Editorial Policy

Last Updated: October 16, 2025

At Simple Garden Joy, we are committed to providing practical, trustworthy, and accessible gardening information for small-space gardeners and beginners. This Editorial Policy outlines our content creation process, quality standards, and commitment to transparency.

Our Content Creation Process

AI-Assisted Writing with Human Editorial Oversight

Simple Garden Joy uses artificial intelligence (specifically Google’s Gemini) to assist in generating article drafts. This technology allows us to create comprehensive, well-researched content efficiently while maintaining high quality standards.

Our process includes:

  • Topic Selection: Human editors identify relevant topics based on reader needs, seasonal timing, and gardening trends
  • Research Foundation: All content is grounded in authoritative sources including university extension services, botanical gardens, and horticultural research
  • AI-Assisted Drafting: Gemini AI generates comprehensive article drafts following detailed editorial guidelines
  • Human Review: Every article undergoes editorial review for accuracy, clarity, and practical applicability
  • Fact-Checking: Claims are verified against trusted horticultural sources
  • Continuous Updates: Articles are regularly reviewed and updated as new research or methods emerge

We believe this hybrid approach combines the efficiency of AI with the critical judgment and gardening expertise of human editors, resulting in helpful, accurate content for our readers.

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Trusted Sources

All gardening advice on Simple Garden Joy is based on information from recognized authorities in horticulture and plant science, including:

Citation Standards

All articles include:

  • Direct links to authoritative sources (typically 3-5 university extensions or botanical gardens)
  • Clear disclaimers noting that content is for informational purposes
  • Recommendations to consult local extension services for region-specific advice
  • Acknowledgment of the limitations of general gardening advice across different climates and growing conditions

Quality Standards

Content Must Be:

  • Practical: Actionable advice that works in real small-space gardens
  • Accessible: Clear explanations without unnecessary jargon
  • Realistic: Solutions appropriate for beginner and intermediate gardeners
  • Evidence-Based: Grounded in horticultural science and proven methods
  • Sustainable: Emphasis on environmentally responsible practices
  • Beginner-Friendly: Assumes no prior gardening knowledge unless specified

What We Avoid:

  • Unverified gardening “hacks” or folk remedies without scientific backing
  • Promoting specific products without genuine testing or research support
  • Sensationalized claims about plant benefits or growing methods
  • Region-specific advice presented as universal guidance
  • Misleading information about pest control or plant toxicity

Updates and Corrections

Regular Review Cycle

Articles are reviewed and updated on a regular schedule:

  • Seasonal Content: Reviewed annually before the relevant growing season
  • Evergreen Guides: Reviewed every 12-18 months
  • Product Recommendations: Reviewed as new products become available or when reader feedback indicates changes
  • Breaking Research: Articles updated promptly when significant new research affects recommendations

Correction Policy

If we discover an error or receive credible feedback about inaccurate information:

  1. We investigate the claim thoroughly
  2. If confirmed, we correct the article immediately
  3. For significant factual errors, we add a dated correction note at the top of the article
  4. We update the “Last Updated” date to reflect the correction

Readers can report concerns via our Contact page.

Conflicts of Interest & Disclosures

Affiliate Relationships

Simple Garden Joy participates in affiliate programs and may earn commissions from qualifying purchases made through links on this site. This helps support our research and content creation at no additional cost to readers.

Our affiliate policy:

  • We only recommend products that align with our editorial standards
  • Product recommendations are based on research, reviews, and alignment with gardening best practices
  • Affiliate relationships do not influence our editorial judgment
  • We clearly disclose affiliate relationships where they exist

Sponsored Content

Currently, Simple Garden Joy does not publish sponsored content or paid product reviews. If this changes in the future, all sponsored content will be clearly labeled as such.

Reader Privacy & Data

We respect reader privacy and handle data responsibly:

  • We do not sell personal information
  • Email addresses (if collected) are used only for requested communications
  • We use standard analytics to understand content performance and improve our site
  • For full details, see our Privacy Policy

Contact Our Editorial Team

We welcome feedback, questions, and suggestions from our readers:

Your input helps us improve and provide more valuable content for the gardening community.

Our Mission

Simple Garden Joy exists to make gardening accessible, enjoyable, and achievable for everyone—especially those with limited space, limited time, or limited experience. We believe that:

  • Everyone can grow something, regardless of space constraints
  • Gardening should be a source of joy, not stress
  • Small-space gardens can be productive, beautiful, and sustainable
  • Transparent, honest communication builds trust with our readers
  • Technology (including AI) can help democratize access to quality gardening information

We are committed to maintaining these principles while continuously improving our content and processes based on reader feedback and evolving best practices in horticulture and digital publishing.

Thank you for trusting Simple Garden Joy as your gardening resource.