My 2018 Vegetable Garden Journal Introduction I keep track of what, where and how I plant my vegetables. I also like to record the weather in my area and what inputs I put into my garden soil. If I have pests and diseases on my vegetables it is important for me to document what they are and how I have controlled them. Keeping my journal makes planning and producing an abundance of healthy vegetables easier each year. I have looked at many different garden journals, but none have been exactly what I want or need so I decided it was time to create my own. I hope you will find My Vegetable Garden Journal easy to use and helpful in your own garden planning and record keeping. Happy gardening, Catherine Abbott www.your-vegetable-gardening-helper.com 1
My Vegetable Garden Site An open home, an open heart, here grows a bountiful harvest. Judy Hand My vegetable garden is located at/in. My growing season lasts from to. (When can I start planting and then when does it get too cold for them?) The amount of sunshine my vegetable garden receives is about hours in the summer months and in the winter months. (Observe where the sun hits the garden and how long it stays during the day.) My garden soil type is (Put a small amount of soil in your palm, add a little water and rub it together; If it is gritty you have sandy soil; soapy it is silty; sticky and holds together it more clay like.) Things I like best about my vegetable garden site? (Acknowledging what works in our gardens is a great way to help us to keep going when times can get trying.) Things I would like to change in my garden site? (Making notes of what you would like to change and then planning to do it can make gardening fun and rewarding.) 2
My Vegetable Garden Layout 3
Vegetable Greenhouse Layout 4
My Vegetable Container Garden Layout Location: Container: Container size: Vegetables planted: Location: Container: Container size: Vegetables planted: Location: Container: Container size: Vegetables planted: Location: Container: Container size: Vegetables planted: Location: Container: Container Size: Vegetables planted: 5
My Planning Calendar 6
The following section has a monthly calendar for your use. On the calendar there are some weather symbols for you to use. Take a moment to circle the graphic that best represents the weather for that day; this is great information to look back at during the growing season and can be used when planning for your next season. In my gardening experience I have noticed that when I sow seeds or set out transplants at certain times of the moon cycle, they sprouted and grew better. On the following monthly calendars I have noted which days are best for planting vegetables that produce their fruit or pods above ground and the best days for planting your vegetables that produce their roots below ground. This is the philosophy for planting by the moon cycles. Plant vegetables that yield above ground when the light is increasing; this is from the new moon to the full moon. Leafy plants that produce seeds outside the fruit. Vining plants that produce seeds inside fruit. Examples: cabbage, spinach, lettuce, cucumber, beans, peas, peppers, squash, eggplant, tomatoes, garlic, onions and leeks. Plant vegetables that yield below ground when the light is decreasing; this is from the full moon to the new moon. Examples: root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, beets, turnip, rutabaga, and radish. The Monthly Planning at a Glance has a simple and easy list for you to follow. To help keep you organized there is a section for your monthly to do list. I encourage you to plan what you want to do each month. You have an option to check what has been completed that month or what may need to be transferred to the next month. This is a great way to acknowledge all the work you have accomplished each month. I find it also helpful to keep notes of what worked and what I could do differently. This is invaluable information to look back on when planning your next growing season. 7
Monthly Planning at a Glance January: Start planning for the new season in your journal. Plan your garden layout; remember to rotate your vegetables. List the vegetables you want to grow. Go to the library and take out gardening books for inspiration. Order your seed catalogs February: Read seed catalogs and other gardening books for information. Order your seeds. Start tomato, lettuce and spinach seedlings indoors. Do a soil test to find out what nutrients your garden soil may need. Check and clean your garden tools and equipment. March: Visit garden centers. Start your garden soil preparation. Read your seed packets before planting. Start planting potatoes and peas outdoors. Start tomato, onion, leeks and basil seedlings indoors. April: Start planting your lettuce, spinach, radishes, brassica, leeks outdoors. Start cucumber, squash, eggplant, and pepper seedlings indoors. Start weeding your garden beds. Start mulching to suppress weeds. Start a new compost pile. May: Harvest lettuce, spinach, radishes that were planted early in April. Continue to successive sow lettuce, spinach, carrots, and radishes. Start winter crops of brassicas in seedling trays. Sow corn, beans, cucumber and squash towards the end of the month. Plant out tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, squash at the end of the month. June: Keep your garden weeded. Watch for signs of pests, insects and diseases. Stake your tomatoes and nip out the side shoots. Fertilize your vegetable plants. Make sure your vegetable garden is getting sufficient water. 8
