Best way to keep info please

annie123

Whats the best format to use for keeping records of planting, yields, what worked, what didn't etc.

I have tried many ways over the years and yet to find one that works for me, either its too complicated and I give up or when I go back to it the following year, I dont seem to have recorded the information I need:rolleyes:

I often remember that I tried growing xyz 5 years ago, when I notice that its been eaten by slugs/not grown/taken over etc , it would be nice not to keep making the same planting/sowing mistakes:rolleyes:

Any ideas?

gazza975526570

I just use a book each year.

A page for each part of my allotment - putting dates as ot when ive dug over, added fertiliser, when planted and what variety then at end of season make notes as to what went well/problems.

It also will then help me plan rotation.

Advantage is you can take it outside with you whereas anything on your PC you need to remember to update

cootambear

I use an excel spreadsheet. Not so complcated as it sounds, you can give different plants different colours, making a sort of garden plan.

katiel

I've always shied away from Excel as looking a bit complicated, but I've started using Googledocs spreadsheets to record stuff, and they work really well for me.

Each year I set out a spreadsheet listing all my seeds (currently 130 packets which is ridiculous), plus columns for when they need to be sown, in trays/pots or outside, and whether the packet has been opened last year (and therefore needs using up before opening another). I'm also recording how which plants did well in dry and wet years.