Last reviewed: August 25, 2026. These standards explain how Simple But How researches, labels, updates, monetizes, and corrects its fruit-tree propagation content.
1. Evidence hierarchy
- Primary and institutional evidence: government resources, land-grant university extension publications, peer-reviewed research, and cultivar or rootstock trial reports.
- Established references: recognized propagation textbooks and technical manuals.
- Manufacturer specifications: used for measurable product details, never as independent proof of horticultural performance.
- Editorial interpretation or observation: clearly labelled and not presented as a controlled trial.
2. Claim-level sourcing
High-impact claims—compatibility, disease response, cold hardiness, chilling requirement, callusing conditions, chemical use, and product specifications—should be cited close to the claim. A citation to a broad homepage is not a substitute for the relevant bulletin or trial. When sources disagree, the page should describe the disagreement rather than silently selecting the most convenient number.
3. Calculator standard
Every decision tool should identify its inputs, assumptions, reviewed sources, rule-set version, and important limitations. Results are estimates or classifications. An unsupported input combination must return “not covered by the reviewed matrix” rather than an invented score. Tools are checked with documented test cases before release and after material rule changes.
4. Testing and product language
“Tested by Simple But How” is used only when a page documents what was tested, the sample, method, conditions, date, and material limitations. Otherwise the page uses terms such as “specification comparison,” “research-based guide,” or “editorial assessment.” Availability and seller claims must be verified on the merchant page.
5. AI-assisted work
Automated tools may assist with outlining, code, formatting, or language editing. They are not accepted as scientific sources. Biological rules, calculations, citations, and commercial claims require human review against the cited material before publication. AI-created illustrative images must not be presented as documentary evidence or a photograph of a test we performed.
6. Affiliate and advertising separation
Affiliate links are labelled and do not affect compatibility or safety conclusions. Commercial partners cannot purchase a positive rating or hidden placement. Price and availability should not be hard-coded unless retrieved and displayed under the applicable program rules.
7. Corrections and updates
Send corrections to [email protected] with the URL, disputed text or result, and source. Material factual corrections are made promptly after verification; substantial calculator changes receive a new rule-set version. Minor spelling or layout edits may be corrected without a public note.
8. Scope and safety
Content is educational and cannot account for every cultivar, jurisdiction, pesticide label, pathogen, or microclimate. Readers should consult local extension services and follow product labels and applicable law for decisions involving chemicals, food safety, or significant financial loss.