The world of gardening is vast, and different planting trends go in and out of style. In 2025, gardeners are interested in sustainable, functional, beautiful designs and hands-on techniques. 

These eight gardening trends are planting seeds in the minds of today’s gardeners and reshaping consumer preferences.  

1. Sustainable Gardening 

Previously, Gen Z and millennial gardeners tended to be more environmentally conscious than past generations. Now, new and seasoned gardeners have become interested in sustainable techniques to combat the effects of climate change.

Native plants are one of the many ways to engage in sustainable gardening. These have already evolved to suit your region’s weather patterns, temperature, soil composition and other environmental factors. Their adaptability means you can spend fewer resources — like additional watering or pesticides — helping them thrive. Native plants also invite local wildlife, a vital part of a healthy environment.   

2. Edible Landscaping 

Edible landscaping goes hand in hand with sustainability. Planting crops like basil, potatoes or lettuce cuts down on food waste and the use of single-use plastics, Styrofoam and other nonrenewable materials used in storage. Experts predict plastic waste could increase in 2050 by 70% — edible gardening could reduce that number. 

Edible landscaping also merges visual appeal with functionality, maximizing the benefits of your garden. Herbs are an excellent way to dip your toe into incorporating edible plants. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even try planting a potted fruit tree.       

3. Drought-Tolerant Gardening

Drought-tolerant plants are becoming increasingly popular as climate change impacts weather patterns. Plants that can thrive without a constant water supply are low-maintenance and conserve precious resources. Lavender, succulents and ornamental grasses — like pampas grass or blue oat grass — are relatively low-maintenance and will look beautiful in your garden. 

4. Instagram-Worthy Gardening 

Social media is full of inspiration and tips for gardeners of all generations. Virtually engaging with other gardeners helps create communities where people can share advice, challenges, successes and questions.

Posting photos and descriptions on social media platforms — like Instagram or Pinterest — has become more popular. Gardeners want an aesthetic result that will translate well online. Unique decor, ornamental plants and personality-showcasing design are all popular ways to participate in the Instagram-worthy gardening trend.      

5. Flower Farming

Social media has driven the flower farming trend as users flock to boutique flower farms for photo ops. Many of these farmers also let visitors pick blooms like tulips, lavender, peonies and sunflowers — a particularly photogenic choice. 

Besides visiting these farms, many gardeners enjoy growing flowers to add variety, color and texture. You can create custom arrangements to display at home or even give to friends. Since most perennial flowers last a few months at most, pressing or preserving your flowers in resin is a way to hold on to their beauty.    

6. Lived-In Gardening

Lived-in gardening prioritizes the look of a well-established garden over a freshly planted one. Many lived-in gardens feature densely planted beds and large-scale plantings to give the sense that they have succeeded for generations. They tend to focus on cultivating a sense of comfort and organic beauty, reflecting a desire in today’s gardeners for authenticity and natural spaces.  

7. Seed Planting 

Seed planting requires more hands-on effort, but today’s gardeners find it a fulfilling endeavor. Unlike planting seedlings — baby plants that have already partially grown — this practice involves starting directly from the seed. It is often more cost-effective than purchasing seedlings, though it demands patience and careful attention.

8. Urban Gardening

Smaller outdoor spaces are a hallmark of urban living. Many of today’s young gardeners live in cities, so urban gardening has gained popularity. You may have a plot in your local community garden, a small balcony or an indoor container. Urban gardening reduces the heat island effect and uses techniques like container gardening or vertical gardening to maximize small spaces.  

Container gardening is perfect for gardeners who don’t have land and are working with a balcony, porch or even indoor space instead. It has the added benefit of letting you move your plants around depending on the seasons, weather conditions and the sun’s path. 

From stackable planters to wall frames, there are many vertical gardening structures. This strategy is excellent for growing edible plants like tomatoes or herbs in small spaces. You can also use automatic self-watering in your vertical garden, which can be a time-saver and more sustainable since it wastes less water.    

Budding Trends in Gardening

Today’s gardeners are looking for sustainable gardening techniques, aesthetic designs and planting products that allow them to showcase their personalities and creativity in even the smallest of spaces. They want to get their hands dirty by planting seeds and learning to grow food. 

Whether you’re a novice gardener or have already cultivated your green thumb, now is the time to try these gardening trends for yourself and share tips with your community.