | Rare | 7 | §15 | §60 | Store, Garlic, Unknown Rare Seed | Inflicts 'Garlic Breath' on Sim if eaten. (This has no bad effects). |
| File:Life Fruit.jpg | Life Plant | Special | 7 | §25 | §100 | Life Fruit, Unknown Special Seed, Science career opportunity, Gardening opportunity. |
Increases a Sim's life span by one extra day per fruit eaten. Best plant Fertilizer. Starts life stage over if cooked with Deathfish to make Ambrosia. Life fruit is best used in cooking to expand life. |
| File:Death Flower.jpg | Death Flower Plant | Special | 7 | §0 | §0 | Death Flower, Unknown Special Seed, Science career opportunity, Graveyard, Fishing | Can allow a Sim who carries one in his/her inventory to placate the Grim Reaper.
Plant produces only 1 flower before dying. After being revived with Green Thumb trait, it will produce one more and then become permanently barren. (The chances of this Plant's success in being revived is 50/50). |
| File:Flame Fruit.jpg | Flame Fruit Bush | Special | 7 | §18 | §72 | Flame Fruit, Unknown Special Seed, Catacombs exploring, Science career opportunity | Fruit provides +5 mood (Cozy Fire) if kept in inventory. Certain fruits can be turned into flame fruits if your sim has the (hidden) Pyromaniac trait using the interaction Transmorgify. |
| File:Money Bag.jpg | Money Tree | Special | 7 |
§100-200 Per bag |
§700-§800 Per bag |
Money Tree Seed, Unknown Special Seed, Fishing, Criminal career opportunity | Produces Money Bags and cannot be replanted. If a full vacant square is next to it when it reaches "perfect" a seed (Normal quality) will drop. WARNING: If it dies, the tree will practically explode, leaving behind 3 hefty bills. |
|
Cheese Plant | Special | 8 | §5 | §20 | Store, Cheese | Enabled through skill opportunity, after which you will be able to directly "plant" cheese. |
|
Eggplant | Special | 8 | §7 | §28 | Store, Egg | Enabled through skill opportunity, after which you will be able to directly "plant" eggs. |
|
Burger Patty Plant | Special | 9 | §16 | §64 | Store, Burger Patty | Enabled through skill opportunity, requires ability to plant Cheese/Eggplant |
|
Steak Plant | Special | 9 | §20 | §80 | Store, Steak | Enabled through skill opportunity, requires ability to plant Cheese/Eggplant |
| File:Omni Plant.jpg | Omni Plant | Special | 10 | Varies | Varies |
Complete The Omnificent Plant Opportunity, Order seeds through mailbox |
The Omni Plant has the ability to replicate any item it's fed. (Left click the plant, choose "Feed"). It can only be fed fish, books and food from the store etc. (It can be fed special fruits i.e. Life Fruit. As well as special fish i.e. Death Fish). |
|
Pomelo[TS3:WA] | Rare | 7 | §15 | Shang Simla, China | ||
|
Plum[TS3:WA] | Uncommon | 5 | §7 | §28 | Shang Simla, China | |
| File:Cherimola blan.jpg | Cherimola Blan Grapes[TS3:WA] |
Common |
0 | §4 | §16 | Champs Les Sims, France | |
| File:Renoit grapes.jpg | Renoit Grapes[TS3:WA] | Common | 0 | §4 | §16 | Champs Les Sims, France | |
|
Pomegranate[TS3:WA] | Uncommon | 5 | §8 | §32 | Al Simhara, Egypt | |
|
Cherry[TS3:WA] | Rare | 7 | §48 | Al Simhara, Egypt and Shang Simla, China | ||
| File:CranerletNuala.png | Cranerlet Nuala Grapes[TS3:WA] | Rare | 7 | §13 | §52 | Adventure reward in Champs Les Sims, France, Secret Garden on Chateau du Landgraab | |
| File:GralladinaFran.png | Gralladina Fran Grapes[TS3:WA] | Rare | 7 | §10 | Adventure reward in Champs Les Sims, France, Secret Garden on Chateau du Landgraab | ||
| File:Avornalino.png | Avornalino Grapes[TS3:WA] | Uncommon | 5 | §28 | Adventure reward in Champs Les Sims, France, Secret Garden on Chateau du Landgraab | ||
| File:MelioreGrapes.png | Meloire Grapes[TS3:WA] | Uncommon | 5 | §32 | Adventure reward in Champs Les Sims, France, Secret Garden on Chateau du Landgraab |
If the harvested produce is sold to a supermarket, it sells at a 10% higher value than if sold via an inventory hole.
