What do I think needs to be in a gardening journal?

I've been thinking a lot this season about how we can make our gardens better and I truly believe that if you change this one habit you can make your garden the envy of all your friends and make you a much better gardener... 110% I believe that some form of gardening journal is the way to go for all gardeners, beginners and experienced gardeners alike.
The key is how you use it and how you make it suit your needs. I've been investigating the reasons why gardeners quit keeping a journal and the reasons why others keep journaling and I've tested some of these thoughts on myself where I've created a system that works for me either as a notebook or as a digital document. I've customised the traditional bullet journalling method and made it simple, efficient and more me. Allowing space for organisation in the form of a planner or garden log and space for reflection, to record what's happening in your garden and your thoughts.
▶MAKE YOUR OWN COPY OF MY DIGITAL GARDENING JOURNAL TEMPLATE◀
docs.google.co...
My garden planner: docs.google.co...
▶THE NEXT VIDEO TO WATCH◀
Create a gardening planting plan: • Make a great veg garde...
▶ELI AND KATE ON THE WEB◀
As well as youtube you can find us here
Instagram: / inthegardenwitheliandkate
Patreon: / eliandkate
▶OUR WEBSITE◀
Our website www.eliandkate.com
▶ CHANNEL BRANDED SWAG ◀
Get your Eli & Kate t-shirts: / @eliandkate
#gardening #gardenjournal #growyourown #gardeningjournal #bulletjournal #gardenplanner #zone9 #zone8 #Sowgroweatrepeat

[@kamalani808]

I’m an avid gardener here in Hawai’i, and I journal, too. Yep, everything lol. Love your channel❤

[@eliandkate]

You know what I’m going to say dont you? You’re probably sick of hearing it…. Hawai’i…. I’m so jealous 😍

[@kamalani808]

@@eliandkate 😘🤙🏼

[@FatcatandFriends]

It’s so kind of you to share this!! Very helpful!!

[@GardenerScott]

This video is Eli magic! Fantastic! I agree that garden journals are quite important for gardeners and learning from your own experience is key. I love that you show a garden can be so personalized.

[@sc_arriola382]

My first time seeing one of your videos and I love that you sit in the chair and talk to us like we're having a little visit and chat 😁

[@eliandkate]

With our garden…. It’s always a visit and a cuppa with us in our garden 😍

[@06snydernancy]

Love your sharing on garden journaling. So sensible. I’m 73 this year so I have to journal to enhance my experience with my garden and also our weather changes so much here in California. 😊

[@valeriegabriel3219]

Hi Eli and Kate Thank you so much for taking the difficulty out of garden journaling, seeing an example of yours is so helpful. I hear a lot of gardeners saying do this but no examples 😖😖. Brilliant 👍🏾👍🏾😊😊

[@eliandkate]

Awwww awesome To be fair it’s not a simple thing to explain so they all have my sympathy 😀😀😀

[@Oktopia]

I knew a lady who had journals she started when she was 14 years old. She had them in her house! She registered all sorts of things from events, weather, temperature, rain, and snow. The local historical society got all of it when she passed and they are making a massive database based on her logs.

[@eliandkate]

Wow….. that’s so cool!!!!

[@RealFoodComesDirty]

Excellent video, Eli. I totally agree that garden journals are worth their weight in gold.

[@eliandkate]

Mine is quite heavy 😀

[@jennyjohnson9012]

Loved this and pleased to say I started a journal this year for the first time. I take photos, print them out and plot my progress as the months go by and see what does well and what doesn't. Everything has changed so much in the last few weeks!

[@eliandkate]

Wonderful! :D the photo thing is one of my annoyances, I take loads but don't want to print them and o way to link them in a paper journal... something to work on for me for this year?

[@christinaqueeno3874]

I'm a chronic paper journal keeper so a paper garden journal bullet journal style works for me. I also include foraging notes and information about plants in my area and their uses. The journal works well for my freeform garden style too since my beds are not rectangular boxes. I can sketch my garden layout on paper easier than trying to do it on the computer. Always lovely to watch your videos.

