Getting Started & Account

Registration is accessible via the Join Us button in the header. You can create an account using your email and password, or sign in instantly with a single click using Google or Facebook. Basic use of the platform is completely free.

You do not need to type in your address manually when you first visit. The platform automatically requests and detects your device location via the browser Geolocation API upon your first interaction and calculates your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone. If needed, you can adjust your location or zone manually at any time by clicking the badge in the website header or in your profile settings.

My Garden is your personal member hub. In the «My Pages» sidebar and dashboard, the following sections are available:

• • • My Dashboard: An overview displaying your PlantShare Coin bank (current balance, pending debits/credits), plant calculators, and recent contacts;
    • My Favoritz™ / My Plants: Your saved plants organized into REAL and FANTASY tabs;
    • My Meet-ups: Scheduled, active, and completed in-person exchange events;
    • My Contacts: Direct messaging and chat history with fellow gardeners;
    • My Communities: Local gardening clubs you have joined;
    • My Vendor Portal: The seller dashboard (for registered commercial nurseries);
    • Manage Account: Detailed profile preferences and privacy controls.

In your profile settings, you can customize:

• • • Your handle (User Name) and avatar photo;
    • Your gardening experience (My Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced);
    • Your goals (My Goals: learn plant propagation, green your home, find rare heirloom cultivars);
    • Your climate zone display;
    • Privacy preferences and notification alerts.

If you forget your password, select Forgot Password? on the login screen, enter your email, and follow the link in the message sent to your inbox. If you are already logged in, you can update your password in the Change Password section of your profile settings.

In My Profile & Preferences, update your name in the User Name block. To change your email address, enter your new email in the Change Email block; a verification link will be sent to the new address to confirm the change.

On the platform, incoming notifications are instantly flagged with the distinctive Peach Icon and an unread counter badge in the website header and user menu. This badge alerts you to updates across Meet-Ups, direct contacts, and community clubs. Additionally, in the My Profile Notifications section, you can toggle email notifications for chat messages, meet-up invitations, and community news.

If you are temporarily not participating in plant sharing (e.g., during winter), simply refrain from joining or hosting Meet-Ups, and optionally toggle off your plant visibility in your profile privacy settings (Show Plants: No). To permanently delete your account and personal data, select Delete Account at the bottom of your profile settings page.

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Contact support with your email, username, and details. We’ll review and guide you.