# Fine Gardening Magazine — user reviews > 65 indexed App Store user reviews of Fine Gardening Magazine by Taunton Interactive, rated 4.50/5 from 397 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fine-gardening-magazine/id553177920/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fine-gardening-magazine/id553177920.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 308 · 4★ 40 · 3★ 9 · 2★ 4 · 1★ 36 ## What do users think of Fine Gardening Magazine? Overall sentiment: negative **Pros** - 📖 High-quality gardening content and articles - 📸 Beautiful photography and visual design - ✈️ Convenient access while traveling - 🔍 Ability to zoom in for better readability - 📱 Works well on retina displays - 📚 Helpful resource for all gardening skill levels **Cons** - 🐛 App crashes frequently on launch - 🔐 Subscription recognition issues persist - 💳 Repeated payment prompts despite active subscription - 📵 Login failures and account access problems - 🔄 Lost magazines after app updates - ⚠️ Misleading subscription terms and hidden fees - 📞 Poor customer service and support responsiveness - 🚫 Inability to access archived/previously purchased content - 📋 Difficult navigation and confusing interface - 🔌 Slow performance and loading times - ❌ Outsourced customer service inadequacy - 📧 Incorrect contact information in app **Commonly reported bugs** - App crashes on startup or during use - Login credentials not recognized - Subscription status not recognized by app - Unable to download or restore previously purchased issues - Jump-to highlights and bookmarks non-functional - Navigator thumbnail won't disappear - Lost purchase history after updates - License code shows no purchases despite payment - Multiple simultaneous downloads not supported - Stuck progress bars during downloads - File extraction errors during downloads - iOS compatibility issues with newer versions - Account pairing with print subscriptions fails **Most requested features** - Regional content focusing on specific growing zones - Improved iPad magazine layout (not just scanned pages) - Background downloading capability - Better bookmark and navigation features - Ability to disable auto-renewal easily - Access to full digital archives with subscription - Regional gardening guides for drought and specific climates - More diverse plant selections for various zones ## Newest reviews (16 of 65) ### 2/5 — New App, lost most of my downloaded magazines *2025-02-06* I consistently had to contact customer service for years to make my paid subscription issues downloadable. Now there’s a new app and I’ve lost years of magazines. The worst IT department and customer service is a 3rd party. I want my magazines. ### 1/5 — Irritating *2021-07-06* Every single time I want to read or reread an issue I am have to go to go to my account, restore and download the same issue I’ve already downloaded once and maybe many times if I don’t read the issue in one setting. I can’t even login to my account, as it won’t accept my email. Also, I can’t find a way to get the app to stop my auto renewal. I’ve called for help and just get the run around. A great magazine, but a stupid app ### 1/5 — Fine Gardening App *2021-04-14* It appears that the only thing the app wants to do is sell you a subscription even though I already have one but it will not allow me to log on to access web based material. VERY frustrating and useless. ### 1/5 — Beware of false advertising *2021-03-30* Fine Gardening Subscription clearly states “Your subscription also includes access to digital editions.” They conveniently did not mention the fee for each online edition is $7.99 TOO BAD AND BUYER BEWARE ### 1/5 — Useless *2021-01-27* What’s the point of purchasing an all access digital subscription + archives when the app only allows you to see current issues? ### 1/5 — Worse of the worse *2020-07-25* If I could give a 0 star review I would, not only is the app unusable, but when you try to contact the magazine customer service, you will meet the rudest agents ever. I paid for an all access subscription, it includes, the print version and access through any digital device that support the app. I had been getting the printed magazine, but when I tried to open it from my cellphone or iPad, the app system want me to paid per each item. Even as I’m logged with my email and password, it still wants me to paid separately per issue!!! Tired of it, I decided today to contact customer service.. As my call was transferred to the Online Subscription Deparment, this agent who goes by Keith, said “well I’m sorry if you can’t read your subscription online. If you would like to cancel your subscription I can do it now.” I did cancel this rip off magazine scam ### 1/5 — Fails to recognize my ‘all access’ subscription *2019-07-19* The app on my iPad has been a big hassle and disappointment. It doesn’t seem to recognize my subscription (which is ‘all access,’ so includes full digital archive and the print mag). I’ve emailed customer service and am hopeful