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"If you\u2019re completely new to gardening, it can be difficult to know where to start. Sprout it, a new Web-based app\u00A0supported by Miracle-Gro, is hoping to solve that problem by offering tailored advice on what vegetables you should grow, when to grow them and timely reminders for when they need to be watered and harvested.\r\n\r\nThe main interface is split into three separate tabs; the plants, your garden and your profile. The former offers information on 21 plants, all of which will grow into some type of delicious vegetable, such as green beans, potatoes or sweet peppers.\r\n\r\nIt shows how difficult the plant is to care for, the amount of sun and water needed for it to grow properly, as well as ideal soil conditions.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe growing options underneath is even more helpful though. A check-list will let you know if it\u2019s a \u201Cstarter plant\u201D - perfect for gardening newbies - as well as whether or not it needs a container or garden bed.\r\n\r\nFor the more experienced trowel enthusiasts, there\u2019s also a more detailed breakdown of when the best time to plant is, germination time, the amount of space required and ideal number of plants to seed.\r\n\r\nIf it sounds appropriate for your allotment, users hit the \u201Cadd to your garden\u201D button and carry on browsing the list.\r\n\r\nThe garden tab, meanwhile, is useful for keeping track of everything you have in the ground. Based on your location, it automatically displays the current temperature, as well as the high and low for that given day.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAll of the different plants are then shown in a line, with a box underneath for starting a \u201Cgrow plan\u201D. This is when Sprout it gets really smart. The website will ask how you\u2019re seeding the plant - either indoors or outdoors and in a container or bed - as well as when you plan to start growing it.\r\n\r\nA profile page for the plant is then generated. Here you can see a checklist of any tasks that need completing, as well as detailed tips on how to look after it. Some of the more interesting notes include which of your plants should be grown next to it, as well as crop rotation strategies and an initial planting guide.\r\n\r\nAs you choose more plants, the tasks collate in a window at the bottom of the garden tab. Along with an estimated harvest time, it\u2019s a very quick and simple way to keep on top of everything.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\u201CFoodies, young professionals and aspiring mixologists are just some groups who are drawn to the idea of growing their own vegetables and herbs,\u201D Matt Armstead, CEO of Sprout it said. \u201CWhy make another trip to the grocery store when you can simply head outside?\u201D\r\n\r\nIt\u2019s a great concept, but one that could be improved with other plant types (not just vegetables) mobile apps and reminders that operate outside of the website. For now though, it\u2019s a solid jumping off point for anyone looking to pick up the trowel.\r\n\r\nImage Credit: FRED DUFOUR/AFP/Getty Images"^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://thenextweb.com/insider/2013/03/20/sprout-it/>