You might be wondering why we suggest starting a gardening journal in the middle of winter. After all, it’s the season of bare trees, short days, and chilly weather—not exactly prime gardening time! But winter, especially after the whirlwind of the holidays, is actually the perfect time to begin. With the decorations tucked away, the last batch of cookies consumed, and those winter blues setting in, a gardening journal can give your hands and mind a delightful new project to focus on.
Think of it as more than a journal—it’s a personal gardening guide, a place to reflect on past successes and challenges, and even a potential family treasure that could be passed down through generations.
Reflect on Last Year’s Garden
Winter is a great time to revisit the highlights of your garden while the memories are still fresh. Start by jotting down details about your past gardening season:
- The vegetables or flowers you grew
- Your harvest results—what thrived and what struggled
- Fertilizers and soil treatments you used
- How you managed pests or weather challenges
Be as detailed as you like. You can include weather patterns, planting dates, or even notes on how certain plants made you feel—anything that will inspire or guide you when planning future gardens.
Plan for the Year Ahead
Your gardening journal isn’t just about looking back—it’s also the perfect tool for looking forward. Use it to dream up your next garden:
- Sketch layouts for your flower beds or vegetable plots.
- List new plants or varieties you want to try.
- Make a seed-starting schedule.
And don’t forget to explore online and print resources for fresh ideas! A quick browse through seed catalogs or plant photos can spark ideas for adding new colors, textures, or even entirely new plant species to your garden.
Journal Options: Paper or Digital?
Whether you prefer the charm of a handwritten journal or the convenience of a digital one, there are options for everyone.
- Paper journals are tactile and timeless. You can paste in photos, tape seed packets, or doodle garden designs.
- Digital journals let you document on the go. Some apps even allow you to add photos and make notes directly from the garden. (Check out free digital gardening journals, like the one offered by the Old Farmer’s Almanac!)
While digital options are handy, paper journals have a sentimental touch that makes them easier to pass down through generations.
Start Pre-Ordering Your Seeds and Plants
Winter is also the perfect time to pre-order seeds or starter plants. Many garden centers offer discounts on pre-orders, guaranteeing you’ll have first dibs on popular varieties before they sell out. Plus, early planning helps vendors organize their inventory, so it’s a win-win for everyone!
Let Your Journal Be Your Muse
Your journal can be a living source of inspiration. Over time, it will grow into a treasure trove of ideas, insights, and lessons. You may not plant every idea or variety in a single season, but your journal will be there as a resource when you’re ready to revisit those dreams.
Imagine flipping through years of notes to find a perennial that caught your eye or a vegetable that made you want to experiment in the kitchen. Your journal becomes a muse for future gardening adventures!
Gift a Gardening Journal
If you’re looking for the perfect gift for a gardener (or yourself), a gardening journal is an excellent choice. It can be as elaborate or simple as you like—detailed planners for the meticulous, or plain lined notebooks for free-flowing creativity.
Share Your Ideas With Us!
Do you already keep a gardening journal, or will you be starting one this winter? We’d love to hear from you! Share your tips, ideas, or even photos of your journals on our forum, or browse our blog for more gardening inspiration.
Happy journaling—and happy gardening—from all of us!
