Trust and methodology

Show the reasoning. Mark the uncertainty. Review what can change.

Gardening guidance depends on location, weather, soil, cultivar, and the condition of an individual plant. Our standards are designed around that reality.

01

Source policy

We prioritize university extension programs, government agriculture and environment agencies, botanical institutions, and current product labels for safety-critical claims. General technique is separated from region-specific advice.

02

Review policy

Plant profiles and guides display a review date. Time-sensitive pest, product, climate, and regulatory information should be checked again before use.

03

Corrections

Material errors should be corrected in place, with the affected guidance reviewed for related problems. A public correction channel will be added before accepting outside submissions.

04

AI-assisted work

Tools may help organize and draft material, but generated text is not treated as evidence. Claims should be supported by appropriate sources and editorial review.

05

Safety

Pesticide, fertilizer, toxicity, food-safety, and invasive-species decisions require current labels and local guidance. The site avoids treatment recommendations when identification is uncertain.

Foundational references

Research framework reviewed for this release

These sources establish the site’s source hierarchy, timing limits, and pesticide-safety rules. Crop-specific and local guidance still takes priority.

USDA NIFACooperative Extension frameworkReviewed July 15, 2026 ↗USDA ARSPlant Hardiness Zone Map and its proper scopeReviewed July 15, 2026 ↗U.S. EPAPesticide label and safety guidanceReviewed July 15, 2026 ↗University of Minnesota ExtensionVegetable garden soil, timing, sowing, and transplantingReviewed July 15, 2026 ↗

Published and last reviewed: July 15, 2026