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Gardening - Version 18 vs Version 19
Apr 27, 2026, 04:55 PM
Cleaned punctuation and AI-style phrasing (2026-04-27)
May 8, 2026, 09:21 AM
Add wikilinks to table cells (1 new links)
11Overview22Gardening is a skill in inZOI that covers growing plants, tending crops, and pruning decorative bonsai trees. It becomes available from the Teenager life stage onward (Teenagers, Young Adults, Adults, Middle-Aged, and Elders can all use it) and can be leveled from 0 to 10. Gardening is one of the most versatile skills in the game, providing ingredients for Cooking, sellable goods through the Pocket Market, and a peaceful gameplay loop for players who enjoy tending to their Zoi's home and yard.44The skill governs proficiency at cultivating vegetables, fruits, bonsai, and (as of the March 2026 Update) farmable flowers. Higher Gardening levels unlock new seed varieties, advanced bonsai designs, and the ability to produce higher-quality harvests that sell for more Meow. Because homegrown ingredients bypass the cost of buying them on the Pocket Market, Gardening pairs especially well with the Cooking skill for self-sufficient households.66Plant Categories88Plants in inZOI fall into three distinct categories, each with different purposes and price ranges. Only the third category, Growing Plants, interacts with the Gardening skill.1010Flowerpots (8-270 Meow)1213Decorative indoor plants like heart hoya, aloe, and variegated monstera. They can be watered to stay fresh but do not grow, do not produce anything, and do not interact with the Gardening skill. They are purely aesthetic and come in small, medium, large, and hanging varieties.1415Flowers and Flowerbeds (10-120 Meow)1617Outdoor decorations including grass patches, marigolds, rose shrubs, boxwood arrangements, and flower arches. These grow automatically without any player intervention and are visual-only. No watering needed, no harvest possible.1819Growing Plants (5-25 Meow)2021The only plants that actually interact with the Gardening skill. These grow over time, require daily care, and produce harvestable crops. All Gardening skill progression comes from working with these plants. Find them in Build Mode under Furniture > Outdoor > Growing Plants. This category also includes saplings (Elm, Bamboo, and Orange) priced between 140 and 160 Meow, which grow into full trees over time.2223Growing Crops2425Crops are planted in garden plots purchased through Build Mode. Different crops unlock at different Gardening levels. Seeds and saplings are purchased from the Build Mode catalog. Once planted, crops take approximately two or more in-game days to fully mature. During this time, they require daily watering and fertilizing for optimal results.2627Gardening LevelCrops UnlockedSeed CostLevel 0 (Starting)Lettuce, Tomato, Blueberry, Sweet Potato, Bell Pepper5-7 Meow eachLevel 0 (Trees)Elm Sapling, Bamboo Sapling, Orange Sapling140-160 MeowLevel 2Carrot, Corn, Eggplant, Potato, Premium Tomato15 Meow eachLevel 6Apple Seedling, Lettuce Hydroponic System25-35 Meow2829At Level 6, the Lettuce Hydroponic System (35 Meow) lets you grow crops indoors. This is particularly helpful for Zois living in apartments without yard space.2930Growth Mechanics3132Each planted crop has three key metrics that determine its health and harvest quality:3334MetricDescriptionMoistureIndicates how well-watered the plant is. Drops over time and must be replenished by watering.Nutrient IntakeRepresents the plant's fertilization level. Applying fertilizer raises this metric.Time RemainingShows how long until the crop is ready to harvest. This decreases naturally over time.3536Weeds appear around planted crops and reduce overall quality if left unattended. Regularly weeding the garden plot ensures the best harvest quality. Neglecting watering or fertilizing will produce lower-quality crops that sell for less Meow. In severe cases of neglect, crops can become bug-ridden or wither entirely, yielding nothing.3637Crop Care Action Timing3839Each gardening action takes a specific amount of in-game time to complete. Planning around these durations helps keep multiple plots running efficiently:4041ActionApproximate DurationPrepare Soil5 minutesPlant Seeds2 minutesWater3 minutesFertilize4 minutesPull Weeds3 minutesHarvest2-3 minutes4243These times are approximate and measured at default game speed. At higher Gardening levels, some actions complete slightly faster because the Zoi works more efficiently.4344Fertilizer4546Three tiers of fertilizer are available for purchase from the Build Mode catalog:4748Fertilizer TypeCostEffectNormal Fertilizer3 MeowBasic nutrient boost; sufficient for starter crops.Special Fertilizer10 MeowModerate nutrient boost; good for mid-tier crops.Premium Fertilizer10 MeowStrongest nutrient boost; recommended for Level 6 crops.4950Higher-quality fertilizer improves crop Nutrient Intake more effectively per application. For budget-conscious players, Normal Fertilizer at 3 Meow is a perfectly