Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the best gardening apps. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these apps can significantly enhance your gardening experience.
Next to gardening books & gardening podcasts, gardening apps have emerged as indispensable tools for garden enthusiasts. They offer a plethora of features designed to simplify the complexities of gardening, making it more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. From plant identification to garden planning, watering schedules to pest control, these apps cover every aspect of gardening.
In order to identify the best gardening apps, we have asked 50 of our colleagues to download more than 40 different gardening apps to pick out their favourites, based on a scientific and data-based assessment on more than 100 data points.
Join us as we unfold the digital revolution in gardening, and discover how these apps can transform your green space.
Not into modern techniology or apps? No worries! Check out the best gardening books instead. Alternatively, subscribe to a monthly gardening magazine or watch gardening TV shows.
What are Gardening Apps?
Gardening apps are mobile applications designed to assist with various aspects of gardening. These digital tools serve as a bridge between technology and nature, offering a range of functionalities that cater to diverse gardening activities. With the power of smartphones, these apps provide valuable information and services right at your fingertips.
They can identify plants, track plant growth, offer gardening advice, provide weather forecasts, and even create personalized garden plans. Gardening apps are tailored to make the life of a gardener easier, more efficient, and more productive, encompassing both the needs of casual backyard gardeners and professional landscapers.
6 Advatages of Gardening Apps
1. Instant Knowledge Access
In contrast to traditional resources, like gardening magazines, gardening apps provide immediate access to extensive plant care guides, pest identification, and other valuable information.
2. Customized Assistance
These apps offer personalized advice based on your specific garden type, location, and plant choices, ensuring relevant and practical guidance.
3. Efficiency and Reminders
Save time and effort with automated reminders for watering, fertilizing, and other essential gardening tasks.
4. Easy Plant Identification
Utilize photo recognition features for quick plant identification and growth tracking, beneficial for both new and experienced gardeners.
5. Community Connection
Engage with fellow gardeners through app-based social networks, sharing tips, advice, and garden progress.
6. Eco-Friendly Gardening
Promote sustainable practices with tips on composting, water conservation, and organic pest control.
Best Gardening Apps
1. From Seed To Spoon Gardening – Best Gardening App
EcoCation® Test Score:
8.6/10
How it works:
From Seed To Spoon Gardening simplifies the gardening process, guiding users from planting to harvest. It provides tailored advice based on your location and the current season. For instance, it can recommend the best plants for urban gardening or the best vegetables to plant in your area during spring. It’s one of the best free gardening apps, especially useful for beginners looking to get their hands dirty.
Best features:
Supported platforms:
iOS, Android
Pricing:
Free with optional in-app purchases. Contains ads, with a premium version offering ad-free experience and extra features.
Pros
- User-Friendly Interface: Easy navigation and clear instructions.
- Location-Specific Advice: Tailored gardening tips for your area.
- Extensive Plant Database: Covers a wide range of vegetables and herbs.
Cons
- In-App Ads: Contains advertisements in free version.
- Limited Customization: Some features lack personalization options.
What our testers say about From Seed To Spoon Gardening:
Our team found From Seed To Spoon Gardening to be an incredibly helpful tool for both novice and experienced gardeners. The personalized planting calendar was particularly appreciated, as it took the guesswork out of knowing when to plant. The garden planning tool was also a hit for efficiently utilizing garden space. However, some testers noted the presence of ads in the free version could be distracting, and desired more customization options in garden planning.
2. Planta – Best Plant Care App
EcoCation® Test Score:
8.4/10
How it works:
Being one of the best plant care apps, Planta is designed to help users keep their plants healthy and thriving. It offers tailored care instructions for each plant, including watering, light needs, and fertilizing schedules. For example, it can send reminders to water your specific type of orchid.
Best features:
Supported platforms:
iOS, Android
Pricing:
Free download with in-app purchases. Offers a premium subscription for advanced features, no ads.
Pros
- Customized Care: Tailored advice for each plant.
- Health Tracking: Monitors plant growth and health.
- Educational Content: Provides valuable plant-care knowledge.
Cons
- Premium Cost: Advanced features require subscription.
- Notification Overload: Frequent reminders can be overwhelming.
- Limited Plant Database: Some rare plants not included.
