As summer rolls in, the scent of fresh blooms and sun-kissed soil fills the air, and I find myself aching to capture all of that beauty in a garden journal. Who wouldn't want to remember those lazy afternoons spent digging my fingers into the dirt, or the moment I finally see my first sunflower stretch toward the sky? I can almost feel the sun on my face as I imagine flipping through those pages, reliving each small triumph in my little plot of paradise. Last summer, I planted tomatoes that turned out to be more delicious than I ever imagined – can I recreate that magic? It feels so personal, so real. Will other summers bring the same joy? Maybe if I write it all down, I can hold onto those fleeting moments.
Items You’ll Need
- Garden Journal Notebook
- Pens and Markers
- Camera or Smartphone for pictures
- Plant Labels
- Ruler
- Sticky Notes
- Watercolor or Colored Pencils for Coloring
- Scissors
- Glue Stick or Tape
- Calendar or Planner
- Gardening Books for reference
- A laptop or computer for digital journal options
- Soil and Water Testing Kit
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather my equipment
Today, I start my adventure in creating a summer garden journal! First, I gather all my essential equipment: the garden journal notebook, colorful pens and markers, my camera for capturing those special garden moments, and plant labels to keep track of everything I sow.
Step 2: Plan my garden layout
I grab my ruler and sketch a layout of my garden. I think about which plants to place where, considering sunlight and spacing, making sure to jot down the plan in my notebook.
Step 3: Start planting
With my plan ready, it’s time to get my hands dirty! I start planting seeds, using the plant labels to mark my rows. I make notes in my journal about what I planted where and the planting dates.
Step 4: Capture the journey
I take my camera and snap pictures of the garden at different stages. These memories will be a fantastic addition to my journal, allowing me to look back at how everything blossomed!
Step 5: Add colorful touches
Using watercolor pencils, I embellish my journal entries with doodles and sketches of the flowers and plants I’m growing! Adding color makes my journal come alive.
Step 6: Schedule my garden tasks
I check my calendar and planner and write down reminders for watering, fertilizing, and weeding, ensuring I stay on top of my garden duties this summer.
Step 7: Record observations
As I watch my plants grow, I regularly write observations in my journal. I make notes about plant growth, pests, and any other surprises that come my way!
Step 8: Create a digital backup
To keep my records safe, I scan my journal entries into my laptop. I can even create a digital garden journal, complete with all my photos and notes, using a documents folder dedicated to my garden!
Step 9: Testing soil and water
I use my soil and water testing kit to check the pH and nutrient levels. I jot down the results in my journal to monitor how my garden soil changes over time.
Step 10: Reflect and plan for next year
At the end of the summer, I reflect on my journal entries, looking back at what worked and what didn’t. I start planning my garden for next year, using the insights I’ve gathered throughout this summer.