acceptable choice for early crops like Tomato and Blueberry. Switching to Premium Fertilizer becomes more worthwhile once you unlock high-value crops at Level 6, since the quality improvement translates directly into better sell prices.5051Growth and Daily Care5253Plants take roughly two or more in-game days to reach maturity, depending on the crop type. Shorter day-length settings in the game options mean faster real-time growth. Setting the day length to 48 or 96 minutes can noticeably speed up the gardening cycle in real time.5455Daily maintenance involves two actions:5657Watering: click the plant and select "Water." Unwatered plants grow slower and produce lower-quality harvests.Fertilizing: click the plant and select "Fertilize." Improves quality alongside watering.5859Both actions together give the best results. When the plant is fully grown, a visual indicator appears (foliage forms around the crop). Click it and select "Harvest" to collect the produce. The produce goes into the Zoi's inventory and can be used for cooking or sold.6061You can also interact with plants by selecting "Share Feelings," which gives a small amount of Gardening XP and can improve the Zoi's mood. Another interaction, "Appreciate," lets the Zoi admire plants in a short animation that provides a minor mood boost.6263Crop Harvest Values6465A single farming plot can yield both normal-sized and special (large) crops in the same harvest. Normal crops sell for less, while special or large crops command a premium. The exact mix depends on how well the crop was maintained during growth.6667Crop TypeNormal Sell PriceSpecial/Large Sell PriceNotesStandard Vegetables (per piece)3 Meow15 MeowTomato, Potato, Corn, Carrot, Eggplant, etc.Banana (Cahaya)8 Meow20 MeowExclusive to Island Getaway DLC.Mango (Cahaya)8 Meow20 MeowExclusive to Island Getaway DLC.6869A typical non-tree plot harvest yields roughly 12 normal crops and 7 special or large crops, for a total of about 140 Meow in revenue after subtracting seed and fertilizer costs. While this is modest income on its own, the real value of crops often comes from using them as free Cooking ingredients rather than selling them raw.6970Harvested Produce7172Crops harvested from the garden do not spoil while in the Zoi's inventory. This means you can stockpile ingredients for cooking without time pressure. Produce can also be sold outright for Meow through the Pocket Market on the smartphone.7374Harvested crops can be used directly as ingredients in Cooking recipes. For example, Tomatoes harvested from the garden can be used to make Tomato Pasta (requires Cooking Level 3), and Carrots can go into stews and other dishes. Growing your own ingredients is significantly cheaper than purchasing them through the Pocket Market, making Gardening an excellent companion skill for any Zoi pursuing the Cooking path.7576Bonsai System7778Starting at Gardening Level 2, Zois can purchase a Bonsai Pot Stand (100 Meow) and begin pruning decorative bonsai trees. Each pruning session costs 15 Meow for materials. Bonsai pruning is a lucrative creative activity, as finished bonsai can be sold on the Pocket Market for significant Meow, especially at higher skill levels.7980Higher Gardening levels unlock more complex and valuable bonsai styles:8182Gardening LevelBonsai Styles UnlockedLevel 2Basic bonsai pruning available.Level 4Perfect Form, Nature's Cradle, Winter Fantasy.Level 6Layers of Hope, Graceful Breath, Curves of Time.Level 8Dance of the Wind, Everlasting Love.Level 10Serene Balance, Direction of Life.8384Bonsai Pruning Speed8485The time it takes to prune a bonsai decreases significantly as the Gardening skill increases:8687Gardening LevelApproximate Pruning TimeLow (Level 1-2)About 17 minutesMid (Level 5)About 9 minutesHigh (Level 8+)About 5 minutes8889Bonsai Quality and Sell Prices8990Bonsai quality depends on the Zoi's Gardening level and their emotional state during pruning. Each finished bonsai receives a quality rating: Bad, Medium, Good, Excellent, or Perfect. Higher-quality bonsai sell for substantially more on the Pocket Market. The base price is set by the quality tier, and the Pocket Market then adds a markup that varies slightly.9192The following table shows approximate Pocket Market sell prices for bonsai at Gardening Level 8 and Level 10 (after the Pocket Market markup):9394QualityLevel 8 Sell PriceLevel 10 Sell PriceBad~20 Meow~20 MeowMedium60-64 Meow90-97 MeowGood130-147 Meow196-223 MeowExcellent225-253 Meow338-382 MeowPerfect855-995 Meow1,280-1,495 Meow9596After subtracting the 15 Meow pruning material cost, a Perfect bonsai at Level 10 nets approximately 1,265 to 1,480 Meow in pure profit. This makes bonsai pruning one of the most profitable activities in the game. Even Good-quality bonsai at Level 10 are worth around 180 to 208 Meow net, which adds up quickly.9697Mood and Skill Progression9899A Zoi's emotional state directly affects how quickly the Gardening skill levels up and the quality of bonsai produced during pruning. Positive moods