Grow a Garden’s limited-time Smithing event has dropped a ton of fresh content, giving players new pets, gears, plants, and cosmetics to chase. None of these rewards come from the usual shop, though. Instead, everything in this update must be crafted, and almost every recipe demands one key ingredient: coal.
Since coal only appears while the Smithing event is active, knowing how to farm it quickly can make or break your progress. If you’re trying to gear up or unlock the new pets, here’s a clear, beginner-friendly breakdown of the easiest ways to get coal in Grow a Garden.
The Three Ways to Get Coal in Grow a Garden
During the event, coal comes from three different sources. You can earn it by taking part in the main Smithing event, using a special pet called the Smithing Dog, or digging for it in the new Treasure Digging area. Each method works differently and has its own pros and cons, so it helps to understand what you can realistically expect from each one.
1. Contribute Items to the Smithing Event
The most straightforward way to earn coal is by contributing items directly to the Smithing event. The event asks you to turn in one plant, one pet, and one piece of gear at the same time. When you submit these three items, the game rewards you with a piece of coal. The rarity of that coal is random, so you might get a common one, or you might get lucky and receive something much rarer.
Aside from collecting coal, contributing to the event has two side benefits. First, it helps lower the global crafting time for everyone participating in the event. Second, it increases the chances of special weather conditions appearing. These weather shifts often create temporary boosts or bonuses that make the event feel more dynamic. So even if you’re only turning in items for coal, you’re still helping the overall event move along faster.
This method is reliable as long as you have extra plants, pets, and gear sitting around. The downside is that it requires actual items from your inventory, which might feel costly if you’re new to the game or still building up resources. But if you’re trying to collect higher-tier coal, this method is still one of your best bets.
2. Use a Smithing Dog on Your Farm
The next method involves using a pet specifically designed for this event: the Smithing Dog. You won’t find this pet wandering around or ready to buy; you have to craft it at the pet crafting station in the event area. The recipe requires one regular Dog, two Rare Coals, and three million sheckles, so it’s not exactly a cheap investment. But once you craft it, the pet pays for itself over time.
After placing the Smithing Dog on your farm, its passive ability automatically digs up coal. The dog produces one piece every 12 minutes, and although most of what it digs up will be common coal, it can occasionally unearth higher-rarity varieties. You don’t need to interact with it or click anything – it works completely on its own.
This method is ideal for long-term farming. Even if the coal you get isn’t the rarest, the steady trickle of resources adds up if you keep your game running or check in throughout the day. It’s also effortless, making it perfect for players who want progress without grinding nonstop. The only real hurdle is crafting the dog itself, since the starting cost is on the heavier side.
3. Try Your Luck With Treasure Digging
The third method is the only one that doesn’t cost anything upfront, but it relies entirely on luck. The Treasure Digging event works similarly to last year’s Halloween gravedigging mechanic, except everything is themed around hidden treasures this time.
To access this feature, click the Shop button on the left side of your screen. A new interface will open, showing a 5×5 grid of tiles covered with flowers. Each tile can be dug up, revealing whatever is buried underneath. Every dig slightly lowers your odds of hitting a good reward, but there’s still a chance of uncovering coal – even if the chances aren’t high.
This method is great if you want something fun to do between farming and crafting, but it’s not the most consistent way to stock up on coal. Think of it as a bonus source rather than your main grind.
All Coal Types in Grow a Garden
During the Smithing event, you can find four different coal varieties:
- Common Coal – Black block with dark gray markings
- Rare Coal – Black block with blue details
- Legendary Coal – Black block with golden details
- Divine Coal – Black block with red highlights
The rarer the coal, the more valuable it becomes – both for crafting and for selling.
What Coal Is Used For
Coal is the backbone of almost every crafting recipe in the Smithing update. Whether you’re trying to make a new pet, unlock unique gear, hatch special eggs, or create event-limited cosmetics, you’ll need coal in some form. Higher-tier items usually require coal of a matching rarity, so don’t expect to craft top-shelf gear using only common pieces.
There’s also a small bonus use: you can hold a piece of coal in your hand and left-click to convert it into sheckles. Higher-rarity coal gives you more currency. That said, the payout is extremely low compared to the value of crafting, so most players avoid selling coal unless they’re desperate for quick money.
If you plan on fully completing the event, you’ll need a steady supply of coal and now you know every way to get it. Whether you’re grinding the event board, placing a loyal Smithing Dog, or testing your luck with treasure digging, each method helps you inch closer to unlocking every new item.