What our testers say about Planta:
Our testers were impressed with Planta’s comprehensive approach to plant care. The customized soil care instructions and watering reminders were particularly helpful for those with a busy schedule or new to plant care. The light meter feature was praised for assisting in finding the perfect spot for each plant. While the plant doctor feature was seen as a valuable resource for troubleshooting, the testers mentioned that the premium subscription was necessary to unlock the app’s full potential. A few also noted that while the app covers a wide variety of plants, it lacks information on some less common species. Overall, Planta is a great asset for anyone looking to keep their plants healthy and flourishing.
3. PlantSnap – Best Plant Identification App
EcoCation® Test Score:
8.3/10
How it works:
Being one of the best plant identification apps, PlantSnap is a powerful tool for quickly identifying plants, flowers, and trees. Users simply snap a photo of the plant, and the app uses advanced AI to identify it. For instance, take a picture of an unknown flower in your garden, and PlantSnap will tell you what it is. So it’s a great app for identifying flowers and the likes.
Best features:
Supported platforms:
iOS, Android
Pricing:
Free to download, includes in-app purchases. Offers a premium version for additional features, without ads.
Pros
- Fast Results: Quick and accurate identification.
- Learning Tool: Great for educational purposes.
- Regular Updates: Database constantly expands.
Cons
- Internet Dependency: Requires a stable internet connection.
- Mixed Accuracy: Sometimes struggles with rare species.
- In-App Purchases: Essential features cost extra.
What our testers say about PlantSnap:
Our testers found PlantSnap to be an incredibly useful tool for both amateur and experienced gardeners and nature enthusiasts. The app’s ability to instantly identify a wide variety of plants was highly praised, particularly for those curious about the flora around them. While the interface is user-friendly, some testers experienced occasional inaccuracies with rare or less common plants. The dependence on an internet connection was seen as a minor inconvenience. Despite these drawbacks, the overall feedback was positive, especially for the app’s educational value in learning about different plant species. The regular updates adding new plants to the database were also appreciated, keeping the app relevant and useful.
4. Grow by RHS – Best All-Round Gardening App
EcoCation® Test Score:
8.1/10
How it works:
Grow by RHS, developed by the Royal Horticultural Society, is a comprehensive app for gardeners of all levels. It offers expert advice, planting tips, and problem-solving solutions. For example, it provides guidance on almost any topic you can imagine, from how you can deal with maggots in your compost to growing a palm tree from seeds. The app guides you through planting a vegetable garden, providing step-by-step instructions.
Best features:
Supported platforms:
iOS, Android
Pricing:
100% free to download; no in-app purchases or ads.
Pros
- Trustworthy Information: Reliable, expert-backed advice.
- Wide Plant Range: Covers a vast array of plants.
- User Friendly: Intuitive and easy to navigate.
Cons
- Limited Offline Use: Requires internet for full functionality.
- Basic Interface: Lacks advanced customization.
- Focused Content: Primarily UK-centric gardening information.
What our testers say about Grow by RHS:
Our testers were impressed with the depth of knowledge and expert advice provided by Grow by RHS. The app was particularly helpful for beginner gardeners, offering straightforward guidance and easy-to-follow instructions. The plant identifier was a favorite feature, though some noted that the app’s content is more UK-centric, which may limit its applicability in other regions. The simplicity of the interface was appreciated, but some testers desired more advanced features. Overall, it’s an excellent resource for gardeners seeking reliable information and guidance.
5. Homegrown With Bonnie Plants – Vegetable Gardening App
EcoCation® Test Score:
7.8/10
How it works:
Homegrown with Bonnie Plants is tailored for vegetable gardeners, offering guidance from planting to harvest. It provides personalized planting recommendations and care tips. For instance, users can track the growth of their tomatoes, receiving notifications for optimal watering and fertilizing times.
Best features:
Supported platforms:
iOS, Android
Pricing:
Free to download, no in-app purchases or ads.
Pros
- Tailored Tips: Specific advice for vegetables.
- Easy Tracking: Simplifies garden management.
- Educational Content: Great for learning.
Cons
- Vegetable Focus: Limited to vegetable gardening.
- Basic Interface: Lacks advanced tools.
- Regional Limits: Best suited for Northern climates.
