Record keeping in the garden

The 2011 UC Master Gardener Vegetable Demonstration Garden Project has recently finished. A group of certified Master Gardeners and trainees spent time each week from January 27 through December 15 learning vegetable gardening techniques through hands-on experience.

They documented their project so that they could impart lessons learned throughout the process. This article is the first in a series to share this knowledge.

Record keeping in the garden:

Keeping good records of what was planted, where and when will help when you prepare to plant your garden in following years.

• Keep a notebook to record what you plant in the garden. This will help you identify the best varieties for planting in the future. It is very difficult to remember variety names unless they have been documented.
• The best time to label a plant is when you plant the seed or while transplanting. It is easy to forget after the fact.
• Write down as much planting information as you can before finishing up for the day.
• Keep up with documentation throughout the growing season. Consider taking photos and recording hours.

Questions on gardening? Please contact our Master Gardener helpline at 645-1455 or contact them by email at mgventura@ucdavis.edu.

2011 UC Master Gardener Vegetable Demonstration Garden Project volunteer group.