[@eliandkate]

I think free form is the way to go 😀😀😀

[@KateMcClatchy]

My grandfather started me with a little 5 year diary as my first gardening journal back in the 1980s. I now have a symbiotic analog bullet journal and digital Notion journal, as well as a Google Drive with Docs, Spreadsheets, and photos. I may not journal for days, weeks, or seasons even, but over the ~40 years, living in Wisconsin, Texas, and now Arkansas, I've gathered a lot of data, experience, and knowledge. I'm also a writer, so this is honestly the best way for me to process information. I love seeing how others journal, what they capture, why, and how. Thanks for sharing your Garden Journal, experience, and recommendations!!

[@eliandkate]

I’m the same, can record things religiously for ages then stop for months But it’s always there when I need it

[@lordcondio1036]

My garden diary is a must for me, keeping track of the daily weather, what I've sown, planted what worked, what didn't. To do lists, as my memory is awful. I also use my mobile to take photos of progress, which I keep on my laptop. Great for looking back on. Happy growing. Regards Hamish.

[@eliandkate]

You know I think that's one of the best bits... looking back on things. We were going through our blog the other day (cause I was going to bin it) and we thought, god this is awesome, no we need to keep this, it's our history.... such a warm fuzzy feeling going through it

[@lordcondio1036]

@@eliandkate Totally! Our back garden has gone through a huge makeover, over the past two years (because I'm very slow haha). Seeing the before and after photos is amazing and very satisfying. Just one corner left to do for the log store and a raised bed ...... eventually.

[@myrustygarden]

😂😂 first 2 years I stop in the first 2 months, I find using my vlogs on KZbin and calendar on my phone work best for tracking what I do in the garden and even in the house in winter when I start seeds. It’s easier to do a search in the phone calendar than searching in a book. But your so right everyone has a way and none are better than the other if they work for you and your needs. I like the video aspect of my garden because it allows you to visually view what you did at any specific time. Thank you for sharing hope you have a great week 🐝 safe ladies

[@eliandkate]

Im like you, it’s the search functionality of digital I miss when I go paper… But from one old hand at the vlogging malarkey …. The don’t rely on your videos. Every year I THINK I recorded something and it turns out I didn’t 😂😂😂 6 years on and I still haven’t learned

[@myrustygarden]

@@eliandkate 😂😂😂 good point

[@lisalightfoot1344]

Thanks Eli, my daughter bought me a lovely gardening journal for Xmas,instead of paper everywhere listing bits and bobs I've really utilised it like you. I'm literally doing all the good tried and tested then into a spread sheet etc to collate for my paper version that I'll take out with me.mine also Inc hints and tips from people like yourselves. Thanks for the extra ideas I can include like pests,that's definitely one I hadn't included bit super important. 👍❤️

[@eliandkate]

Sounds like you manage things exactly like me 😀😀😀😀😀😂

[@kburkes4245]

Great video! I just started writing a garden journal this year at the suggestion of a friend. You're so right - I will never remember all the details of what I've done so far this spring, so I look forward to next year when I can look back and see what worked and what didn't, dates I sowed, etc.

[@eliandkate]

There is something so lovely about sitting and going through older entries and seeing the progress or change in the garden and your own gardening… kind of makes it all real

[@cheryl1766]

for those who arent into journaling yet, most councils have a gardeners almanac that has your areas rainfall and temperatures available to download. i have just started using NFC tags on my plants ..i list the latin botanical name and phonetic pronunciation ,then all its quirky needs..these can be linked to your socials if you desire..i just wanted to do so i don't forget what they are called lol theyre cheap and water proof they don't deteriorate in the sun.

