App Aims: Plant Tracker Extraordinaire

Reviewer’s Comments
MyGarden is perfect for the gardener who already knows the names of their plants and desires to keep detailed track of growth progress. Still in its infancy, the app as currently designed functions only as a tracking log. This is not (yet) a database and it does not (yet) have a camera function, though the developer promises these features are coming in a future version.

The interface is well organized and intuitive – simply select the category and input the data as it applies. Each post begins with the main headings of Plant Information, Purchase & Planting and Care. Once entered and saved, entries appear on the main page as a list of plant names and graphic icons. You can then choose to sort your list by whatever subheading you choose: Plant Name, Plant Type, Water Needs, Bloom Time or Location.

Simple graphic icons are assigned to the plants based on selecting a plant type. You can select from Bush, Cactus, Flower, Fruit, Ground Cover, Herb, Tree, Vegetable or Vine. Your entries can be as detailed or simple as you like or know – if you have no idea what the soil requirements are for your Japanese Maple, you don’t need to enter it unless it’s important to you.

This app seems like a great idea for a knowledgeable enthusiast or even someone who landscapes for a living, though in that case another needed addition would be the capability to create and save multiple gardens. Other complaints include too little space for notes, inability to add USDA zone information, temperature requirements or height/width info.

As other users will have already noted, just adding a camera function would really increase the versatility and usefulness of MyGarden. If you’re looking for a program where you can select from a list of already listed plants, look elsewhere for now.

For more great ideas about how to get the most out of your iPhone 3G or iPod touch, be sure to read our iPhone 3G review, music and movie download reviews as well as our iPhone App reviews.