Skip to content

Editorial policy

The standards every guide on this site has to meet before it publishes.

Where our advice comes from

We rank our sources in this order: what we have grown or tested ourselves; university extension services and national horticultural bodies; and established trade guidance. When a claim is contested — and plenty of gardening advice is — we say what the disagreement is rather than picking the version that makes a tidier sentence.

What we will not do

  • Publish a product recommendation we were paid to make.
  • Fabricate a test, a measurement, or a photo of a result we did not get.
  • Present AI-generated text as first-hand experience.
  • Give plant, pet, or human health advice that should come from a professional.

Reviews and updates

Seasonal guides are reviewed at least once a year, before the season they cover. Product roundups are re-checked when a pick is discontinued or superseded. The "Updated" date on an article changes only when the content changed — we do not refresh dates to look current.

Corrections

If we get something wrong, we fix it and note what changed. Email [email protected] with the URL and what is wrong, and we will look at it.

Safety

Some of what we cover carries real risk: power tools, electrical work near water, foraging, pesticides, and animal disease. Where that is true we say so in the guide. Grow In Backyard is published for general information — it is not professional agricultural, veterinary, or medical advice, and you are responsible for working safely and within local rules.