3 iPad Apps For Growing a Vegetable Garden

Exploring Vegetable Gardening Apps

Recently, Tim highlighted several complimentary gardening applications available for the iPhone. However, my focus shifted towards identifying tools specifically designed for vegetable cultivation and supporting a self-sufficient lifestyle, which is a personal goal.

I was particularly interested in applications capable of determining suitable crops and optimal planting times.

Today, I will present three applications that met my criteria, though unfortunately, none are available without a purchase.

Discovering robust, free applications within this specialized niche has proven challenging, and those available lacked the desired functionality.

Free Alternatives to Consider

Despite the limitations of free options, a few may be worth exploring as alternatives.

Garden Plot [iTunes] (iPhone only): This application offers a significantly limited experience, featuring only 15 plant types. Additional 'grow' guides are accessible through in-app purchases.

Its unappealing interface, subpar graphics, and the substantial cost of unlocking all varieties render it a less desirable option.
Garden Tracker [iTunes] (for Square Foot Gardening, iPhone only): This app restricts users to 2x2 size plots, with an 8x8 upgrade available for $1.99 via in-app purchase.

If you are willing to adapt to these constraints, it represents the most functional free application available, but only for those employing the square-foot gardening method.

For gardeners who prefer traditional row and bed planting techniques, its utility is limited.

Reviewing the Top 3 Paid Applications

Now, let's proceed with a detailed review of the Top 3 paid applications.

Each application will be assessed based on its features and overall effectiveness.

These applications offer a more comprehensive suite of tools for planning and managing a vegetable garden.

Recommended: Toolkit HD ($3.99) [iTunes] [No Longer Available]

Toolkit HD presents a visually appealing interface, distinguished by its wooden backgrounds and customized UI. This design significantly enhances the user experience while browsing. The application also possesses considerable depth, offering a wealth of gardening advice and information.

Advice:

This section serves as an invaluable resource for planting guidance and schedules. A particularly useful feature is the monthly planting calendar, which indicates suitable plants for your garden. It also provides comprehensive growing instructions.

The app covers a broad spectrum of plant types, including vegetables, herbs, fruits, flowers, and shrubs. This extensive coverage is a significant benefit for gardeners.

The 'Plant Ideas' tab is another helpful addition. It categorizes plants based on specific criteria, such as suitability for clay soils, plants for children, or those that attract pollinators. This feature is especially beneficial for novice gardeners.

From these categorized lists or the comprehensive plant database, adding plants to your personal growing list is accomplished with a single tap.

My Gardens:

This feature allows users to track their planted garden and receive progress updates. The app provides reminders when it’s time to harvest, offering a simple yet effective functionality.

Toolkit HD also allows experienced users to adjust timing settings for plants started from seedlings, rather than seeds.

A journal section is included, functioning as a to-do list, with further enhancements planned. A link to the online community is also provided, though activity there is currently limited. However, these are not central to the app’s functionality.

Overall, the application is a pleasure to use and packed with valuable information. It is confidently recommended as a leading gardening app available.

Honorable Mention: Garden Planner HD ($3.99) [No Longer Available]

While packed with features, this application doesn't quite reach the level of my top pick due to a restricted plant database. It primarily focuses on produce, and even within that category, some common varieties are absent.

Plot Manager:

A recent update introduced this feature, which I've long desired in a vegetable gardening app. Unfortunately, its integration isn't as seamless as I'd hoped.

Specifically, selecting a plant from the catalog doesn't automatically populate your garden. You must first add the item to the Garden area, and then add it again from there to the Plot section. This indirect process feels unnecessarily complex and warrants improvement in future versions.

My Garden:

This section provides fundamental information regarding your current and past plantings. It also enables you to record harvest yields for tracking purposes.

However, a noticeable issue arises here: plants remain listed as active even after being harvested. Deleting the plant seems to be the workaround, but this diminishes the value of saving harvest data.

Compared to Toolkit HD, the app's user interface appears less refined, and the plant database is noticeably smaller. Nevertheless, if a plot manager is a crucial requirement, this application may currently be your only option.

Simple: iGrowIt ($0.99) [iTunes] [No Longer Available]

Among the options available, iGrowIt represents the most affordable, yet also the most constrained, choice. Its primary function is to respond to the query, “What is suitable for planting today?” Consequently, the sole adjustable parameter within the application is the plant hardiness zone.

For users in the UK, this zone is designated as 8. Once selected, the app provides a list of plants that can be sown during the current month.

Functionality and Information

Users have the capability to navigate through different months, facilitating advance planning for their gardens. Selecting a specific plant reveals fundamental planting instructions.

Essentially, iGrowIt serves a singular purpose and doesn't offer features that are unavailable through free online resources. However, at a price of 99 cents, its value is difficult to dispute.

Despite potential criticism, the iPad’s adaptability remains noteworthy. It has successfully integrated into numerous facets of daily life, including garden management.

This versatility is a remarkable achievement and a lasting tribute to Steve Jobs’ vision. While a truly perfect gardening application remains elusive, these options represent the best currently available.

Seeking Community Input

Readers are encouraged to share recommendations for worthwhile free gardening apps in the comments section. Input from Android users regarding suitable alternatives for other tablet devices is also welcome.

Furthermore, consider exploring VGALive, an online plot and garden manager previously discussed.