Should You Keep A Garden Journal?

That depends; can you remember the name of that tomato everyone raved about last year? Can
you recall the date you planted the bumper crop of snow peas? Were the potatoes planted on
the east side two years ago or was it three?  When do the Japanese beetles usually arrive in
your area? How much rain have you gotten this week?

Sally Wilkins, McCracken County Master Gardeners, KY, 2014

All of this information is important for
successful vegetable crops and consistently beautiful flower gardens.You may have a super memory and have no need to make notes. Good for you!

For the rest of us keeping a journal is a reminder of what works in our garden and is helpful with disease management and pest control.

What information should you record depends on your passion (or lack of) for record keeping.
The most basic journal should include dates and amount of rainfall during the growing season,
the date fertilizer is applied along with a note as to the recommended frequency and details of
crop rotation. For some, it is keeping up with first and last freeze dates; when seeds were
planted and the date of first harvests; the names and variety of the plants with notes about the
outcome; notes about type and amount of soil amendments and more. The more details the
better chance of having a successful harvest and less problems with pests and disease.
Journals can be filled with scientific data or just a brief note on a calendar. It can be an art book
or a straight forward spiral notebook. Journals can also be kept on a computer which makes it
easy to add photos. And there are apps!

As the plans for your summer garden evolve, it is time to think about starting a garden journal.
There are many preprinted journals available for purchase as well as a lot of ideas on the
internet. Carla Albright, Tillamook County Oregon Master Gardener, gives details of her garden
journal on the Extension Master Gardener site.

Sally Wilkins, McCracken County Master Gardeners, KY, 2014