One of the most valuable things that I have done is to keep a gardening journal. Here I write down when and where I planted something and what its requirements were, when to expect it to sprout and bloom, and what the weather was like i.e. 4-6 am, 72°raining heavily or 7:45-9pm 96°humid, very cloudy. Then I jot down if I put in a tag and what it said or was it just a number; also list what special needs the plant might have.
If the plant has significantly different water needs or fertilizer requirements over the course of the year, record those as well. This can have a major impact on its growth.
The sun or shade is another major factor because certain plants prefer different light requirements. Most vegetables like tomatoes and sun-loving flowers like geraniums like at least 6 hours of sunshine a day, whereas, most ferns and Jack-in-the-Pulpits prefer the shade.
The ferns and Jack-in-the-Pulpits also like moist soil. Other plants like their roots a bit drier between waterings. Note this in your journal. Also plan ahead to group plants with similar needs together; it makes gardening easier.
Later if you are going to plant in a certain location, you can go back and see what you successfully used. You may want to use a plant that is related to the ones that already grow successfully in your garden. Think reasonably.
In your journal you may find that brightly colored are great on cloudy days and during the evening hours the white and pastel colors stand out more as well as you notice their fragrance more too.
Keeping your journal for your garden areas pays off big time in the long run. Whenever you are thinking about planting in a certain spot where you have taken notes before, you can go to your journal and see what worked best. This way you cut down on your time experimenting with various plants that may not work in certain locations. Try these first before you waste your money especially with the cost of some really fancy plants.
Good luck and see you on our garden’s path…P.S. Check out these:
With this one, remember it is never too late to start planting for harvest...
