As a parent, I am always on the lookout for new games and activities that my children can enjoy. So when I heard about Grow a Garden, a popular game on the online gaming platform Roblox, I was intrigued. Little did I know that this seemingly innocent game would become a source of concern for many parents. Games like Grow a Garden are designed to be engaging and addictive, making it difficult for young players to put down. The premise of the game is simple - players slowly develop a small virtual terrain into their dream garden.
But what makes it so appealing to children?Released in March 2025, Grow a Garden quickly gained popularity and has since accumulated over 11 billion views. It has even surpassed the number of simultaneous players of popular games like Fortnite. With between 2 and 3 million players online most hours of the day, it's no wonder that this game has become a phenomenon. But as a parent, I couldn't help but wonder - is Grow a Garden safe for children? My curiosity led me to do some research and what I found was concerning. One of the main attractions of Grow a Garden is that it is a free game. However, like many games on Roblox, it is designed to encourage in-game purchases.
This means that while the game itself may be free, players are often tempted to spend real money on virtual items within the game. Gardening podcaster and BBC presenter Thordis Fridriksson believes that any interest in gardening sparked by this game could be a good thing. And Professor Andrew Przybylski from Oxford University suggests that playing Grow a Garden could even lead to a passion for plants. But as much as I want to believe that, I can't ignore the fact that most games on Roblox are pay-to-win. This means that players who spend real money on in-game items have an advantage over those who don't. And this is where the danger lies. Roblox has a responsibility to protect its underage players, but it allows games like Grow a Garden to thrive unchecked.
The game's currency, Robux, can be purchased with real money and used to buy in-game items. And while some items may be cheap, others can cost up to 199 Robux - a significant amount for young players. As a parent, I have become more vigilant about monitoring my children's gaming habits and the dynamics of the games they play. And I urge other parents to do the same. But despite my concerns, I cannot deny that Grow a Garden offers a lot of creative fun and simple gameplay. It's no wonder that children are drawn to its bright colors and simplicity. So what can we do as parents? The first step is to educate ourselves about the games our children are playing.
The Ultimate Roblox Book is a great resource for parents who want to understand the world of Roblox and how to keep their children safe while playing. In conclusion, while Grow a Garden may seem like an innocent game on the surface, it is important for parents to be aware of its addictive nature and potential dangers. As with any form of entertainment, moderation and parental supervision are key. Let's work together to ensure our children's safety in the ever-evolving world of online gaming.