like Elated, Concentrated, and Joyful accelerate experience gain, while negative moods like Bored or Uncomfortable slow it down.100101Community testing has found that an Elated Zoi levels Gardening faster than one who is merely Content or Joyful. Before starting a long pruning or farming session, it can be worth taking a few minutes to raise the Zoi's mood through social interactions, a good meal, or entertainment. This is especially useful for the Level 9 to 10 push, which requires the most experience.102103How to Level Up104105The following activities contribute experience toward the Gardening skill:106107ActivityDetailsWatering PlantsThe primary daily gardening task. Each watering session gives moderate XP.FertilizingApplying fertilizer to planted crops boosts growth speed and provides XP.Harvesting CropsPicking ripe crops grants Gardening XP and yields produce.Pruning BonsaiAvailable at Level 2 and above. Shaping bonsai trees provides significant XP.Sharing Feelings with PlantsA social-style interaction with plants that gives a small XP bonus and improves mood.WeedingRemoving weeds from garden plots prevents quality loss and gives minor XP.Farming on CahayaGrowing crops on the Cahaya island uses the same Gardening skill.108109Approximate Leveling Times109110The following times are approximate and assume regular gardening activity at default game speed. An Elated mood speeds these times up:111112Level RangeApproximate Real TimeLevel 0 to 1Under 10 minutesLevel 1 to 3About 1 hour 30 minutesLevel 3 to 4About 1 hour 20 minutesLevel 4 to 61 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 48 minutesLevel 6 to 7About 2 hours 10 minutesLevel 7 to 9About 1 hour 40 minutesLevel 9 to 10About 1 hour 30 minutes113114In total, reaching Level 10 from scratch takes roughly 10 to 12 hours of active gameplay. Combining bonsai pruning with crop care is the most time-efficient approach, since bonsai pruning gives significant XP and can be done while waiting for crops to mature.114115Cahaya Farming116117The Cahaya island (part of the Island Getaway DLC) introduces an expanded farming system. Cahaya uses dirt plots that hold up to 4 crops per plot simultaneously, making it more space-efficient than home lot gardening. Island residents receive a free farming kit with a pitchfork and watering can. Additional tools can be purchased at the local agriculture shop.118119Six seed types are available at the Cahaya farming supply store:120121SeedSeed CostNotesTomato Seeds7 MeowAlso available in the base game.Potato Seeds7 MeowAlso available in the base game.Carrot Seeds7 MeowAlso available in the base game.Corn Seeds7 MeowAlso available in the base game.Banana Tree Seedling4 MeowExclusive to Cahaya. Occupies an entire plot. Takes about one in-game week to become harvestable.Mango Tree Seedling4 MeowExclusive to Cahaya. Occupies an entire plot. Takes about one in-game week to become harvestable.122123Banana and Mango trees are unique because they remain planted after harvest if the Nutrient Intake stays above 80%. When this condition is met, the tree produces another harvest roughly half a day later, making them a recurring source of income. Each tree yields 4 to 5 fruits per harvest: normal fruits sell for 8 Meow, while special or large fruits sell for 20 Meow.123124Cahaya also has a market stall system where Zois can sell their harvested produce directly to customers. A Wider Sales Stall upgrade costs 330 Meow and allows the Zoi to display and sell more items at once. Seed prices on Cahaya can fluctuate based on availability and events like natural disasters.125126Both DLC farming and base-game gardening use and level the same Gardening skill.127128Flower Farming and Bouquets129130The March 2026 Update (v0.7.0) added flower farming to the Gardening skill. Six new farmable flower varieties can now be cultivated, harvested, and used for crafting. This expansion connects Gardening to the new Flower Shop business type and the Florist career path.131132Key additions in this update:133134FeatureDescriptionSix farmable flowersnew flower seeds can be planted and grown using the same watering and fertilizing mechanics as regular crops.Bouquet and flower basket craftingharvested flowers can be assembled into bouquets and flower baskets, which can be gifted to other Zois or sold.Special effects at high skillZois with high Gardening skill levels can cause their grown flowers to gain special visual effects, increasing their value and appeal.Flower Shop businessexisting flower shops in the world can be acquired and operated as a small business. Players can sell crafted bouquets and flower baskets through these shops.135136Flower farming uses the same Gardening skill as crop farming and bonsai pruning. Activities related to flower cultivation, such as watering and harvesting flowers, provide Gardening XP.136137Farm Helper Service138139For Zois who do not have time for daily garden maintenance, the Farm Helper service is available through the Pocket Market app on the smartphone. Hiring a