Garden Journaling
January is a great time to start a journal for your garden. Garden tasks are less intense at this time in Middle Tennessee, so take the time to plan your garden layout, note what did and did not work last year, and what you would like to achieve in your garden this year.
Once you start journaling, you will not only feel more organized for the upcoming year, but also, for years to come.
Journaling to keep track of what was successful and the not so successful is the perfect way to set yourself up for next year.
Your journal is not only a place to note things such as when you planted your seeds, what type of fertilizer you used and when it was applied, but also any notes on the changes you want to make for the next season while it is still fresh in your mind. Little things like sunny perennials in a specific area that have been flourishing in previous years, are starting to struggle due to the maple tree on the adjacent property having put on quite a bit of size lately and is now casting too much shade. Or maybe it’s time to split your daylilies due to overcrowding. This is also time to start looking at all those seed and perennial catalogs to find that perfect splash of color you have dreamed of and make a wish list of new plants to add. These types of things can easily slip your mind over the winter months, and if you are anything like me, by the time you remember, it’s not the optimal time to do that task.
You might want to note tasks that are timing specific on a separate calendar or a list at the back of the journal to give yourself an “at a glance” look of scheduling priorities.
Sketching any lay-out changes or additions to your garden as ideas come to mind helps in next year’s planning.
Sketching any type of layout changes you want to see happen are a handy thing to have and won’t get lost when you need them, and if you add them to your journal, it’s easier to note changes for the following year.
Overall, I have found that I am much more productive with the limited amount of time I have to work in my garden since I have started to write a journal. My plants are in better condition, and I just truly enjoy sitting in the midst of things, taking notes while enjoying the fruits of my labor.
Frond Wishes for Happy Gardening!