About Plot & Plank
Plot & Plank is a free reference for people who build and grow in their own backyard. You bring the measurements; we give you the quantities, the shopping list and a cost estimate — plus the plant and building know-how to get the project right the first time.
What you'll find here
- Calculators for raised beds, paths, decks, fences, concrete footings, drainage, mulch and more. Every result is rounded up to units you can actually buy.
- The Plant Library: sun, water, spacing, soil pH, planting windows and companion plants for vegetables, herbs, fruit and flowers.
- Guides that answer one question clearly, with the formula and a reference table you can reuse.
How we make our content
- Sources first. Growing data comes from university extension services and the USDA. Building guidance follows manufacturer specs and model building codes. We link the sources on the page.
- Math you can check. Every calculator shows its formula under “How we calculate this,” and every formula is covered by automated tests with worked examples before it goes live.
- No made-up stories. We don't invent projects, prices we paid or test results. When a number is an estimate, we say so.
- Kept current. Pages show a real “Last updated” date, and we revise them when sources, product sizes or prices change.
Who writes it
Our pages are signed by Rowan Plank, the illustrated editorial voice of Plot & Plank. Plot & Plank is an independent site — no manufacturer or retailer owns it or approves what we publish.
How the site is funded
Plot & Plank is free to use. It's paid for by display ads and by affiliate links: if you buy through some product links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. That never changes a calculator result or which product we recommend. Details are in our affiliate disclosure.
Found a mistake?
Tell us — corrections make the site better for everyone. Email hello@plotandplank.com or see the contact page.