AbstractA growing number of organisations and institutions are using sustainability and horticultural interventions in the correctional context for their supposed healing, rehabilitative or therapeutic benefits. This article thematically reviews a range of qualitative, quantitative, case study, meta‐analysis, and controlled experimental research studies – to compare what is known about therapeutic horticulture interventions with research on pathways to desistance from crime. It finds the following areas are both evidence‐based outcomes in therapeutic horticulture and factors that likely contribute to desistance from crime: identity transformation; education and vocational training; mental health and wellness; social support; and spirituality and religion. Overall, the review will be of interest to practitioners implementing therapeutic horticulture in correctional or community settings, and researchers studying re‐entry or resettlement programmes, therapeutic horticulture, and desistance.