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 Product roundups are re-checked when a pick is discontinued or superseded.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 hello@growinbackyard.com 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.