Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Your garden journal, or garden log, should be a useful tool you add to each year and refer to on a
regular basis. Some of the things you'll want to make note of in your journal include these:
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A planting diagram of your garden layout and what went where each year. You think you
won't forget but the truth is, you probably will. Especially after more than a single year.
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A planting log of what you planted, when you planted it, when it sprouted, when you
transplanted it, and how it performed. This can include the germination rates of each variety
and how it did in the garden through the year.
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A list of where you purchased your seeds in case the germination rates varied from one
company to another.
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Notes about pests or diseases you encountered through the year. Especially important if you
are saving seed!
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How much you harvested from your vegetable garden of each type of crop.
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Do's and don'ts for the following year. You always think you'll remember but it's better to
write things down.
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A list of monthly chores performed or to perform. If you plan to sell your produce or
livestock, you will also want to track your financial expenses.
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Note water and fertilizer usage in your garden to see where improvements can be made the
following year.
See Appendix B for some garden journal sheets that you can print out and use. These will help
you both in planning your first year's garden and in improving your garden each year thereafter.
You'll be able to track which crops and varieties do best in your region. You can print out addi-
tional copies at BackyardFarmingGuide.com.
Maximizing Your Garden Space
The other way to maximize your garden's produce is to use your space wisely. Small-space garden-
ing techniques can be used in the backyard farm to make sure that you are getting the most from
your land—however large or small that may be.
Whether you have a quarter-acre like my husband and me, or a small suburban backyard, you can
still grow a great deal of food for your family by implementing the three space-saving techniques
discussed in this section: vertical gardening, container gardening, and edible landscaping.
