Every season there is something that can be done in our gardens, whether that is actually planting things in the ground, prepping the soil with the right nutrients for next year’s harvest, or turning over our compost piles so that they will be ready to go. Regardless of what time of the year it is, it is important that we start a garden journal. Now no two journals will be the exact same as we live in different parts of the world, with different climates, wind and water patterns and even different soil types. So, it is important that as you think about the start of your own journal you keep in mind what makes your garden so special and the things that deserve a proper place in them. I will be giving a couple of things that are not mandatory but may be things to consider adding to your own journals.

Now you can buy premade journals and there is nothing wrong with those, especially if you are a beginner and don’t know where to start. But if you are veteran then you might find it easier to start from complete scratch and build the book that works best for you. Depending on the company the journals might differ a bit but from the ones that I have seen the majority have things like:

• Expense Logs – how much you spent on anything you plan on using in your garden, from tools to seed to additions.
• Garden Plans – The planned layout and actual layout of your garden.
• Seasonal To-Do Lists – Items that need to get done respective of their seasonal timeline.
• Garden Calendars – When certain plants or seeds need to go into ground or need to be started indoors.
• Harvest Calendars and Logs – When and how much is harvested from your garden.

Where you can fill them in based on the things that you are growing in more of a spreadsheet format. Others are broken down per plant!

All in all, your journal truly depends on what you prefer and know what you can keep up with through the seasons.

Some other things that you might want to keep in your log are:

• Garden improvement projects that you are working on/finished – anything from new raised beds to soil amendments.
• Landscaping layout/design for your house – if you plan on moving your garden at all on your property.
• Seed starting and cuttings tracker – new plants you are starting/ putting into the ground.
• Weather logs – big weather events that can affect your garden’s productivity i.e flash flood, snow.
• Recipes – any recipes that you want to learn based on the things that you are planting in your garden.

Again, this is not an exhaustive list and not all these things might not apply to you right now in your gardening journey.

For now, though, I hope these were some items to consider while you are in the process of starting you garden journal! Add your own flare to it, and let it adapt right alongside your garden! Remember that your journey is your own and that means doing it how you love!

Until next time, as always, Plant with a Purpose! – BTR