A Comprehensive Guide to Gardening in FFXIV

Wayne Taylor
Written By Wayne Taylor

Gardening Basics in FFXIV

If you’re looking for a relaxing and rewarding hobby in FFXIV, gardening is a great option! Not only can you grow your own ingredients for cooking, but you can also earn a significant amount of gil by selling your crops on the market board.

To start gardening, you’ll need to complete the level 17 quest “The Botanist’s Basics” in Gridania. This will unlock the ability to plant seeds in garden patches, which can either be placed in your private estate or in your apartment (if you have a gardening permit).

Garden Patches in FFXIV

Garden patches come in different sizes, from small to large. The size of your garden patch will determine how many seeds you can plant at once. Small garden patches can hold up to 4 seeds, medium patches can hold up to 8 seeds, and large patches can hold up to 12 seeds.

Soil in FFXIV Gardening

The soil you use in your garden patch is also important. There are 3 types of soil in FFXIV: Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3. Grade 1 soil is the most basic and can be purchased from any vendor that sells gardening supplies. Grade 2 soil is a bit more expensive and can be crafted by a level 50 botanist. Grade 3 soil is the rarest and must be obtained through crossbreeding.

Crossbreeding in FFXIV Gardening

Crossbreeding is the process of planting two different seeds in close proximity to each other in order to create a new type of seed. This can only be done in a garden patch that has been fertilized with Grade 2 or Grade 3 soil.

Crossbreeding Mechanics in FFXIV

When two seeds are planted close together, there is a chance that they will crossbreed and create a new seed. The chances of crossbreeding depend on several factors, including the quality of the seeds, the types of seeds being planted, and the quality of the soil.

Once a crossbreed has been successful, the new seed will be added to your inventory. This new seed can then be planted to create even more crossbreeds, leading to a wide variety of crops.

Indoor Gardening in FFXIV

If you don’t have access to a garden patch, don’t worry! You can still participate in gardening through indoor gardening. Indoor gardening allows you to grow crops inside your house or apartment using flowerpots.

Flowerpots in FFXIV Indoor Gardening

To start indoor gardening, you’ll need to purchase flowerpots from vendors in the housing districts. There are several different types of flowerpots, each with their own unique designs.

Once you have a flowerpot, you can fill it with soil and plant a seed just like you would in a garden patch. The only difference is that you won’t be able to crossbreed crops in flowerpots.

Vertical Farming in FFXIV

Vertical farming is a newer addition to FFXIV, introduced in Patch 5.4. This type of gardening allows you to grow crops on stacked shelves, making it perfect for those who don’t have a lot of space.

Vertical Farming Mechanics in FFXIV

To start vertical farming, you’ll need to purchase a garden bed from a vendor in the housing districts. Garden beds come in different sizes, from small to large, and can hold up to 8 stacks of shelves.

Once you have a garden bed, you can place shelves on it and fill them with soil and seeds. The crops will grow vertically, making the most of the limited space available.

Urban Gardening in FFXIV

If you’re looking to get involved in gardening but don’t have a lot of time or space, urban gardening is the perfect solution. Urban gardening is a type of gardening that focuses on growing crops in small spaces, such as balconies, rooftops, or even windowsills.

Urban Gardening Tips in FFXIV

To start urban gardening, you’ll need to choose crops that are suitable for small spaces. Herbs, such as basil, parsley, and thyme, are great options for urban gardening. They don’t require a lot of space and can be grown in pots or even recycled containers.

You’ll also need to make sure that your plants are getting enough sunlight and water. If you’re growing plants indoors, you may need to invest in a grow light to make up for the lack of natural sunlight.

Conclusion

Gardening in FFXIV is a fun and rewarding hobby that can provide you with a steady stream of gil and ingredients for cooking. Whether you’re interested in traditional garden patches, indoor gardening, vertical farming, or urban gardening, there are plenty of options available to suit your needs. With a bit of practice and experimentation, you’ll be growing a wide variety of crops in no time!