How Do We Make These Guides?

We draft from extension and NOAA sources, scan our text for hype, check every claim, and update pages at least yearly.

Updated 2026-09-20 · Sources below

Research first

Each guide starts from extension publications and NOAA 1991–2020 normals. For example, tomato timing leans on Maryland Extension and pepper warmth rules on Clemson Extension.

We suggest skepticism as a habit: where the Almanac covers ZIPs better, we say so and link it. For most people, the best source wins, even when it is not us.

Checks before launch

Every page passes an auto check for grade level, banned hype phrases, sources, and working links. A second pass cuts any claim without a source behind it.