If your Sim has a green thumb and loves spending time outdoors, the Gardener career in The Sims 3 is a rewarding way to turn that passion into profit. While it’s technically a self-employed profession, it offers plenty of opportunities for income and skill-building. Here’s how to start and thrive as a Gardener in The Sims 3.
How to Join the Gardener Career
- Build Gardening Skill
Start by planting seeds and tending to plants at home. The more your Sim gardens, the faster the Gardening skill improves. Use skill books or the Gardening channel on TV to help level up. - Harvest Produce
Once your Sim has harvested at least one plant, they’re eligible to register as a self-employed Gardener. - Register as Self-Employed
Go to City Hall and choose “Register as Self-Employed: Gardener”. Your Sim is now officially in the gardening profession!
Earning Money as a Gardener in The Sims 3
- Sell Produce: Drag harvested fruits, vegetables, and herbs into the sell box in your inventory or take them to the grocery store for better prices.
- Grow High-Quality Crops: The higher the quality of your produce, the more Simoleons it will fetch.
- Complete Gardening Opportunities: Occasionally, your Sim will get special gardening tasks from neighbors or community lots — these pay well and boost your reputation.
Tips for Gardening Success
- Use Fertilizer: Fish or certain produce can be used as fertilizer to speed up plant growth.
- Expand Your Garden: More plants mean more income — just make sure your Sim can keep up with the maintenance.
- Visit the Community Garden: This is a great place to harvest rare plants and gather new seeds.
Grow Your Way to the Top
Being a gardener is one of the most flexible and relaxing careers in The Sims 3. For more tips on other self-employment options, check out our other The Sims 3 guides to explore all your Sim’s home-based career paths.