someone can fix this. ### 3/5 — Buggy *2018-04-21* Looks good but has functional problems. Jump-to highlights don’t work. Bookmarks don’t work. Navigator thumbnail won’t go away. ### 1/5 — Theives *2017-08-31, version 13.1.2* Again lost all purchases with update on all devices. App says my license code has bo purchases WRONG. Same problem as fine cooking mag from same garbage software testers. I dont but electronic magazines to have to PROVE i purchased them over and over. Take your money and RUN ### 1/5 — Horrible update *2017-08-13* Much harder to navigate after the update. Instead of being able to view all purchased issues on one page you now must scroll through a long list of issues to Buy that are mixed in with the purchased issues. Ruined a great app. ### 1/5 — Update ruined it *2017-08-06* Used to work. Now shows I have a subscription in "my account" valid through 2018, but prompts me to purchase a subscription every time I try to download an issue 8/1 update- finally got an email that "the issue has been fixed" - but tried to restore and amHAVING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. This is starting to feel like a scam- getting ready to report to BBB. 8/4 Update: can download issues again finally- but can only download one at a time (used to be able to do multiple). i fail to see what makes the new version "improved"...actually spoke too soon- can no longer download issues from my previous subscriptions (more than a year ago) ### 1/5 — Better than print magazine *2017-08-04, version 13.0.1* I love enlarging photographs so I can see details of the plants. This is a fabulous app. That was then this now. Now I have given this ap one star. It is new and improved! Ha! I could not even open it. What a waist of time. ### 2/5 — Fine Gardening App is not Fine *2017-07-25, version 13.0.1* I also downloaded the new app and have had no luck in restoring previously purchased products. I called customer support last Friday (July 21) to report the problem and still have not heard from anyone about how to solve this problem. Just sent them a follow up email. Not sure why nobody has contacted me after two customer support people were notified. ### 1/5 — Update killed it *2017-07-18, version 13.0.1* All my magazines are gone after the update and cannot be restored. The email-address I used to register is "not known" and support has not been able to fix the problem. $25 down the toilet? I am going to dispute the charges. ### 4/5 — Love the app I hope it is updated soon! *2017-07-07, version 6.2.8* I love the app. Having the digital and print versions of the magazine are great, especially for travel. I've been getting a message from the App Store that the app is out of date and won't work with future iOS versions. The next release is due very soon. I hope an update from the app developer is in the works as well. ### 4/5 — Old App Needs Updating *2017-06-20, version 6.2.8* Love the knowledgeable articles and the designs. Photography is excellent. App is slowing down my iPhone 6s/64GB though. Please release the next update ASAP. I love the app and count on it still! Would be 5 star!! ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — This app doesn’t work *2025-10-04* This app has charged me several years and it never works. ### 1/5 — Canceling- doesn’t work *2025-02-18* I’m canceling my subscription. They have my money, but won’t let me read the magazine. It keeps prompting me to pay them again. ### 1/5 — Scam app *2025-02-14* Pay for a subscription and can not access anything. Continues to tell me to subscribe. ### 1/5 — SCAM *2025-02-10* This app does not work! After I purchased my subscription, I was not be able to access the issues! Think they will do anything to help? NO. DONT BOTHER WITH THIS APP! ### 1/5 — App does not work *2023-08-21* Update: Appalling! After calling to have my access fixed AGAIN, my ability to access content on the app is broken again. Instead of fixing the problem, customer support said I needed to access from a web browser. I CANCELLED my subscription. It should not be this difficult. I have been a subscriber for many years. I love the content but an frustrated with the platform. Until recently the app worked okay. However, after renewing my subscription a month ago, the app continues to ask for payment to view the issue I should be able to access and have already been sent in the mail. Customer service contact information in the app is incorrect. Luckily the paper magazine includes a working customer service phone number. The helpful agent explained that Taunton Press has outsourced their customer service and subscription services. He also confirmed my subscription and explained that there is a known problem with the app and access to issues. He took my information to send a request to another organization to resolve this problem and explained this issue usually takes a week to have fixed. Meanwhile, TAUTON PRESS, you are paying your subscription management outsourced to answer questions about technology problems. You are wasting their time, and the time of your members. