Gardening: meaning, definitions and examples

Gardening refers to the activity of growing and maintaining plants, typically in one's own yard or garden. It is often pursued as a hobby.

• She spends her weekends gardening, taking care of her roses and vegetables
• Gardening can be very relaxing and rewarding

Horticulture is the art and science of growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants. It often involves expert knowledge and is both a professional and academic field.

• She studied horticulture in college and now works at a botanical garden
• The horticulture industry focuses on improving plant growth and health

Planting refers to the act of putting seeds, bulbs, or plants into the ground to grow. It is a basic task involved in both gardening and farming.

• They spent the afternoon planting flowers in the front yard
• Planting season is crucial for determining a good harvest

Farming involves the large-scale cultivation of crops and raising of animals for food, often as a professional occupation. It encompasses a variety of agricultural practices.

• He owns a farm where he has been farming corn and wheat for over twenty years
• Modern farming techniques have significantly increased crop yields

This is best used when talking about taking care of small-scale plant care, like in a home garden. It's a hobby or activity that involves growing flowers, vegetables, and other plants.

• She spends her weekends gardening, planting new flowers and weeding the beds

This refers to modifying the visible features of an area of land. It includes garden design but also involves changes and maintenance of the natural environment, like lawns, trees, and other aspects of the land.

• The company specializes in landscaping, offering services to create beautiful outdoor spaces in residential and commercial properties

This is used to describe large-scale agricultural practices. It involves growing crops and raising animals for food, fiber, and other products.

• He decided to take up farming and bought a large piece of land to grow wheat and raise cattle

This term is more formal and technical. It refers to the act of preparing and using land for crops or gardening, focusing on the process of growing plants.

• The farmer's cultivation methods greatly improved the yield of his crops

Suitable when referring to the general activity or hobby of working in a garden. Often used to describe tasks like planting, weeding, and maintaining plants.

• She enjoys gardening on the weekends.
• Gardening is a relaxing hobby.

Used in more formal scenarios or when discussing the process of preparing and using land for growing crops or plants. It can also be used metaphorically to refer to developing a particular skill or quality.

• Farmers cultivate the land to grow crops.
• He has spent years cultivating his public speaking skills.

Specifically refers to the action of putting a seed, bulb, or plant into the soil to grow. It is often used when talking about the initial stage of gardening or farming.

• They plan to plant tomatoes this spring.
• She planted roses in her garden last weekend.

Used when focusing on the care and maintenance of plants or a garden. It implies a continuous action of looking after and nurturing plants.

• He tends to his garden every day.
• She needs to tend the flowers to keep them healthy.