How We Rate Our Vendors and Products
Shopping for seeds, soils, tools, or supplies can be confusing. Our gardener‑friendly rating system makes it simple to see who walks the talk on sustainability — and which products actually work in the garden.
People
- Fair treatment of workers and suppliers
- Avoidance of exploitative sourcing
- Safe, supportive working conditions
- Transparent labor policies and enforcement
Planet
- Peat‑free, organic, or lower‑impact materials
- Reduced chemicals, plastics, and waste
- Responsible packaging
- Soil health, water conservation, biodiversity
Wildlife
- Avoids pollinator‑harming pesticides (e.g., neonics)
- Wildlife‑friendly product choices and policies
- Supports habitats & beneficial insects
- Reduces materials that damage ecosystems
Product Quality
- Performance in real‑world garden use
- Consistency and reliability over time
- Seeds true‑to‑type; tools & soils as promised
- Balances sustainability with effectiveness
How We Collect Information
We rely on transparent, verifiable sources to build each rating. Claims must be supported by public evidence.
Public Policies
Sustainability pages, codes of conduct, supplier standards.
Certifications
USDA Organic, OMRI Listed, FSC, Fair Trade, and other credible attestations.
Independent Research
University extension resources, studies, and recognized reports.
Social Reviews
Real‑world feedback from gardeners via community forums and review platforms.
Types of Reviews We Provide
We compare products across a category (e.g., soil mixes, compost bins, grow lights), and highlight what matters most and which options are best.
- What to know in the category
- Top products we recommend
Deep dives on standout items (e.g., pH pens, pruners). If a product is provided for testing, we disclose it. We never guarantee positive coverage — only honesty.
- Hands‑on testing
- Clear disclosures
Big‑picture profiles of vendors: sustainability practices, reputation, and what sets them apart in the gardening space.
- Company practices
- How they compare
Ratings at a Glance
Example display for vendor listing cardsSample Vendor Score
Scores reflect performance across criteria in each area.
How to Read It
- 90–100 Excellent — industry‑leading practices
- 80–89 Strong — clear strengths, minor gaps
- 65–79 Fair — meaningful progress, room to improve
- 50–64 Limited — partial policies or inconsistent results
- < 50 Poor — lacks robust commitments or evidence
Why It Matters
Ratings are more than numbers. They help gardeners choose options that are good for their soil and plants, the people behind the products, local pollinators and wildlife, and the planet we all share.