Privacy Policy

JoeBees is a free raised-bed garden planner. The site is built to collect as little information about you as technically possible. This page explains exactly what data we touch and why.

The short version

• No account is required to use the planner.
• Your bed (size, plants, ZIP and zone, preferences) is saved in your own browser via localStorage. It never leaves your device unless you use a feature that requires the network.
• We do not sell, rent, or share your information with anyone.

What we collect

Information stored in your browser

The planner writes your current bed layout to localStorage so it’s waiting for you on your next visit. Clear it at any time with the “Clear bed” button in the planner header, or by clearing your browser’s site data.

Information sent to us

A network request is made only when you use the AI assistant or AI layout generator. In that case the request includes:

• The text you typed into the chat or prompt box.
• A short context summary of your current bed (dimensions, hardiness zone, sun setting, and the plants currently placed) so the AI can answer accurately.

The request is forwarded to Anthropic (Claude) for the response. Anthropic’s handling is governed by their privacy policy. We don’t retain prompts beyond what’s needed to complete the request, and we don’t associate them with an identity.

Server logs

Our hosting provider (Vercel) retains short-lived request logs including IP address, requested URL, and timing. These are used strictly for security and abuse prevention.

What we don't do

• No advertising or ad-tracking cookies.
• No analytics that build a profile of you.
• No selling, renting, or sharing of personal information with third parties.
• No third-party social trackers (no Meta pixel, etc.).

ZIP codes

You can enter a 5-digit US ZIP to set your USDA hardiness zone. The lookup runs entirely in your browser against a built-in table — your ZIP is not sent to us or to any third party. For ZIPs not in the built-in table (rare prefixes, territories, military), we fall back to a public zone API and send only the ZIP itself.

Children

JoeBees is family-friendly. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 13. If you believe a child has provided personal information, contact us and we will delete it.

Your choices

• Delete saved data: use “Clear bed” in the planner, or clear your browser’s site data for this domain.
• Skip the AI: the planner is fully usable without ever pressing “Generate” or opening the chat. Nothing leaves your device unless you do.

Changes to this policy

Material changes are reflected by an updated date above. Continued use of JoeBees after a change constitutes acceptance.

Contact

Privacy questions: email joebeesgarden@gmail.com or use the contact page.