PlotMyGarden

Privacy Policy

Last updated: February 10, 2026

1. Introduction

PlotMyGarden ("we", "our", or "the app") is a free, open-source garden planning tool designed with your privacy as a core principle. We believe your gardening data belongs to you and only you. This Privacy Policy explains what data the app handles, how it is stored, and your rights regarding that data.

2. Our Privacy Commitment

Local-First Architecture

PlotMyGarden is built on a local-first architecture. All your data is stored exclusively on your device using your web browser's localStorage. We do not operate any servers that collect, store, or process your personal data. There are no user accounts, no sign-up forms, no passwords, and no cloud sync.

3. Data Stored on Your Device

The following data is stored locally in your browser's localStorage and never leaves your device:

  • Garden layouts — Your garden designs including plant placements, grid dimensions, custom plot shapes, and canvas items.
  • User preferences — Display settings such as measurement units, default garden dimensions, and notification preferences.
  • Profile information — Optional profile data you choose to enter such as your name, bio, gardening experience level, and favorite plant categories.
  • Seed inventory — Your tracked seeds, seedlings, and mature plant inventory with quantities and notes.
  • Location data — If you choose to set your location (for hardiness zone detection and weather), your latitude, longitude, and detected zone are stored locally.
  • Weather cache — A temporary cache (30 minutes) of weather forecast data to avoid repeated API requests.

4. No Server-Side Storage

PlotMyGarden does not have a backend server, database, or cloud storage of any kind. We do not collect, transmit, or store any of your data on our servers. This means:

  • • No registration or login required
  • • No cookies for tracking or advertising
  • • No analytics or telemetry scripts
  • • No server logs of your usage
  • • No third-party trackers or advertising SDKs
  • • No data sold, shared, or monetized in any way

5. How Local Storage Works

Your browser's localStorage is a built-in browser feature that allows web applications to store data as key-value pairs on your device. This data persists between browser sessions but is confined to the specific browser and device you use.

Important limitations to be aware of:

  • • Data does not sync between devices or browsers automatically.
  • • Clearing your browser data or localStorage will permanently delete all PlotMyGarden data.
  • • Using private/incognito mode may prevent data from persisting between sessions.
  • • Browser storage limits vary but are typically 5-10 MB per origin, which is sufficient for many garden layouts.

To clear your PlotMyGarden data: Open your browser's Developer Tools (F12), go to the Application or Storage tab, select Local Storage, find the PlotMyGarden entries (prefixed with "plotmygarden:"), and delete them.

6. Third-Party Services

PlotMyGarden uses one external service to provide weather functionality:

Open-Meteo Weather API

When you enable weather features and set your location, PlotMyGarden makes requests to the Open-Meteo API to fetch 7-day weather forecasts. The only data transmitted is your latitude and longitude coordinates. Open-Meteo is a free, open-source weather API that does not require API keys or user accounts. Their privacy policy is available on their website.

No other third-party services, APIs, analytics platforms, advertising networks, or tracking tools are used by PlotMyGarden.

7. Location Data

PlotMyGarden can optionally use your device's geolocation to determine your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone and provide local weather forecasts. This is entirely optional — you can skip this feature or manually enter your location coordinates instead.

When you grant location permission, your browser provides coordinates to PlotMyGarden directly (client-side). These coordinates are stored in your browser's localStorage and used only to estimate your hardiness zone and request weather data from Open-Meteo. Your location is never sent to PlotMyGarden servers (we have none) or any other third party besides Open-Meteo.

8. Children's Privacy

PlotMyGarden does not collect any personal information from anyone, including children. Since all data is stored locally on the user's device and no data is transmitted to our servers, the app is safe for users of all ages. Parents and educators are welcome to use PlotMyGarden as an educational gardening tool.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in the app's features or applicable regulations. Any changes will be reflected by updating the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. Since PlotMyGarden is a client-side application, policy updates will be included in app updates that are automatically delivered when you visit the site.

10. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or PlotMyGarden's data practices, please reach out through our contact page.