What our testers say about Homegrown With Bonnie Plants:
Our testers found Homegrown With Bonnie Plants to be an invaluable tool for vegetable gardening enthusiasts. The app’s specific focus on vegetable care was highly appreciated, especially for those new to this type of gardening. The growth tracker and care reminders were seen as particularly beneficial for keeping track of garden progress and ensuring plants receive the right care at the right time. However, some testers noted the app’s focus on vegetables might be limiting for those interested in a broader range of gardening. Despite its basic interface, the app was praised for its educational content and user-friendly design
6. Lawn To Wildflowers – Sustainable Gardening App
EcoCation® Test Score:
7.7/10
How it works:
Lawn To Wildflowers focuses on transforming conventional lawns into sustainable, wildlife-friendly spaces. It offers guidance on selecting and growing native plants to support local ecosystems. For example, users can learn how to convert a section of their lawn into a wildflower haven for bees and butterflies.
Best features:
Supported platforms:
iOS, Android
Pricing:
Completely free, no in-app purchases or ads.
Pros
- Eco-Friendly Focus: Promotes biodiversity.
- Practical Guidance: Step-by-step instructions.
- Conservation Efforts: Supports environmental sustainability.
Cons
- Limited Scope: Mainly for wildflowers.
- Simple Design: Lacks visual appeal.
- Region-Specific: Best for certain areas.
What our testers say about Lawn To Wildflowers:
Our testers were enthusiastic about Lawn To Wildflowers’ mission to promote sustainable gardening practices. The native plant selector was a standout feature, making it easier to choose plants that are beneficial for local wildlife. The app’s practical advice for attracting birds and insects was also highly praised. However, some testers noted that its focus on wildflowers and regional specificity might not appeal to everyone. Despite its simple design, the app was appreciated for its straightforward approach and contribution to conservation efforts.
7. Moon & Garden – Moon Planting Schedule App
EcoCation® Test Score:
7.6/10
How it works:
Moon & Garden harnesses the ancient practice of lunar gardening, aligning planting and harvesting activities with lunar phases. The app provides a calendar that shows the best days for sowing, transplanting, and harvesting based on the moon’s cycle. For example, it might suggest planting leafy vegetables during a waxing moon.
Best features:
Supported platforms:
iOS, Android
Pricing:
Free with optional in-app purchases. Offers ad-free experience and extra features in premium version.
Pros
- Unique Approach: Incorporates lunar cycles.
- Timely Notifications: Helps plan gardening tasks.
- Educational Content: Offers insight into lunar gardening.
Cons
- Niche Method: Not for all gardeners.
- Requires Patience: Lunar gardening takes time.
- Ads in Free Version: Slightly intrusive.
What our testers say about Moon & Garden:
Our testers found Moon & Garden to be a fascinating and unique tool, particularly for those interested in traditional gardening methods. The lunar calendar was praised for adding an interesting dimension to gardening planning. However, some noted that lunar gardening might not suit everyone, especially those looking for immediate results. The educational content was appreciated for providing a deeper understanding of how lunar phases can impact gardening activities. Although the free version contains ads, the overall experience was seen as enriching and different from typical gardening apps.
8. Garden Tags – Social Media App For Gardeners
EcoCation® Test Score:
7.5/10
How it works:
Garden Tags combines social media with gardening, allowing users to share their gardening experiences, get advice, and find inspiration. Users can post photos of their plants, seek identification help, or share gardening successes. For instance, you can upload a photo of your blooming rose bush and receive tips and compliments from fellow gardeners.
Best features:
Supported platforms:
iOS, Android
Pricing:
Free, with in-app purchases for premium features. Includes ads.
Pros
- Social Networking: Builds gardening community.
- Learning Opportunities: Gain and share knowledge.
- User Engagement: Interactive and fun.
Cons
- Internet Required: Depends on online connectivity.
- In-App Purchases: For full experience.
- Variable Advice Quality: Depends on community knowledge.
What our testers say about Garden Tags:
Our testers enjoyed the unique blend of social media and gardening offered by Garden Tags. The community aspect was a highlight, providing a platform to connect with like-minded gardeners and share experiences. While the plant identification feature and gardening challenges added an engaging and educational element, some testers mentioned the quality of advice can vary as it relies on community input. The presence of in-app purchases for premium features was noted, but overall, the app was seen as a valuable resource for both novice and expert gardeners looking for a social gardening experience.