Farm Helper provides 4 hours of automated crop care: the helper waters and fertilizes all plants on the property. This is especially useful for busy Zois with full career schedules who still want to maintain a garden.140141The Farm Helper does not weed or harvest crops, so you still need to handle those tasks manually. Weeds can accumulate during the helper's active period, so check the garden after the 4-hour window ends.142143Plant Lover Ambition144145The Plant Lover Ambition rewards Zois who dedicate themselves to gardening:146147Ambition LevelRequirementsLevel 1Buy houseplants 5 times and water plants 3 times.Level 2Water plants 10 times and reach Gardening Level 6.Level 3Arrange bonsai 5 times and reach Gardening Level 10.148149Completing all three tiers of the Plant Lover Ambition demonstrates mastery of the Gardening skill and provides satisfaction points toward the Zoi's Desired Life goals. Notably, reaching Level 3 of this ambition grants the "Instantly Grow Plant" ability, which allows the Zoi to make any planted crop reach maturity immediately. This is one of the most powerful gardening perks in the game.149150Level Unlocks151152New crops, equipment, and bonsai designs unlock as the skill increases:153154LevelUnlocks0Tomato Seedling, Blueberry Seedling, Sweet Potato Seedling, Bell Pepper Seedling, Lettuce Seedling2Corn, Eggplant, Potato, Carrot, Premium Tomato Seedlings; Bonsai Pot Stand (100 Meow)4Bonsai designs: Perfect Form, Nature's Cradle, Winter Fantasy6Apple Seedling; Lettuce Hydroponic System (35 Meow); Bonsai designs: Layers of Hope, Graceful Breath, Curves of Time8Bonsai designs: Dance of the Wind, Everlasting Love10Bonsai designs: Serene Balance, Direction of Life. Plant Lover ambition Level 3 grants instant plant growth.155156Available Crops156157Crops are planted on the home lot outdoors. Each takes roughly two or more in-game days to mature with daily watering. Skipping a day risks wilting and lower harvest quality. Weeds also appear and must be pulled.158159CropUnlock LevelSeed CostNotesTomato05 MeowStarter crop. Used in Tomato Pasta (Cooking Level 3).Blueberry05 MeowStarter crop. Used in some recipes.Sweet Potato05 MeowStarter crop.Bell Pepper07 MeowStarter crop.Lettuce05 MeowStarter crop. Can also be grown indoors via hydroponic system at Level 6.Corn215 MeowTaller plant.Eggplant215 MeowMid-tier crop.Potato215 MeowMid-tier crop.Carrot215 MeowMid-tier crop.Premium Tomato215 MeowHigher-value variant of the basic Tomato.Apple625 MeowTree crop with longer growth cycle.160161Island Getaway DLC Farming161162The Island Getaway DLC adds a dedicated farming system on Cahaya island. DLC farming uses dirt plots that hold up to 4 crops per plot simultaneously, making it more space-efficient than home lot gardening. Island residents receive a free farming kit with a pitchfork and watering can.163164Two exclusive crops are available only on Cahaya: Banana and Mango tree seedlings. These tree seedlings occupy an entire plot on their own but can produce multiple harvests if maintained properly. DLC farming plots show a status display with moisture content, nutrient intake, and time remaining until harvest.165166Both DLC farming and base-game gardening use and level the same Gardening skill.167168Tips169170Start with Lettuce, Tomato, and Blueberry seeds at 5 Meow each. These are the cheapest way to begin leveling Gardening and they mature relatively quickly.Water and fertilize daily. Skipping even one day can reduce crop quality and slow growth.Invest in a Bonsai Pot Stand as soon as you hit Level 2. Bonsai sales on the Pocket Market are one of the best income sources in the game for creative players.Grow ingredients you use frequently in Cooking recipes. This eliminates the need to buy them and saves Meow over time.Remove weeds promptly. They appear between watering sessions and will lower your harvest quality if left unchecked.If you have access to Cahaya, take advantage of the unique tropical seeds. Banana and Mango crops are exclusive to the island and can be sold at the market stall for premium prices.At Level 6, the Lettuce Hydroponic System lets you grow crops indoors. This is one of the few options for Zois living in apartments without yard space.Pair Gardening with Cooking. Homegrown ingredients save you the Meow cost of buying them through the Pocket Market.Keep your Zoi in a positive mood before long pruning sessions. Elated Zois earn experience faster and produce higher-quality bonsai.For maximum bonsai profit, aim for Perfect quality at Level 10. A single Perfect bonsai can sell for over 1,200 Meow on the Pocket Market.Adjust the day-length setting to 48 or 96 minutes if you want crops to mature faster in real time.On Cahaya, keep tree Nutrient Intake above 80% so Banana and Mango trees stay planted and produce a second harvest roughly half a day later.Once you reach Level 10 and complete Plant Lover ambition Level 3, you unlock the ability to instantly grow any plant. This completely removes the waiting period from crop farming.