[@eliandkate]

Oooh Latin names 😁😁😁😁

[@jasonwoods4811]

I love your vlogs, you and Kate make alot of sence. and I'm trying to use your advice, but it's not easy, because of my wheelchair but I'm trying best, and the best advice you gave me was dream big, and that's what I'm doing, thank you for everything you and Kate are doing, Keep it up :D

[@eliandkate]

Of all the advice, I’m so glad dream big is one you’ve taken. I wish I could offer you more advice arbour making gardening wheelchair friendly but I must confess, I wouldn’t know where to start. Not sure if maybe Mark Lane would be worth checking out. He’s a TV gardening presenter who uses a chair. He did a great thing about what tools help him and how a few years ago. www.gardenersworld.com/podcast/mark-lane-on-gardening-with-a-disability/

[@jasonwoods4811]

@@eliandkate Thanks again you are a garden hero :D

[@eliandkate]

Ha ha ha oh I think that’s an exaggeration but I’m so taking 😍😍😍😍

[@jasonwoods4811]

@@eliandkate You and Kate's attitude towards gardening has inspired me to make a rare rose garden, and once the rose's are in and in bloom you and Kate are very welcome to and check it out, and could make for a cool vlog for you if you want :D

[@TheEnthusiasticGardener]

Hello! I have never kept a garden journal but you’ve made me think what a good idea it would be. You play guitar too!! I think you should give us a song next week 🙏 🎶😊

[@eliandkate]

Oh I think you’d get heaps from keeping a journal. It’s the perfect thing for folks like us with gardens with lots of areas and variety.

[@roxanneloomis7965]

I have been gardening for years. This is my VERY first year to keep a journal. Timing is something I am hoping to get better at. Also, I have learned some types are better than others. This last is to remind me what I planted where.... that is crop rotation.

[@eliandkate]

Timing and amounts are my learning aim for this year too Roxanne, fingers crossed for us both

[@gudi361]

last year I made a kind of calendar and wrote down which seeds to saw when. Made quite an effort. Then completely ignored it all summer . 😂😂😂

[@eliandkate]

😂😂😂😂😂 to be honest I think that’s pretty much what we all do

[@marksallotmentplot]

Fab video 👍 I don’t keep a journal (at the moment) but found this really interesting. As someone who spends all day on a laptop at work I really like the idea of taking some time to write something down in a notebook as opposed to digitally on a phone etc…

[@eliandkate]

yeah it's a weird thing but I'm actually enjoying have my wee notebook with me when I go pootle around. Wouldnt ever have thought that would happen :D

[@cpoco]

Thank you for this... it reminded me to update my (poorly made) excel sheet with the compost/coffee grounds I put out and the fact I turned it (I want to get an idea for how long it takes to create a decent compost and what I do to get there).

[@eliandkate]

That is an awesome idea of something to track, also keep a note of what you add, how dry or wet the pile is compared with what you add and temperatures. All that can help you work out your best practise 😀

[@gabrielmaroto18]

What a Beautiful and clever garden. 🪴 😻

[@eliandkate]

Thanks Gabriel, it’s our little haven away from the busy world.

[@TheLittleGreenBee]

Thank you, I’ve been thinking about doing this again but have never kept it up for long so I’ve copied your version and hopefully will be more user friendly 👏🏻 liv e your videos keep up the good work 💕

[@eliandkate]

fingers crossed this helps you to keep going... remember, it's absolutely ok and a must to customise customise customise 😍😍😍

[@christinebrooks6364]

Hi Eli, I have a notebook I write notes in and its my bible, I put a list of to do jobs in my phone, so, when I go to the allotment I tick off as I do and if I dont get them all done, keep it on my list for next time I go 🙂 works for me. Thanks for sharing and take care 🙂

[@eliandkate]

That sounds fab Christine The phone is handy for taking pics as well 😀

[@amiladybug9526]

I have little book that jot things down. Like last year I had awful broccoli harvest and a good friend brought me some crates so I can make a cage . It has come in hand

[@eliandkate]

Oh a broccoli cage was one of the things that I learned the hard way…. Lost an entire bed to caterpillars one year

[@bwolf0003]

Great video Eli. Inspired me to continue journaling!