The sales value are as follows, rounded down:
- Normal: 100%
- Nice: 110%
- Very Nice: 150%
- Great: 200%
- Excellent: 250%
- Outstanding: 300%
- Perfect: 400%
Detailed Plant Information
| Image | Plant | Experience gained for plant/harvest | Weed chance | Maximum number of produce before barren | Minimum and maximum produce per harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Apple Tree | 175/125 | 0.1 | 40 | 3-5 |
|
|
Grapevine | 175/125 | 0.2 | 15 | 2-4 |
|
|
Lettuce Plant | 175/125 | 0.2 | 15 | 1-3 |
|
|
Tomato Plant | 175/125 | 0.2 | 20 | 2-4 |
|
|
Lime Tree | 225/175 | 0.25 | 40 | 3-5 |
|
|
Onion Plant | 225/175 | 0.05 | 25 | 1-3 |
|
|
Potato Plant | 225/175 | 0.05 | 15 | 1-3 |
|
|
Watermelon Vine | 225/175 | 0.25 | 10 | 1-2 |
| File:Bell Peper.jpg | Bell Pepper Plant | 325/250 | 0.2 | 15 | 2-4 |
|
|
Garlic Plant | 325/250 | 0.1 | 30 | 3-5 |
| File:Life Fruit.jpg | Life Plant | 375/300 | 0.25 | 12 | 1-3 |
| File:Death Flower.jpg | Death Flower Plant | 375/300 | 0.025 | 2 | 1 |
| File:Flame Fruit.jpg | Flame Fruit Bush | 375/300 | 0.05 | 20 | 1-3 |
| File:Money Bag.jpg | Money Tree | 375/300 | 0.25 | 10000 | 2-5 |
|
|
Cheese Plant | 150/100 | 0.25 | 15 | 2-5 |
|
|
Eggplant | 150/100 | 0.25 | 15 | 2-5 |
|
|
Burger Patty Plant | 150/100 | 0.25 | 15 | 2-5 |
|
|
Steak Plant | 150/100 | 0.25 | 15 | 2-5 |
| File:Omni Plant.jpg | Omni Plant | 400/300 | 0.15 | 25 | 2-5 |
Fertilizer
Fertilizer is used to enhance the produce. The quality of the produce will increase as long as the fertilizer is applied.
| Fertilizer | Grade | Time (Days) |
|---|---|---|
| Lifefruit | 25 | 6 |
| Angelfish | 25 | 4 |
| Vampirefish | 25 | 3 |
| Shark | 20 | 4 |
| Lobster | 20 | 3 |
| Garlic | 15 | 6 |
| Steak | 15 | 4 |
| Bell Pepper | 15 | 4 |
| Flame Fruit | 15 | 4 |
| Blowfish | 15 | 4 |
| Piranha | 15 | 4 |
| Red Herring | 15 | 4 |
| Siamese Catfish | 15 | 4 |
| Tragic Clownfish | 15 | 4 |
| Black Goldfish | 12 | 3 |
| Salmon | 12 | 3 |
| Swordfish | 12 | 3 |
| Watermelon | 10 | 5 |
| Jellyfish | 10 | 4 |
| Minnow | 10 | 4 |
| Tuna | 10 | 3 |
| Rainbow Trout | 8 | 3 |
| Lime | 5 | 6 |
| Onion | 5 | 6 |
| Potato | 5 | 5 |
| Burger Patty | 5 | 4 |
| Cheese | 5 | 4 |
| Egg | 5 | 4 |
| Apple | 5 | 4 |
| Lettuce | 5 | 4 |
| Tomato | 5 | 4 |
| Grapes | 5 | 3 |
| Alley Catfish | 5 | 3 |
| Anchovy | 5 | 3 |
| Goldfish | 5 | 3 |
| Deathfish | -200 | 4 |
The time is increased by 1 day for Great, Excellent, and Outstanding fertilizer, and 2 days for perfect fertilizer.
The quality of the fertilizer modifies its effectiveness. For qualities ranging from Horrifying (the lowest) to Very Nice inclusively, a multiplier is applied to the fertilizer's effectiveness or grade ranging from 0.6 to 1.2. This modifier increases by 0.1 with each successive level of quality the fertilizer gains. Starting from Very Nice up to Perfect, that is from 1.2 to 2.0, the modifier increases by increments of 0.2 with each improvement to the fertilizer's quality. The net result is that the worst possible quality (Horrifying) reduces the effectiveness of the fertilizer by 40%, a Normal quality fertilizer maintains it as it is (fertilizer x 1.0), and a Perfect fertilizer doubles the original efficiency (fertilizer x 2.0). The following table presents all the relevant data.
| Fertilizer Quality | Multiplier |
|---|---|
| Horrifying | 0.6 |
| Putrid | 0.7 |
| Foul | 0.8 |
| Bad | 0.9 |
| Normal | 1.0 |
| Nice | 1.1 |
| Very Nice | 1.2 |
| Great | 1.4 |
| Excellent | 1.6 |
| Outstanding | 1.8 |
| Perfect | 2.0 |
Furthermore, having the Master Farmer challenge completed gives an additional 2 days of fertilized time to any plant.
