The Old Farmer’s Almanac has introduced the latest version of its online Garden Planner, adding several new features designed to make garden planning more accessible for users of all experience levels. The tool, already one of the most widely used digital garden planners in North America, now includes options for layering patio and deck spaces, automatic shopping lists, and expanded access to expert gardening resources.

The Garden Planner guides users through designing their garden layout with a step‑by‑step, drag‑and‑drop interface. Gardeners can start from scratch or choose from templates created by horticulture specialists. As plants are added to the digital layout, the system calculates proper spacing, identifies compatible plant groupings, and determines ideal planting times based on the user’s Hardiness Zone. It also generates customized schedules for sowing, planting, and harvesting.

The 2026 edition introduces several notable upgrades. New layering tools allow users to plan container gardens, hanging baskets, and window boxes, as well as incorporate metal raised beds scaled to real‑world dimensions. Users can also upload background images—such as aerial photos of their property—to better visualize their garden design.

A new seed inventory and shopping list feature lets gardeners catalog seeds they already own and automatically produces a list of additional seeds needed to complete their plan. The planner also includes fully searchable resources, including videos, guides, and articles tailored to the user’s region and season. Gardeners can track progress through an online journal and access support from the Almanac’s gardening staff seven days a week.

Additional features are in development, including customizable drip‑irrigation and sprinkler‑system planning tools.

The Garden Planner works across desktop and mobile devices and is available at GardenPlanner.Almanac.com. New users can access a seven‑day free trial, with annual subscriptions beginning at $35.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac, published by the employee‑owned Yankee Publishing Inc. in New Hampshire, also produces a range of gardening books, calendars, and the upcoming Old Farmer’s Almanac Garden Guide, scheduled for release in February 2026.

More gardening information and Almanac products can be found at Almanac.com.