9. Growit! – Track Garden Progress
EcoCation® Test Score:
7.4/10
How it works:
Growit! is designed to help gardeners track and share their gardening journey. It allows users to document the growth of their plants with photos and notes, creating a visual diary. For example, you can regularly upload pictures of your growing tomato plants to see their progress over time.
Best features:
Supported platforms:
iOS, Android
Pricing:
Free to download, includes ads. In-app purchases for additional features.
Pros
- Visual Tracking: See your garden’s growth.
- Social Interaction: Engage with a gardening community.
- Plant ID Help: Assistance with unknown plants.
Cons
- Ad Interruptions: Contains advertisements.
- Limited Offline Access: Requires internet for full functionality.
What our testers say about Growit!:
Our testers found Growit! to be an enjoyable and informative tool for tracking garden progress. The ability to create a visual diary was particularly appreciated, as it helped in observing and understanding plant growth over time. While the social aspect of connecting with other gardeners was seen as a great way to exchange tips and experiences, the presence of ads in the free version was noted as a minor inconvenience. Overall, the app was considered a valuable resource for gardeners looking to document and share their gardening journey.
10. Gardenize – Plan & Manage Garden
EcoCation® Test Score:
7.3/10
How it works:
Gardenize is an all-in-one app for organizing and managing your garden. It allows users to record information about their plants, track gardening activities, and plan garden layouts. For instance, you can log each plant’s watering schedule, fertilizer needs, and growth stages.
Best features:
Supported platforms:
iOS, Android
Pricing:
Free to use with optional in-app purchases for premium features. Premium version offers advanced planning tools and no ads.
Pros
- Comprehensive Records: Detailed plant care logs.
- Visual Planning: Helps design garden layouts.
- Task Management: Organizes gardening activities.
Cons
- Complex Interface: Can be overwhelming.
- Premium Restrictions: Best features behind paywall.
- Data-Intensive: Requires significant input.
What our testers say about Gardenize:
Our testers appreciated Gardenize for its comprehensive approach to garden management. The detailed logging of plant information and the garden layout planner were particularly useful for meticulous planning and organization. While the app’s wide range of features was praised, some testers found the interface a bit complex and time-consuming to navigate, especially for beginners. The need for a premium subscription to access the best features was also noted. Overall, Gardenize was seen as a powerful tool for serious gardeners who enjoy detailed tracking and planning.
11. iNaturalist – All-Round Plant & Gardening App
EcoCation® Test Score:
7.2/10
How it works:
iNaturalist is a nature exploration and observation app that connects gardeners and nature enthusiasts with a global community of biologists. By uploading photos of plants or wildlife, users can get identifications and contribute to biodiversity science. For example, snapping a photo of an unknown bird in your garden could lead to its identification by the community or experts. The creators of iNaturalist also came up with a complementary app, callled Seek, which is a bit more simple and user-friendly.
Best features:
Supported platforms:
iOS, Android
Pricing:
Completely free, no in-app purchases or ads.
Pros
- Wide Biodiversity: Identifies a vast range of species.
- Community Contributions: Engage with scientists and enthusiasts.
- Educational Value: Great for learning about nature.
Cons
- Varied Accuracy: Dependent on community identifications.
- Data Reliant: Requires internet for full functionality.
- User Interface: Complex for new users.
What our testers say about iNaturalist:
Our testers were impressed with iNaturalist’s vast database and the ability to contribute to scientific research. The species identification feature was highly valued for learning about local biodiversity. However, some found that the accuracy of identifications varied, depending on who in the community responded. The educational aspect of the app was praised, particularly for those interested in nature and conservation. Despite a somewhat complex interface for beginners, iNaturalist was seen as an excellent tool for connecting with nature and a wider community of nature enthusiasts.
12. iScape – Garden Design App
EcoCation® Test Score:
7.1/10
How it works:
iScape is a garden design app that enables users to visualize and plan their garden space digitally. It allows you to create virtual layouts of your garden by adding plants, trees, and garden features. For example, you can experiment with different plant arrangements in your front yard before making any physical changes.
Best features:
Supported platforms:
iOS
Pricing:
Free to download with in-app purchases. Offers a subscription model for advanced features and access to a larger plant library.
Pros
- Design Flexibility: Experiment with various layouts.
- Large Plant Selection: Diverse range of plants and features.
- User-Friendly Interface: Easy to navigate and use.
Cons
- iOS Only: Limited to Apple devices.
