Forget digging in the dirt outside – the hottest trend for young people this spring is gardening, but not in the way you might think. Kids (and even some adults!) are flocking to Roblox to play “Grow a Garden,” a game that’s shattering popularity records and captivating millions.
As of early June 2025, “Grow a Garden” boasted over 2.2 million concurrent players, four times as many as the next most popular game. At its peak, a Roblox spokesman reported an astonishing 9 million concurrent players over a single weekend in late May – a new Roblox record! So, what’s behind this virtual gardening craze?
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What is “Grow a Garden”?
“Grow a Garden” is a free-to-play game where you cultivate a virtual patch of land. You start with basic seeds like carrots and strawberries, plant them, watch them grow satisfyingly quickly (unlike in real life!), and then sell your virtual crops for “Sheckles,” the game’s in-game currency. With Sheckles, you can buy more seeds, expand your garden with new plants like tulips, watermelons, and even rare bamboo, and acquire animals.
The gameplay loop is simple yet addictive: plant, harvest, sell, and upgrade. While it’s free to play, the game offers a fast track for those willing to spend real money on “Robux” (Roblox’s virtual currency) to buy in-game items like seeds or livestock. This allows players to quickly get ahead and create elaborate, lush gardens that would otherwise take weeks to build up. In fact, a robust secondary market for these in-game items has even emerged on platforms like Discord and eBay, despite being against Roblox’s rules.
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The Organic Rise of a Gaming Sensation
The origin story of “Grow a Garden” is quintessential Roblox: it was reportedly created by an anonymous 16-year-old user who initially built the game in just a few days. This highlights the incredible power of Roblox’s platform, where users, many of whom are under 13, can create their own games and even earn money through “Robux.”
The game’s growth accelerated when well-regarded Roblox developer Janzen “Jandel” Madsen acquired a part of the game to further develop it with a team. Later, Florida-based company Do Big Studios also partnered in the game, though the exact ownership structure remains unclear.
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The Compelling Hook of “Grow a Garden”
According to Justin Watkins, who runs the popular Roblox gaming YouTube channel ThinkNoodles, the developers behind “Grow a Garden” have masterfully optimized the game for the Roblox algorithm. They deeply understand what players value, incorporating nearly all popular “hooks” into a single game. This includes live events that are considered “must-attend” for players to accumulate wealth and “flex on others with cool mutations” in their virtual gardens.
While some critics on online forums have dismissed the game as being for “dopamine-addled children” due to its seemingly low barrier to entry, many adults also find it soothing and enjoyable. The rapid growth and instant gratification of seeing your virtual garden flourish can be incredibly satisfying.
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An Unstoppable Force?
Launched in March 2025, “Grow a Garden” has rapidly become one of the fastest games in Roblox history to rack up 1 billion visits. Despite some criticism regarding Do Big Studios’ involvement and a perceived increased focus on monetization, the game’s momentum shows no signs of slowing down.
“Grow a Garden” stands as a testament to the creativity of Roblox’s user base and the platform’s ability to turn a simple idea into a record-breaking phenomenon. Have you tried your hand at virtual gardening in “Grow a Garden” yet?
