Editorial policy
Last updated
How we research, write, review and update our content — and what you can expect from every guide.
Our standards
Every guide on GreenRif aims to be:
- Useful first. We answer the reader’s question in the opening paragraph, then give the details that make the answer work: timing, spacing, quantities, temperatures and the conditions they apply to.
- Specific. We give USDA hardiness zones, temperatures in °F with °C, measurements and seasons instead of vague advice.
- Accurate and sourced. Facts, rates and safety information are checked against primary sources and listed at the end of each article.
- Honest about uncertainty. When experts disagree or advice depends on your region, we say so. We do not invent statistics, studies, quotes or personal experiences.
How we research
We rely on sources with real expertise and accountability, in roughly this order of preference:
- University Cooperative Extension services and land-grant university research.
- Government agencies such as the USDA, the EPA and state departments of agriculture.
- Peer-reviewed research and botanical institutions (botanic gardens, plant societies).
- Product labels and manufacturer documentation, for anything involving chemicals or equipment.
Sources are listed in the “Sources & further reading” section of each article.
How we write and review
Articles are researched and drafted by our writers and editors. We may use software tools — including AI writing assistants — to help with research organization, outlines and first drafts. No article is published without review by a human editor, who checks facts against sources, removes anything unsupported, and edits for clarity and safety. The author named on each article is responsible for its content.
We cover each topic once, thoroughly, rather than publishing many thin variations of the same article. Images are our own, commissioned, or properly licensed and credited.
Safety
Where a plant is toxic to pets or people, or a task or product carries risk, we say so clearly and near the advice it relates to. When guides mention pesticides, we favor least-toxic methods first and remind readers to follow product labels. See our disclaimer.
Updates
We review guides periodically and when recommendations, products or regulations change. The “Updated on” date on an article changes only when we make a meaningful change to its content — not for typo fixes or design changes.
Corrections
If we get something wrong, we fix it promptly. Significant corrections that change advice are noted at the end of the article. To report an error, use our contact form and include the page address.
Independence and advertising
GreenRif may be supported by advertising. Advertisers do not see articles before publication and have no influence on what we cover or recommend. We do not accept payment for coverage, and we do not publish sponsored content. If we ever add affiliate links, they will be clearly disclosed where they appear.
Who we are
Learn about the people behind our guides on our authors page and about page.