Why You Should Keep a Lawn and Garden Binder

Gardening season will start in two months. Even if you're not into gardening, by April you're going to start mowing and dealing with what landscaping you have. Now is a great time to start a garden notebook. I know, I know, you're busy and the last thing you need is something else on your to do list. However, keeping some basic notes can save you time and money in the long run. It will keep you from repeating mistakes and remind you of what worked well.

How to do it

I'll admit to being pretty old fashioned. As you can tell from the picture, I keep my garden planner in an old fashioned binder. It works well for me. It's a great place to keep articles on gardening you find in magazines or online. I have a separate area for different areas of my yard where I keep track of what I planted and how well it did. I also keep track of where I bought things and when I planted them. Drawing simple maps helps out too.

Digital planners

You can find several digital garden planners online. Here are a few to get you started.

http://gardenplanner.motherearthnews.com/

http://gardenplanner.almanac.com/gardenplanner/gardenplanner.html#

http://www.bhg.com/gardening/design/nature-lovers/welcome-to-plan-a-garden/

The problem with these is that they don't have a way to take notes from previous years which to me is half the reason to do this in the first place.

Whether you keep physical or electronic notes, you need to have a physical envelope to keep receipts from larger plant purchases. Most garden centers have one year guarantees on their plants so if you loose out, you can bring it back with a receipt.  

Is it worth it? 
Not for everyone. Some people really hate gardening and have nothing to keep track of. Remember that you only have to update it when you want to. I only get to in once a month or so during the growing season and even less in winter. You may only access it once a year. However, if you're like me and you love gardening, then I think a garden planner is indispensable. It gives us something productive to do when it's too dark and cold outside to be out there doing anything. Do you keep a garden planner? I'd love to hear about it in the comments below.

3 Solid Reasons to Create Goals for Your Yard and How to Do It

January is, I realize, a very clique time to be setting new goals. However, what else is a gardener to do in January but dream of Spring? Even if you think you have a black thumb, if you have any yard at all, you should do a bit of planning now to help you out later.

Why?

First, having a plan means things will actually get done. Have you been dreaming of a flower garden for years but haven't gotten around to it? Wanting to create a beautiful play area for your kids but they'll probably be grown before it happens? Thought about learning how to grow fruit trees or herbs? If you write it down and have a plan, you'll be much more likely to do it.

Second, it will save you money. Going to a garden center in the Spring without a plan is like going to the grocery store without a list. You're going to spend more than you should have and you still won't have what you need.

Third, it will increase the amount of time you spend outside which is great for your health. Countless studies have shown the benefits of gardening, or any outdoor exercise for that matter. Creating gardening goals will increase the chances that you'll be spending more time outdoors this spring.

How to go about it?

First, get together with everyone in your household and make sure you're all on the same page. You might be planning a vegetable garden right where someone else wants to install horse shoe pits.

Second, write it down. I like doing this in my garden binder (more on that to come) but you just have to write it down where you can find it later.

Third, write out a plan. Don't just write down that you want to learn how to grow fruit trees. When should you plant the trees in your area? Better do a lot of research before then. Create a timeline and be sure to budget what you need for plants and tools.

This year, my two biggest goals are to start a fruit orchard and have it survive the first year. I've already read a whole book on it to get started. I also want to establish a new perennial herb garden since I lost my old one when we moved.

What about you? What are you wanting to do with your yard this year? I'd love to hear about it in the comments below.