[@eliandkate]

👏👏👏👏

[@emmanetts]

Loved this video! Thank you! I’ve only just started pottering around, but I have recently planted some seeds, so I’ll be digging out a notebook tomorrow and making some notes on what I’ve learnt so far! 💚

[@eliandkate]

Oh excellent news Emma… you won’t regret it

[@freeinghumanitynow]

I think a hybrid approach to garden journaling is probably the best option, IMO. You put your full schedule in a digital journal WITH ALARM REMINDERS on what needs to get done for that day. Each common task gets a category (Sow, plant, water, etc) and that's your garden schedule for the day. The paper journal has the same data but with observational notes.

[@eliandkate]

Oh I like the alarm!!!!!

[@sharonmitchel1377]

Thank you so much! I have been looking for a way to track my garden happenings. You just gave me an incredibly flexible way to do it. I’ve decided when it comes to planning I’m a paper gal but so many “garden journals” just don’t have enough room to write. I’m going to incorporate your planner pages and ideas into a discbound notebook. This is the first of your videos I’ve watched! I’m a subscriber now!

[@eliandkate]

You sound like you are having exactly the same issue as me…. I couldn’t find a single gardening journal that was right for me! I don’t know if this will help, but I’ve got a spreadsheet you can use for planning too… kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3ypoKKad7Nnicksi=GdK6SEUkUWu7Lavt

[@breahnalawrence6725]

Love this, I keep a garden journal within my regular journal, this is my first year doing so. I have always tried to keep a "plan" type journal and it just didn't work for me. I love my paper format, it helps me process, but id love to add a digital aspect for pictures and time stamps in the moment.

[@eliandkate]

The photos are the thing I’d love to find a way to add. It’s so easy adding photos or links to a digital journal but not so easy at all in my notebook

[@pipr3991]

Love this! Thank you so much for sharing your templates too .... I hadn't thought to do basic outlines of my garden for each month in my spreadsheet so just having a bit of a mind exploding moment. Plus being a spreadsheet I can easily tweak the colours to my preferences & calendar gradient to suit my Southern Hemisphere location.

[@eliandkate]

You tweak away and make it right for you! Im all for keeping things simple where I can

[@mandidittloff4500]

Thanks so much for your helpful guide to journaling. I use an A4 Binder/Folder with clear slips in which I put the current seasons paperwork - seed choice listing, dates of planting what list, garden plan where I have noted down where I am planting. I put these behind my seasons reference info. I write notes on the back of the paperwork for each season and improvements to make next time, which I read before starting the next season.

[@eliandkate]

Sounds like a good plan, everything all organised and accessible

[@valwade1956]

Thank you very informative 👍I started off quite well this year but have already fallen behind going to try using my phone 😂

[@eliandkate]

Glad it was helpful! Your phone is an awesome tool for this...it's extra handy if you use something "on the cloud" rather than actually on your phone... meaning something like a document in your google drive, icloud etc etc. that way you can access it from any device (including a new phone if anything happens to your current one) I like the whole phone thing for the convenience

[@BramptonGardener]

I worked on my journal yesterday. I had to go back and watch my videos though to write info down ahahhaa.

[@eliandkate]

😂😂😂 oh there are times I’ve done the same, unfortunately more than once I’ve then discovered the thing I need, I didn’t record

[@daisy1441]

Thanks!

[@eliandkate]

Hope it helps out Daisy 😀

[@daisy1441]

That was very cool of you to share your google docs with us. Thanks.

[@oreopaksun2512]

Thank you! The only thing I regret about my garden journal (thickest 3 subject bound notebook I could buy) is the information I did NOT write down. I find it so helpful to look back and track the progress of my fruit trees, seed orders, etc.. As a confirmed Luddite, I have not transitioned to digital garden planning and recording, and I will be sorry if I leave my phone out in the garden (have done with many tools, amendments, seedlings, etc.) and lose it to a sudden downpour. One section for planning, one section for log, final section is actually divided: Bokashi and leaf compost log front to back, and back to front is notes, vendors, gardening contacts, and annual events (which then move to the planning section as the year progresses). Got to change to an expandable format!

