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an image of a woman writing in a journal while sitting on a bench in a vegetable garden by owlcreek.ca made in DALL-E

Garden Journaling

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an image of a woman writing in a journal while sitting on a bench in a vegetable garden by owlcreek.ca made in DALL-EGetting started with garden journaling can really be a daunting task, because there is just so much potential information to write down that one can become frozen with indecision, unsure of what details to include. But a garden journal is one of the most effective tools a gardener can have to ensure a thriving garden, especially in Alberta’s challenging Zone 3 climate. A garden journal goes far beyond a simple log of planting dates and harvest yields; it’s a dynamic, ever-evolving record of your garden’s unique story. From tracking weather shifts and soil conditions to documenting pest challenges and unexpected triumphs, a journal helps you uncover patterns, learn from experience, and experiment with confidence.

Whether you’re a first-time gardener setting up your vegetable patch or a seasoned grower refining your techniques, a well-organized journal offers invaluable insights. Think of it as your personal guide to understanding what works in your garden, from identifying star-performing crops to anticipating seasonal hurdles. Over time, your journal transforms into a treasure trove of knowledge, illuminating how small tweaks in timing or methods can lead to significant results. Beyond being a practical tool, a garden journal becomes a creative and reflective space, helping you deepen your connection to your garden while cultivating both a more productive landscape and a greater appreciation for the rhythms of nature.

If you’re ready to start journaling, you’ll find many premade garden journals available online, each designed to suit different styles and needs. These can be a convenient option, offering ready-made templates for tracking everything from planting schedules to pest management. However, if you prefer to create a journal that’s tailored specifically to your garden and personal preferences, you can choose to make your own. Either way, use the outline below as a guide to looking for a pre-made journal, or to design a custom template that aligns with your gardening goals.

Date & Weather – daily

    • Suggested details to record, staying consistent with the time of day (morning, noon, evening) every day:
      • Date
      • Temperature
      • Humidity
      • Dew Point
      • Wind Speed & Direction
      • Barometric Pressure
      • Rain/Frost/Snow
      • Sunrise/Sunset
      • Observations

an image of a garden journal on a tabletop surface next to a drink and gardening gloves by owlcreek.ca made with DALL-ESoil & Bed Preparation – seasonal/monthly/as needed

    • Describe soil conditions: moisture level, texture, pH, or any amendments added.
    • Note which beds or containers you worked on and any observations about drainage or compaction.

Planting & Transplanting – as needed

    • List the seeds or seedlings you planted (variety names, dates to maturity, seed sources).
    • Include details on spacing, row placement, or companion pairings.
    • If transplanting, mention how well seedlings adapted to the move.

Growth & Development Observations – daily/as needed

    • Describe the current stage of each plant (germination, flowering, fruiting).
    • Jot down noticeable changes such as new leaves, buds, or color shifts.
    • Include any pest sightings or disease symptoms and the actions taken to address them.

Maintenance & Care – daily/as needed

    • Note watering schedules, irrigation methods, or any mulching done.
    • Write down pruning, weeding, or thinning activities and how often they were performed.
    • Track any natural or homemade pest control methods used.

Harvest & Yield – daily/as needed

    • Record harvest dates for each crop and estimate the quantity (weights or counts).
    • Document taste or quality notes for different varieties.
    • Reflect on what might improve yields next season (earlier planting, more frequent watering, etc.).

Seasonal Reflections – weekly/monthly/end of season

    • Journaling on what has worked well so far (favorable plant pairings, successful new techniques).
    • Identify challenges (weather extremes, unexpected pests, timing issues).
    • Brainstorm potential solutions or changes to implement in the next season.

Ideas & Inspirations – as needed

    • Jot down any new gardening methods, plant varieties, or design ideas that you’ve encountered (through books, social media, or local gardens).
    • Consider future projects like adding a greenhouse, expanding raised beds, or experimenting with different companion plantings.

Community Input – as needed

    • Note down tips or advice shared by fellow gardeners, local horticultural societies, or Master Gardener programs.
    • Keep track of any questions you want to ask at the next community meeting or workshop.

Action Items for the Future – as needed

  • List clear, actionable steps for your next gardening session (e.g., “Plant fall greens in Bed A,” “Check for aphids on kale,” or “Research cover crops for next season”).
  • Set small goals to measure progress (e.g., “Prune all tomatoes this week,” “Apply compost to raised beds”).

By utilizing this structured prompt outline for your garden journaling, you’ll create a detailed record of your gardening journey that works for you. Over time, these notes will become an invaluable reference for refining your planting strategies, improving yields, and achieving a more resilient, thriving garden.

Bonus – Free Daily Garden Journal Printable

To help you get started, I’ve created a free daily garden journal printable, perfect for gardeners seeking a simple and easy entry point into journaling. Designed in Google Docs, this printable is ready for you to download, print, and use right away. You can use it as-is for quick note-taking or combine it with the tips and ideas in this blog post to create a more customized journaling system that suits your gardening style. It’s a straightforward, no-frills design with text and tables, making it adaptable to your needs while providing a solid foundation for tracking your garden’s progress.

a screenshot of pages from a printable garden journal by owlcreek.ca

Use a 3-hole punch and add the pages to a high quality binder for a long-lasting record of your garden’s progress!

Amy
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