If you’ve just started exploring the Safari Shop in Grow A Garden, the first few purchases can feel a bit overwhelming. There are so many pets, items, and upgrades available, it’s easy to get lost or spend your coins on something you might not need right away. Having spent a fair bit of time experimenting with different strategies, I’ve put together some tips on how to prioritize your first buys so your garden and pet collection grow smoothly.
Understand Your Current Needs
Before you even open the Safari Shop, take a moment to look at what your garden actually needs. Are your plants struggling to survive, or are you running out of coins too quickly? Sometimes the best purchase isn’t a flashy pet or rare item but something that keeps your garden running efficiently. Focus first on things that help generate coins or improve your harvesting efficiency—these will pay off more in the long run than just picking the cutest pet.
Personally, I like to make a short list of three priorities: coin generation, pet upgrades, and storage expansion. That way, I always know whether a purchase is urgent or just “nice to have.” When you buy grow a garden pets early on, think about which ones complement your current layout and growth style. Some pets can increase coin drops or speed up plant growth, which is far more useful in the early stages than picking a rare pet that doesn’t bring immediate benefits.
Balance Between Pets and Tools
One common mistake I see new players make is spending all their coins on pets because they look adorable. While pets are a core part of the game, a balanced approach tends to work best. Make sure you’re also investing in tools, fertilizers, or temporary boosts that help your garden thrive. Early on, a single well-chosen pet paired with the right items can outperform owning multiple pets that don’t synergize with your garden setup.
A tip from my experience: pick pets that have passive abilities affecting multiple plants or areas. This way, you’re not just focusing on one plant at a time, and your growth feels much more consistent. And remember, pets that seem small or basic at first can unlock new strategies as you level them up.
Keep an Eye on the Market
For players who like to experiment with buying and selling, the Grow A Garden pets buy and sell marketplace is a great place to check what’s in demand. Even if you’re not planning to trade immediately, browsing the marketplace gives you an idea of which pets or items might hold their value. Sometimes it’s better to wait a few coins and buy a pet that can later be exchanged or sold for something rarer, rather than splurging on the first shiny option you see.
This approach also helps you avoid duplicates. You don’t want to spend coins on a pet that’s easy to get elsewhere or that you might replace later. I’ve learned that patience is surprisingly rewarding in Grow A Garden—the difference between a rushed buy and a calculated choice can be huge for your garden’s development.
Consider Limited-Time Offers
The Safari Shop occasionally features special pets or seasonal items. These can be tempting, especially if they look rare or powerful. My advice is to evaluate whether the special offer actually fits your strategy. If a limited-time pet complements your existing pets or boosts your garden’s efficiency, it can be worth prioritizing. Otherwise, stick to essentials first—you can always pick up limited items later when you have more resources.
Another practical tip: keep track of U4GM or other reliable community sources. They often post updates about events, pet stats, and limited-time opportunities. Following these updates can save you from impulse buys and help you plan your purchases in a smarter way.
Plan Your Coin Spending
Coins are the main currency in Grow A Garden, and spending them wisely is key. I like to allocate my first batch of coins based on a rough 50/30/20 rule: 50% on essential garden tools and boosters, 30% on pets that provide clear benefits, and 20% kept as a buffer for surprises or special offers. This method prevents overspending and ensures that every coin you spend contributes to your garden’s growth.
Also, remember that not all pets have the same return on investment. Some may be adorable but don’t increase your earnings or growth speed. Focusing on pets with abilities that directly help your garden will give you a faster and more satisfying start.

Overall, the first buys in the Safari Shop should feel strategic, not just fun. Think about how each pet or item will help your garden evolve, how it interacts with your current pets, and whether it fits your playstyle. For me, balancing coin generation, pet abilities, and future trading potential has made the early game far less stressful and a lot more enjoyable.
If you’re unsure where to start, consider buying one pet with useful abilities and a couple of garden-enhancing items. Avoid splurging on rare or purely cosmetic pets at first. Once you have a stable garden setup, it’s much easier to make bolder choices and enjoy the rare finds without worrying about slowing down your progress.
FAQ
Q: How do I get pets in the Safari Shop?A: You can purchase them using coins earned in the game. Some pets may also appear during special events.
Q: Are all pets available at the start?A: No, some pets are unlocked gradually or only appear in seasonal offers.
Q: Can I sell pets after buying them?A: Yes, through the Grow A Garden pets buy and sell marketplace, but rare pets might not always fetch high prices.
Q: Which pets are best to buy first?A: Focus on pets that boost coin generation, plant growth, or provide passive abilities affecting multiple areas.
Q: How often does the Safari Shop refresh?A: It usually refreshes daily or weekly, depending on in-game events and seasonal updates.
Q: Are there limited-time pets I should prioritize?A: Only if they fit your current garden strategy. Don’t spend too many coins on pets that don’t provide practical benefits early on.
Q: Can coins be used elsewhere?A: Yes, coins can also buy tools, fertilizers, and temporary boosters that support your garden’s growth.
Q: Is it worth following external sources like U4GM?A: Definitely. They can provide tips on new pets, limited-time offers, and market trends.