When I wrote about starting a gardening journal in January 2024, I chose to use the free Garden Journal from the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
I wanted to record my gardening adventure in 2024, including what I planted, when seeds germinated, what did well, what didn’t, and hopefully have a reference for future years of gardening.
I had high hopes a digital journal would work well for me.
Especially after I started winter sowing in mid-February.
After a few months, the outcome with the Garden Journal wasn’t what I expected.
Digital works for me, but not that particular app.
The Garden Journal
While the Garden Journal is helpful for recording your gardening and sending reminders, I quickly learned I wasn’t using it regularly.
I would plant new seeds indoors or see something in the garden and think about adding an entry to the journal.
But I wouldn’t consistently get around to adding the journal entry.
The task of logging in was a barrier (I know, it’s a small barrier, but a barrier nonetheless).
Trying to remember how to use their interface each time I logged in was another barrier.
Within a few months of using it sporadically, I decided the Garden Journal wasn’t going to work for me.
Best Tool for the Job
The best tool is one I’ll actually use regularly. And a tool which allows content to be exported (something the Garden Journal doesn’t do).
After thinking about what I wanted, I created a top five list of what I wanted to do with a gardening journal tool:
- Record my gardening progress
- Note seeds sprouting, flowers blooming, fruit formation, butterfly and hummingbird arrival, etc.
- Identify pests, watering, or other issues
- Document veggies and fruits I’ve harvested, including how many
- Be able to export the content
And for me, that tool ended up being Google Docs.
A tool I can quickly use on my phone (or desktop computer) to record anything related to gardening.
While Google Docs doesn’t have all the features a dedicated garden journal app might have, it provides:
- An interface I’m familiar with, no learning curve
- Customization features to format content, add photos
- No limit on characters
- Quick access on my phone (no need to enter passwords once I’ve accessed by phone)
- Ability to export content
I’m using Docs to enter a calendar date, followed by text describing some gardening task, harvest, seedling, etc.
Added bonus: I can easily edit the document by scrolling it.
It’s not a very long document, but I’m trying to add enough helpful detail so future me will find it useful.
For example, one of my entries earlier this month was:
June 8, 2024: Harvested my first Wisconsin SMR cucumber, grown in a 15-inch wide pot.
Summary
Digital gardening journals have many advantages, with their helpful advice, videos, guides, and reminders for gardeners.
But since I wasn’t using many features in the Garden Journal and I wasn’t journaling regularly, I looked for an alternative.
Once I started using Google Docs, I’ve been adding entries daily. It’s an interface I’m familiar with, which made it quicker to record my gardening ventures.
If you’re a gardener with a journal, I’m curious what you’re using to record your gardening. Share your experience in the comments.