- Subscription Model: Full features require payment.
- Data Intensive: Requires a good amount of data input.
What our testers say about iScape:
Our testers found iScape to be an incredibly useful tool for garden planning and design. The app’s ability to visualize garden layouts before implementing them was highly appreciated, especially for those planning significant garden renovations. The extensive plant library and real-time editing features allowed for great flexibility in design. However, the limitation to iOS devices and the need for a subscription to unlock full features were noted as drawbacks. Overall, iScape was seen as a valuable asset for anyone looking to creatively plan and design their garden space.
13. Home Design 3D Outdoor & Garden – Garden Design App
EcoCation® Test Score:
7.0/10
How it works:
Similar to iScape, Home Design 3D Outdoor & Garden is an app for designing and visualizing outdoor spaces in 3D. It allows users to create detailed garden and landscape designs using a drag-and-drop interface. For example, you can design your backyard with specific garden beds, trees, and outdoor furniture, seeing the result in a realistic 3D model.
Best features:
Supported platforms:
iOS, Android
Pricing:
Free download with in-app purchases. Offers a premium version for access to the full library of design objects and features.
Pros
- Realistic 3D Models: Bring designs to life.
- Extensive Customization: Tailor every detail.
- Easy-to-Use Interface: Intuitive design process.
Cons
- In-App Purchases: Essential features cost extra.
- Learning Curve: Initially complex for beginners.
What our testers say about Home Design 3D Outdoor & Garden:
Our testers were impressed with the realistic 3D visualization capabilities of Home Design 3D Outdoor & Garden, finding it exceptionally useful for planning and imagining garden layouts. The extensive library of objects allowed for detailed customization of outdoor spaces. However, some noted that getting the hang of the app’s features could be daunting for beginners, and the need for in-app purchases to access full functionalities was seen as a downside. The app performed best on newer devices, providing a smoother design experience.
14. Hortisketch – Garden Layout Planner
EcoCation® Test Score:
6.9/10
How it works:
Hortisketch is a specialized app designed for creating and planning garden layouts. It allows users to sketch out garden designs, incorporating various plants and garden elements. For instance, users can map out a new vegetable garden, placing beds, paths, and specific vegetables in a scaled layout.
Best features:
Supported platforms:
iOS, Android
Pricing:
Offers a free version with basic features, in-app purchases for advanced tools and functionalities.
Pros
- Precision Planning: For detailed layouts.
- Wide Plant Selection: Extensive variety of plants.
- User-Friendly: Easy for beginners and experts.
Cons
- Basic Free Version: Limited features without payment.
- Requires Practice: Initially challenging to master.
- Device Compatibility: Better on tablets than phones.
What our testers say about Hortisketch:
Our testers found Hortisketch to be a valuable tool for gardeners who enjoy detailed planning and design. The precision sketching tools and the ability to adjust scale were particularly appreciated for creating accurate garden layouts. The extensive plant database provided a wide range of options for planning diverse gardens. However, the free version was seen as somewhat basic, with the more advanced features locked behind in-app purchases. Some testers noted a bit of a learning curve and recommended using the app on tablets for a better experience.
15. My Green Space – Food Growing App for Gardeners
EcoCation® Test Score:
6.8/10
How it works:
My Green Space is dedicated to helping users grow their own food, regardless of space constraints. It offers personalized plans based on available space, sunlight, and desired crops. For example, users can input their balcony dimensions to receive suggestions for suitable vegetables and herbs.
Best features:
Supported platforms:
iOS, Android
Pricing:
Free to download, with in-app purchases for additional features and tools.
Pros
- Personalized Recommendations: Ideal for small spaces.
- Timely Alerts: Helps in consistent plant care.
- Harvest Satisfaction: Tracks success and yields.
Cons
- In-App Purchases: For full feature access.
- Data Entry Required: Needs initial setup information.
- Focused Scope: Mainly on food plants.
What our testers say about My Green Space:
Our testers appreciated My Green Space for its focus on urban and small-space gardening. The app’s ability to provide customized garden plans based on individual space and conditions was a standout feature. Reminders for plant care were helpful in maintaining a consistent gardening routine. However, the requirement for in-app purchases to access certain features and the initial data entry process were noted as minor drawbacks. Overall, the app was praised for its user-friendly approach to helping city dwellers grow their own food successfully.
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