Methodology and sources
How Patch builds a planting guide.
Patch aims to give a useful first decision while remaining honest about the local factors a national website cannot see.
Match the location
When a postcode service supplies coordinates and a state, Patch distinguishes coastal, inland, tropical, Mediterranean, semi-arid, arid, warm-temperate and cool-temperate conditions. A postcode-range fallback is used when coordinates are unavailable.
Apply a broad seasonal window
Each plant is assigned a broad month-by-month window for each base climate. Semi-arid and arid suggestions use the overlap between compatible calendars and assume reliable garden watering.
Add practical growing guidance
Planting method, light, maturity, soil, spacing, feeding, maintenance and common problems are combined into a usable starting guide. Seed packets, plant labels and locally adapted varieties remain the final authority.
Review and correct
Plant pages show a last-reviewed date. Feedback is used to identify unclear guidance, missing plants and regional exceptions for future review.
Sources to check
Authoritative local information comes first.
Important limitation
Microclimates matter
Elevation, frost pockets, coastal exposure, urban heat, shade, rainfall, irrigation and soil can shift a planting window by several weeks.
Safety limitation
Confirm the exact species
Safety notes are cautious prompts, not a complete toxicology database. Contact a veterinarian or the Poisons Information Centre when exposure is suspected.
Last updated 3 September 2026