THE NUMBER GARDEN
Little clues. Big discoveries.
Welcome to Sudoku! Every number has a place. Look, think, and grow your puzzle one square at a time.
Shelly says: "No rush. You don't need to add anything up!"
Garden 1 · 4 by 4
0/6 empty squares filled
Filled is not the same as solved. Check each little clue.
Choose a square, then use the number pad or keyboard. Arrow keys move; Delete clears; N toggles pencil notes.
Dark numbers = starting clues · Teal numbers = your answers · Small numbers = pencil notes
Plant a number
Number mode · your answer
Selected: row 1, column 1
Placing a number clears matching pencil notes in its row, column, and box. Undo restores them.
Shelly's helping hand
Help is optional. Checks look for repeated numbers, not hidden answer-key mistakes.
Learn Sudoku with Shelly
These are example pictures, not answers to your garden. The highlighted numbers show one complete group.
Across the row
Look left to right. Every number from 1 to 4, once.
Down the column
Look top to bottom. Every number from 1 to 4, once.
Inside the box
Follow the thick outline. Each 2 by 2 box needs 1 to 4, once.
A tiny detective moment
This mini row needs 1, 2, 3, and 4. Which number is missing?
Show Shelly's explanation
It is 3! We already have 1, 2, and 4. Only 3 is missing. In a real puzzle, check the column and box too before placing it.
Three little checks
Dark numbers are planted clues. They stay put. Choose a blank square, then a number. Pencil notes are your small reminders, not answers.
Try a nearly full row first. In a mini row with 1, 2, and 4, the missing number is 3. Check its column and box before planting it.
Two matching numbers in the same row, column, or box need another look. There is no penalty: erase or undo, then try an idea.
- Each row goes across. Use every number from 1 to 4 once.
- Each column goes down. Use every number from 1 to 4 once.
- Each outlined 2 by 2 box needs those numbers once, too.
Learning comfort controls
Letter, shape, dot, and ring markers stay visible. Enlarged boards can be scrolled horizontally.
48 numbered puzzles across two sizes and two clue levels. Levels describe clue density, not certified school grades. Free, local, untimed practice. No account, AI, chat, computer opponent, public matchmaking, or tournament. Progress is not saved after leaving or refreshing.