There are apps for pretty much everything, and gardening is no different. Back in the day, we used books, almanacs, and journals. Today, it makes sense to utilize technology for the sheer amount of information and the ease of looking it up.
You can be standing right next to your garden and have access to so many different types of information; you don’t even have to go inside.
From planting and gardening guides, to plant identification, there is an app for everything gardening related and apps to suit all experience levels.
How to Choose a Gardening App
If you don’t use a gardening app, you miss out on a wealth of knowledge and information at your fingertips. You no longer need those books and almanacs.
With apps, you can increase your knowledge exponentially in just one day using your phone or tablet.
You don’t need to download all seven apps included here, of course. First, figure out where your knowledge gaps are and use the app or apps to help you. That said, all of these apps are useful for any gardener.
You may not even need the app for too long. Your knowledge gap might be around one or two problems. Once you figure things out, you can delete it.
Or, you might need an app to guide you through an entire gardening set up or project.
Other things to consider are:
Your Budget
Some apps are free, but you often find the limitations are too great with the free version. Make sure you read the fine print and know in advance when and why you’re paying for the app if you take the payment option.
With many apps, you pay monthly for a subscription, which is automatically renewed. Look for the app setting that turns the automatic renewal off, so there are no surprises if you aren’t sure you’ll keep using it.
When possible, try the free version to determine if you need or want the app before paying for it.
Where You Live
I made the mistake of downloading (and paying for) an app to identify plants. Little did I realize that it wasn’t actually for where I live, and most of the plants around me weren’t included in the app database.
Your Experience Level
Make sure the app isn’t for beginners if you’re experienced or for experiended gardeners if you’re a beginner.
Check the Ratings
Some apps that you find out there are just plain terrible. Read the reviews and take advantage of the free version before committing.
We did the work for you on this guide. All the ones on this list are highly-rated.
Compatibility
Make sure your phone or tablet is compatible with the app. What works on an iPhone might not work on an Android phone. This information is within the app description.
7 Apps For Success in the Garden
The apps below are for various gardening styles and levels of experience. They are all rated as over 4 stars at the time of writing and have increasing numbers of subscribers.
1. Moon and Garden
Lunar planting is getting popular as many gardeners recognize the lunar cycle’s impact on their harvest. Entire books are written on this subject, but you can also use the handy Moon and Garden app.
This app relies on the phases of the moon to guide you through your garden chores, timings, and harvest. It teaches you how to plant, repot, rest and harvest with the lunar cycle.
With handy reminders and the ability to post pictures to the app community, this is the perfect choice for those new to lunar planting. The app is free, but you can pay a small fee to remove the ads.
Time your way to bumper harvests with the help of the moon.
2. Gardenize
If you’re like me and keep a garden journal, Gardenize is an electronic version. It enables you to track your planting and document your success.
You can also learn more about crop rotation, how to grow and how to keep your garden healthy.
You can even create a public profile that allows your friends to see what you’re doing and enjoy your success with you. Plus, you can see what they are doing as well.
The app comes in clearly defined sections, so you choose what task you need help with. The app is free but charges for various other functions like exporting or downloading information sheets.
This is one app you can get away with just using the free version.
3. Gardenate
In the past, I used a book as a guide for when to plant my vegetables each month. It got tatty, dirty, and wet. An app is a perfect replacement because it sits in my pocket on my phone.
There is a lot of information on vegetables, planning your garden, and setting schedules in Gardenate. There is a ‘planting now’ tab, and the app covers areas as diverse as the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
This is a simple app that stores the information in your phone, rather than needing an internet connection.
This is a paid app and doesn’t appear to offer a free version, but well worth considering.
4. SmartPlant
Even experienced gardeners come across plants, pests, and diseases they have never seen or experienced before.
SmartPlant allows you to snap a picture of a plant or pest and have an expert identify it for you. This is super helpful if you’re having trouble addressing the problem.
You create a plant list, and the app will send you reminders about care, feeding, and maintenance for that plant.
Some retailers have joined with this app so you can scan barcodes of plants in their stores. This will give you care instructions and reminders about that plant.
Once you have completed your specific task, you mark it as complete in the interactive list. Some functions are not part of the free version, but the app does provide some free goodies every month for you to trial.
5. Family App
Gardening doesn’t have to be about huge spaces or massive harvests. Sometimes growing your vegetables in containers is the only way to go due to time, space, or preference.
Family App’s container gardening app is perfect for gathering information and experience in container planting for the whole family. Information on creating a stunning container garden is included.
Learn all about fertilizing, watering, planting, potting mix, and all things container-related. This app does contain ads.
6. Garden Answers
Most of us have come across a plant we think looks amazing, but have no idea what it is.
Take advantage of the latest in recognition technology with Garden Answers. Take a photo of the plant you want to identify and compare it to the database. The answer is usually instantaneous.
You will also get access to hundreds of thousands of commonly asked questions on all things gardening, including plant health.
On top of that, you can find out of your plants have any diseases you’re unsure about. You can also ask experts questions on anything gardening.
This app is popular, so the bigger it gets, the more you’ll find on the site.
7. Garden Plan Pro
As I said, even experienced gardeners need help sometimes too. You will always find pests, diseases or situations that you haven’t come across before or are unsure about.
Garden Plan Pro is full of gardening guides and advice. You get recommended planting guides. You also get advice on harvesting.
Crop rotation warnings are a great feature. As an experienced gardener, you will use this app to create and maintain a gardening plan that a beginner won’t do while they are learning about the basics of planting and harvesting.