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, TAUTON PRESS, if this is a known issue, please address it PROACTIVELY. Do not wait for your loyal, paid-up members to become frustrated, call a customer service number that has been disconnected, find the correct customer service number in your magazine, only to finally to be told to wait a week for someone else to hopefully address the problem. PLEASE fix the app access for all entitled members and then notify them that this has been done. This just makes good business sense. ### 1/5 — Ripoff *2023-03-31* I just got this app I was pretty excited! They just want to sell you subscriptions! What’s the point? ### 1/5 — App does not work *2023-02-10, version 21.1.4* I have been a subscriber for many years. I love the content but an frustrated with the platform. Until recently the app worked okay. However, after renewing my subscription a month ago, the app continues to ask for payment to view the issue I should be able to access and have already been sent in the mail. Customer service contact information in the app is incorrect. Luckily the paper magazine includes a working customer service phone number. The helpful agent explained that Taunton Press has outsourced their customer service and subscription services. He also confirmed my subscription and explained that there is a known problem with the app and access to issues. He took my information to send a request to another organization to resolve this problem and explained this issue usually takes a week to have fixed. Meanwhile, TAUTON PRESS, you are paying your subscription management outsourced to answer questions about technology problems. You are wasting their time, and the time of your members. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, TAUTON PRESS, if this is a known issue, please address it PROACTIVELY. Do not wait for your loyal, paid-up members to become frustrated, call a customer service number that has been disconnected, find the correct customer service number in your magazine, only to finally to be told to wait a week for someone else to hopefully address the problem. PLEASE fix the app access for all entitled members and then notify them that this has been done. This just makes good business sense. ### 1/5 — Log in does not work *2022-10-17* Can’t log in! Annoying, please use money from subscribers to fix app! ### 1/5 — Well, THIS was a mistake! *2022-10-03* I subscribed to all access. Am now looking at reviews from customers facing the exact same frustrating issues I am dealing with on my iPad—only to realize these reviews were written 3 years ago! 5 years ago!! Hope my print issues actually make it to my mailbox! ### 1/5 — Fix the app *2021-11-12* I paid for full access to digital subscriptions and the app won’t give me access. The app insists on trying to charge me for what I already paid for. I paid for full access via the website. ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Love the App *2026-07-06* I love Apple because I can’t wait to the magazine in the mail. I love enlarging to get a close look on specimens. ### 5/5 — Love the App! *2025-06-17* I appreciate the new layout of your app. I’ll always love having the actual magazine in my hands, but slowly becoming accustomed to viewing online. FG is my favorite gardening magazine! ### 5/5 — KP *2024-05-20* This is a Very Good Magazine for Gardening. ### 5/5 — Reintroduced *2024-04-18* I worked in the nursery business 20 years ago so I have been enjoying my subscription with a lot of new plants and products. The new developments have been intriguing! Thank you! ### 5/5 — Love *2016-05-19, version 6.2.8* I love being able to read the latest issues anywhere! ### 5/5 — Fine Gardening Magazine *2015-05-16, version 6.2.8* I like this magazine because it very up today. ### 5/5 — Fine Gardening *2014-08-08, version 6.2.5* I love my paper copy to really read but the app version is handy when traveling. ### 5/5 — The best *2014-06-02* This is a great way to read my favorite gardening magazine, love the interactive features and the ability to read the articles in text only view where the print is larger and easier to read. My only complaint would be that if you order special issues and want to read them in app they charge you twice. ### 5/5 — Favorite Gardening Magazine *2014-04-17, version 6.2.5* This magazine is one of the "good ones". It not only has beautiful pictures but very helpful articles. It's like the editors can read my mind - they seem to know what my gardening problems are. I have digital issues that are full of bookmarks! ### 5/5 — Two thumbs up! Yes and yes and YES *2014-03-22, version 6.2.5* This magazine is really fantastic. It's right amount of informative. Perfect for all gardeners-- beginner to advanced. Really happy that I found this resource. It's been so helpful! The app itself hardly (if ever) crashes. --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-25.*