For more on fertilizer's effects, see Carl's Sims 3 Fertilizer Tests
Helpful Tips
- Dead vs Barren
- Dead plants can occur after you neglect any plants under 'Wilting' condition for one day. After that, your sim will have to dispose or revive them (Green Thumb trait is required for reviving). Barren plants have the same appearance as dead plants, but they cannot be revived. Each plant will become barren after it reaches its maximum amount of produce.
- (Note: Money trees cannot be revived as they'll explode upon their death)
- Sick of watering your plants?
- This helpful 'Schprinkler' waters plants on a 5x5 area. Once turned on it will to run 24/7. It can be upgraded with Auto-Water so it will run between 4am and 7am, which is helpful as it starts an hour before the growth occurs, and ends an hour after.
- The best choice in traits for Gardening
- The Green Thumb trait allows the ability to "Talk To Plant"s, which will increase the quality of plant produce.
- The Loves the Outdoors trait will create a positive moodlet when a Sim possessing it is outdoors.
- The Eco-Friendly trait will also create a positive moodlet when gardening.
- Search the neighborhood for better quality seeds to start with.
- For faster growing .use high-quality fertilizer which shortens harvesting time.
Self-Employment
Players may choose to register any adult Sim with at least one point of gardening skill as a "Self-Employed Gardener" at City Hall. Sims in this career earn promotions based on the amount of money earned through growing plants.
| Lvl | Title | Description | Prize | Promotion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cucumber Smasher | Fruits and vegetables tremble in your clumsy hands. Practicing with hands deep in the soil is the only way to lead to higher value produce. | None | +§30 |
| 2 | Dirt Digger | The dirt is a canvas and you are the artist. As your agricultural venture begins to escalate you must not forget your humble origins in the dirt. | None | +§105 |
| 3 | Clodhopper | Farming is dirty work that is not for the timid or soft-handed city folk. Continue to survive in the field and profits will follow suit. | None | +§605 |
| 4 | Master Weeder | Weeds fear your vigilant hands. However, grocers and produce buyers still don't consider you the best in the business. Continue weeding and improve your crops. | None | +§1,605 |
| 5 | Fertilizer Flinger | Fertilization requires the proper state of mind and sturdy nose plugs. Be sure to fertilize your crops most efficiently to maximize profits and minimize time in the hot sun. | §500 | +§4,105 |
| 6 | Bushwhacker | The modern Bushwhacker is an up and coming farmer with aspirations of reaching the top spot. Only hard work and a successful harvest will take you there. | None | +§11,605 |
| 7 | Seed Sewer | Often referred to as a fabled and legendary figure from the fertile acreage of Riverview, Seed Sewers have high standards to live up to. Most of all, providing high quality produce to the community. | §1,500 | +§26,605 |
| 8 | Famed Farmer | You've become quite famous amongst regional farmers and grocers for your top quality produce, record-shattering harvests, and innovative farming techniques. Farming becomes much more difficult this close to the top! | None | +§56,605 |
| 9 | Progeny of the Harvest | Many whisper that you are not just an amazing farmer, but literally a spirit of the earth that can converse with seeds and plants. That may be far fetched, but your imminent success is not! | §2,500 | +§116,605 |
| 10 | Agricultural Mastermind | None question your meteoric rise to the top of the fertile career of farming. Due to your fantastic operations and techniques you are the best farmer in the land. | §5,000 | +§196,606 |
Note that a garden doesn't have to grow the produce, just sell it. Because of this, a gardener can easily earn income and promotions by harvesting from their neighbor's garden or community gardens.
The best way to make money for the Gardening career is to harvest and sell money bags from money trees.
Opportunities
- Uncommonly Good
- Bring 20 Excellent Harvestables to the restaurant to receive the ability to plant Cheese and Eggs.
- Outstandingly Rare
- Bring 10 Excellent (or better) 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!
- Don't Cry
- The chefs at the restaurant are crying because they just sliced their last onion! Their menu will suffer if more onions aren't supplied soon! You need to grow 3 Very Nice (or better) onions and deliver them to the restaurant. You'll be paid for your produce!
- Locusts intercepted a lettuce shipment heading to the restaurant, which makes it impossible for them to toss their world-famous salads. The restaurant needs your Lettuce! You need to grow 3 Very Nice (or better) heads of lettuce and deliver them to the restaurant. You'll be paid for your produce!
- Lettuce Help Out
Grape-Aid
- There's a regional grape shortage, so the restaurant is asking all local farmers to sell them their grapes until the crisis is resolved. You need to grow 3 Very Nice (or better) grapes and deliver them to the restaurant. You'll be paid for your produce!