Garden Journaling

There are a multitude of ways to keep a gardening journal.  If you are like me- I can't remember from one year to the next where I planted what and which varieties, thus I began a garden journal.  Keeping a gardening journal gives you a written record of your garden layouts, successes and failures.  
​Below is a photo of my journal and a page within. 

You don't need much to get started a binder, spiral notebook whatever you have on hand is fine.  Journaling does take diligence at first, as time progresses you will be pleased you started one.  

As years progress my journal has gotten much more informative.  Like varieties, what worked what didn't.

Tips on keeping gardening records:
Why have one?  Keeps info organized
                                Helps avoid repeat mistakes
                                Helps recall accomplishments

What to put in your journal?   Here are a few ideas.  
​                             Varieties used    
​                              Where planted          
​                              When planted  
​                             How much was harvested and when    
​                             Sketch of your garden layout 
                                Plant sources ​
​                                Pictures of your garden
                                Saved seed packets or the tabs in pots when you buy plants
​                                List of companion plants 
                                Pests encountered and when they arrived

The ideas and ways of putting a journal together are endless and well worth the time.  This year I think I will start a binder and use tabs for specific areas.  I also add rain amounts for each month.  I jot down the amount of rain and when on my calendar, then at the end of the month put it in my journal.  It is also fun for me to se when we got those potatoes planted, rarely before St. Patrick's Day, and how much produce we get.   Why not give it a try and HAVE FUN!
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