How to Make your Sim into a Master Gardener in The Sims 2

If you're looking to keep your Sim at home, but still make some Simoleans, you may want to consider having them become a gardener. For a little bit of startup cash to build a greenhouse and plant some seeds, you can see a huge return on your Sim's investment in just a few days! Here's how it works.

Instructions

1. Build a greenhouse. While you can have your Sim be an outdoor gardener, building a greenhouse will keep your plants healthier and happier. It helps prevent insect infestations and damage from careless people, pets and bad weather. Make sure that when you build a greenhouse that you give it a roof and that you add a Ladybug House. This will almost totally eradicate any chance of an insect infestation.

2. Add some planting soil. You can't just plant onto grass; you need to add planting soil in order to sow seeds. It doesn't cost much and is reusable. To boost the health and vitality of your plants, add some fertilizer or better yet, compost. Sprinklers will help to keep your plants moist and prevent them from drying out. They aren't necessary, but will save your Sim a lot of work in the long run.

3. Buy a Composter. These don't cost much and will give you natural, effective fuel for your new plants. Plus, if you decide you want your Sim to become a member of the local Garden Club, the members LOVE to see fresh compost on all your planting soil. Any stuff that your Sim would normally throw in the trash can be added to the Composter and used to fertilize soil. Make sure you keep the Composter filled!

4. Plant some seeds. Simply click on the freshly-fertilized soil patch, click Plant, then choose what type of seed you want to sow. You have to start out with Tomatoes, but you will eventually gain the ability to plant several other types of seeds.

5. Keep everything happy. If you mouse over the plant icon and see a yellow or green face, you're doing well. If you see a blue face, ease off on watering for a little while. Ideally, you want to keep your plants at Healthy or Thriving status. This is done by fertilizing the soil, keeping your plants watered and by keeping them tended. Occasionally, trees will get overgrown and plants will grow weeds. Keep these in check by tending the plants quickly.

6. Talk to your plants. If you gain a high enough talent badge in Gardening, your Sim will gain the ability to speak Plant! Simply click on a plant and choose the "Talk To" option to speak with the plant. Doing so will keep it happy and help it thrive.

7. Harvest when your plants are mature. You can only do this when the plant matures, so there's no need to worry about harvesting too early. Selling the produce from a well-groomed plant can bring in over 200 Simoleans!