I’m not much of an anything journaler, but in reading gardening blogs and tips, I can really see the wisdom in keeping a gardening journal. If only for the simple reason that my 40+ year old mind ain’t what it used to be, I need to use one, however, there are many great reasons to keep one.
I especially like this book I’ve chosen for my gardening journal. Actually, I bought it back in 2005 when I started our homeschooling group, thinking that I would use it for visitors to sign. It never proved to be a useful tool–as most of the time when people visit they end up joining the group–so I decided to put it to another, more perfect use. For the past years, the Lord has impressed on my heart to trust in Him for the fruit of my garden–not in pesticides, not in my abilities, but in Him, who brings the harvest. For this reason, the graphic on the front of this journal reminds me every time I open it that it is the LORD who makes the seeds sprout, the plants grow and the fruit to set. I rest in His ability to control nature, and pray over my garden often.
I don’t profess to be able to teach you anything about using a journal just yet, so I’ll just share a few pages of mine.
This is my main garden page for this season. This diagram shows me where everything is planted, so I know how to care for that section of my garden. Since I am seeking to garden organically, there are specific ways to treat each section that works to combat the problems that may occur with each small crop. If I were more of a novice gardener this would be helpful in teaching me what each seedling looks like when it comes up. Below the diagram, I have listed what is planted in this garden along with the projected harvesting dates from the seed packets. These dates will help me know when to expect to use these veggies in my menu plan, or when I can expect to process an abundance.
You will also notice that I have the planting date of all of these seeds listed up at the top of the page, which means that I will draw these gardens each new season. I’m not sure how that will work out yet.
Do you keep a gardening journal? How does yours look?
Smart girl. I can’t remember why I started mine. But I will tell you – many’s the time I’ve needed to look up (months later) what I did/planted/purchased.
I’ve yet to update mine for this spring, and I know I’ll be frustrated in the fall and next spring if I don’t!
Yours is so much neater than mine!
I like the idea of a gardening journal. Half the time I cant remember when things were planted and how long it should take to grow, etc. I just might do this too! It is a great idea!
Thanks! It’s very simplistic, though, which is how I usually need to start new projects so I don’t get tripped up and obsessed, lol. What do you keep in yours, Sandra?
Yep, that’s me too. I actually started out just taking notes, but then decided that drawing pictures might be helpful for me. The pictures have actually changed a bit, as has my garden path, but that’s alright. It’s bound to happen over the years anyway.
Kristi, you just amaze me! I wish I had half the talent and energy that you have!!!
Sue Ellen
You know what’s funny, Sue Ellen? Most of my ideas for blogging are because I get a bright idea to take pictures of what I’m doing—I forget to blog about things if I don’t do that. Ha ha, so really, it looks like I’m constantly in motion, but that’s only an illusion.
In mine, I keep a list of what seeds I purchased & where, formulae for hm organic fertilizer, and sketched maps with labels of what I plant where and when (very important…it’s amazing how I forget or “lose” things). Oh, and I’t sall got a season & year at the top of each page.