everything goes in
I keep a garden journal with notes and dates about what I plant, when, and results. This helps me decide if I want to try it again next year. I also add spraying dates for fruit trees, pruning dates for shrubs, and rain dates and amounts. I take pictures of my blooming shrubs and perennials and print them out on regular paper to help me remember where they are and what they look like.
?Betty A. Elbracht, Howells, NE 

details, details
I use a regular lined page journal and keep it in an open place during the summer. I record the dates we plant, what we plant, and how much. I also record the places, times, prices, and quantities of the produce I purchase to preserve, as well as the amounts I preserve of either purchased or home grown produce. I will also record the amounts we eat fresh. Then I have an idea of how much to plant or purchase the following summer.
? Mrs. Thomas Lapp, August, WV 

big plans
I have an English-style garden that covers about 4 acres, plus a 3-acre pond and a 1-acre front yard. I am always testing perennials that will grow in clay soil, provide color, need little care, and tolerate drought conditions. So I really need a plan from year to year.

By using a spreadsheet, I can keep track of flowers I have tried. I am also able to keep my seasonal color pattern in mind as I add new plants.
?Rachel Wicker, Murray, KY 

remember this
I purchased a book type journal and I make sporadic entries. The most helpful ones to me are reminders on what to do next year. I also make notes on progress, including dates. I tape in a few pictures of how the garden or a container looked at a particular time as a reference for next year.
?Colleen Gengler, Iona, MN