[@eliandkate]

😂😂😂 I know…. It would be awesome if we could just keep going and have it all in one journal

@@eliandkate You can do an expandable garden journal by using an A5 binder (or series of them). Refills of various kinds & colors of paper, as well as lined/dotted/grid/plain pages. I like Kraft paper refills (personal preference)... & I like adding stickers & other things.

[@sharonmitchel1377]

I just found this channel in my quest for a better gardening journal. I tried a pre-printed journal a few years and gave up on it. I thought I would do this in excel. Nope. Bullet journal, maybe. Instead of a bound bullet journal or spiral notebook, I’m going to use these page ideas in a discbound journal so I can add/delete sections/pages as the season goes. I can use dot grid paper for some things and lined for others. I may have found gardening planner peace.

[@lisaduffy8224]

another helpful video thanks...

[@eliandkate]

Excellent… I’ll be checking you’re using it 😍

[@PrettyAliceNight]

Thank you so much!

[@eliandkate]

Hope it’s helpful Alice

[@SlowLivingWithAutism]

This was our 18th year of gardening, and I sure do wish I'd been consistent with notes. I'm pretty hit-or-miss ... some years a lot of notes, some years none. My biggest problem is that I over-complicate everything. I guess another issue has been that we've moved every year or two until recently. (Single mom ... we're finally settled and now they are all married). A lot of info is really stuck in my head by now ... for example, I totally ignore our last expected frost (around April 15th) and use May 1st for all my warmer crops. This date never fails me. I begin succession planting cool crops around February 15th, but only a little until March 1st, just in case there's a really cold snap. I keep all of my seeds in planting date order ... each week has its own marked bag. This saves a lot of research. So, for the last 3 years, I've totally suppressed my perfectionist tendency and just wrote notes in my daily bullet journal. I think that's been good practice for me ... "JUST WRITE SOMETHING!!!" And I dedicated the back pages to record dates (when sowed, when sprouted, harvest dates, etc), harvest tracking, harvest season totals, fertilizing, and any other notes (including preserving recipes where applicable - like raspberry jam, elderberry concentrate, pear/apple butter, sweet potato stew). I THINK I'm ready to graduate to a perpetual journal so my notes are all together. That seems ideal. A weather tracker, monthly to-dos, monthly notes (when to clear and raise the Purple Martin houses, when to put out hummingbird feeders, when to prune or fertilize specific plants...). I still might keep the harvest tracking in my daily or maybe how I used to do it on loose paper on a clipboard hung on the fridge. We'll see. December is my usual time for getting the last year closed up, everything organized, and setting up the next year. Right now I'm still bringing in the last bits and cleaning up the gardens. Fertilizing, adding compost, cover crops, etc. The black beans and lime beans still need shelled and are taking up a ridiculous amount of my storage space. 😅 Thanks for the inspiration. ❤ Joanne in SW MO

[@eliandkate]

Wow sounds like you are super sorted, maybe you are noting way more than you realise 😁

[@BloosSelfReliance]

I find journaling really difficult it requires me to make a plan to do it and ummm yeah im a bit squirrel headed... I do have a seed sowing and harvest log though. I figure that's a start :D :D :D

[@eliandkate]

As I said it’s got to be right for you…. Not everyone is a journaller, some of us are planners and that’s ok 😀😀😀😀😀😀

[@ItsMimiBaaaby]

❤️

[@christinespragg2486]

Have you every thought of writing a book . You would be brill …. And if you have could you reply and tell me ,because I will get one . All the best for the new year ,will keep following .

[@eliandkate]

I’d love to. Always wanted to do a garden to table thing with recipes but I wouldn’t even know where to start

[@christinespragg2486]

@@eliandkate I'm sure it would be a Big success. Cannot wait for more videos. All the best to you both.