Gardening and the Trail to Eagle
Gardening is an elective merit badge. It is not required for any rank, but it can count as one of the 8 elective badges a scout needs for Eagle, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges. Elective badges are also where most scouts discover hobbies and careers, so choose ones you are genuinely curious about. Browse the complete merit badge list to compare options.
Gardening Merit Badge Requirements
Summary of the 5 main requirements for Gardening. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.
- 1
Do the following:
- a.Explain the hazards of working with garden tools and chemicals.
- b.Discuss the importance of safety when gardening.
- 2
Grow six vegetables, three from seeds and three from transplants. Maintain the garden for one season.
- 3
Demonstrate knowledge of proper gardening techniques including soil preparation, planting, watering, weeding, and pest control.
- 4
Explain the importance of composting and show how to build a compost pile.
- 5
Find out about three career opportunities in gardening or horticulture.
Merit badge names and emblems are trademarks of Scouting America (Boy Scouts of America). Eagle Compass is an independent tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America. Requirements are summarized for planning purposes; the official requirements are authoritative.
How to Earn the Gardening Merit Badge
1. Get a blue card and a counselor
Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start Gardening, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.
2. Plan around the setting
Gardening is usually earned on your own with a counselor. Schedule regular check-ins with your counselor so partial progress does not stall.
3. Budget the time
Expect about 3 months for a moderate badge like this one. Working with a partner or at a merit badge clinic can shorten it.
4. Track every requirement
Keep notes as you complete each item so your counselor can sign off without re-doing work. Eagle Compass tracks all 7 Gardening requirements for you.
Gardening Merit Badge FAQ
Is the Gardening merit badge required for Eagle Scout?
No. Gardening is an elective merit badge. It can count as one of the 8 elective badges needed for Eagle Scout, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges.
How long does the Gardening merit badge take?
Most scouts finish Gardening in about 3 months, depending on counselor availability and how the requirements are scheduled.
Where do scouts usually earn the Gardening merit badge?
Gardening is most often earned on your own with a counselor. Any registered merit badge counselor for Gardening can sign off requirements.
How many requirements does the Gardening merit badge have?
Gardening has 5 main requirements with 2 sub-requirements, for 7 items in total.
