Growing Guides

How we read your land — and how you can read it, too.

Read Your Land

Soil Report

Read what your soil says about growing potential.

Hardiness Zones

How USDA zones translate to what survives winter on your land.

Sun Hours

How sunlight maps across your parcel and which plants it supports.

Frost Dates

First and last frost for your exact coordinates, from NOAA normals.

Drainage & Water

How your soil moves water — and what that means for roots.

Growing Methods

In-Ground Growing

Planting direct in your native soil — when it works, when it doesn't.

Raised Beds

Build and fill raised beds to bypass soil constraints.

Container Gardening

Grow in pots when your soil or drainage limits you.

Greenhouse Growing

Extend the season and shift your effective hardiness zone.

Plan Your Garden

What Can I Grow?

How we match every plant to your exact soil, sun, and climate.

Garden Builder

Place beds on your property and see what scores where.

Pollinator Garden

Build the bloom calendar that keeps bees and butterflies fed.

Permaculture

Food-forest and perennial systems, matched to your site.

Pet-Safe Plants

Non-toxic plants safe for dogs and cats.

Find the Right Tool

Best Free Plant Finder

A working tour of the free tools — USDA, Calflora, Native Plant Trust, Cooperative Extensions, and us.

What Plants Will Grow on My Land?

The multi-factor question, answered from public federal data.

Is My Property Contaminated?

How to read the federal contamination record for your address before you plant food.