Monthly Planning at a Glance July: Enjoy your harvest. Continue to water, weed and fertilize your garden. Watch for signs of tomato leaf roll, blossom drop and virus diseases. Continue to succession sow and set out winter crops. Mark certain vegetable plants that you want to keep for seeds. August: Harvest your vegetables regularly so they continue to produce more. Continue to succession sow lettuce, Chinese greens, and radishes. Mexican bean beetles, Colorado potato beetles, squash vine borer, clubroot, and blossom end rot can show up this month. Keep vegetable plants well watered and weeded. September: Keep harvesting. Plant green manures on any bare soil in your garden beds. Pull your tomato plants and allow green fruit to ripen indoors. Save seeds from your best vegetable plants for next year. Frost protection may be needed in certain areas. October: Cultivate and add compost and manure to your garden beds. Plant garlic and over wintering onions. Harvest pumpkins and winter squash. Start your garden clean up. Start a new compost pile. November: Continue to plant more garlic. If your climate allows sow lettuce, spinach, and Chinese greens. Mulch any vegetables that are still in your garden. Continue to clean up any garden debris and add to your compost. Organize and sort left over seeds. December: Order My Vegetable Garden Journal for next year. Evaluate how your vegetable garden grew. Continue to mulch if you have vegetables still in the garden. Check stored vegetables and remove any that are rotting. Give garden gifts to friends and family over the holiday season. 9
January 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 Full Moon 2 3 4 5 6 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 New Moon 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Full Moon or below ground crops along with the moon cycle. Above leaf and fruiting plants Below root crops Sun, sun/cloud, stormy, rain Cloud, warm, snow, cold 10
My To do list for January Transfer Complete to next month. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. What worked well this month? What could I do differently next season? 11
February 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 5 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 New Moon 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 or below ground crops along with the moon cycle. Above leaf and fruiting plants Below root crops Sun, sun/cloud, stormy, rain Cloud, warm, snow, cold 12
My To do list for February Transfer Complete to next month. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. What worked well this month? What could I do differently next season? 13
March 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 Full Moon 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 New Moon 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Full Moon or below ground crops along with the moon cycle. Above leaf and fruiting plants Below root crops Sun, sun/cloud, stormy, rain Cloud, warm, snow, cold 14
My To do list for March Transfer Complete to next month. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. What worked well this month? What could I do differently next season? 15
April 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 NewMoon 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Full Moon 30 or below ground crops along with the moon cycle. Above leaf and fruiting plants Below root crops Sun, sun/cloud, stormy, rain Cloud, warm, snow, cold 16
My To do list for April Transfer Complete to next month. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. What worked well this month? What could I do differently next season? 17
May 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 New Moon 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Full Moon 30 31 or below ground crops along with the moon cycle. Above leaf and fruiting plants Below root crops Sun, sun/cloud, stormy, rain Cloud, warm, snow, cold 18
My To do list for May Transfer Complete to next month. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. What worked well this month? What could I do differently next season? 19
June 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 New Moon 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Full Moon 28 29 30 or below ground crops along with the moon cycle. Above leaf and fruiting plants Below root crops Sun, sun/cloud, stormy, rain Cloud, warm, snow, cold 20
My To do list for June Transfer Complete to next month. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. What worked well this month? What could I do differently next season? 21
July 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 New Moon 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Full Moon 28 29 30 31 or below ground crops along with the moon cycle. Above leaf and fruiting plants Below root crops Sun, sun/cloud, stormy, rain Cloud, warm, snow, cold 22
My To do list for July Transfer Complete to next month. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. What worked well this month? What could I do differently next season? 23
August 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 New Moon 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26Full Moon 27 28 29 30 31 Sun, sun/cloud stormy, rain Cloud, warm, snow, cold or below ground crops along with the moon cycle. Above leaf and fruiting plants Below root crops 24
My To do list for August Transfer Complete to next month. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. What worked well this month? What could I do differently next season? 25
September 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesda y Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 New Moon 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Full Moon 25 26 27 28 29 30 or below ground crops along with the moon cycle. Above leaf and fruiting plants Below root crops Sun, sun/cloud, stormy, rain Cloud, warm, snow, cold 26
My To do list for September Transfer Complete to next month. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. What worked well this month? What could I do differently next season? 27
October 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 New Moon 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Full Moon 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 or below ground crops along with the moon cycle. Above leaf and fruiting plants Below root crops Sun, sun/cloud, stormy, rain Cloud, warm, snow, cold 28
My To do list for October Transfer Complete to next month. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. What worked well this month? What could I do differently next season? 29
November 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 New Moon 8 9 10 ground crop 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 ground crop ground crop ground crop ground crop ground crop 18 19 20 21 22 23 Full Moon 24 ground crop 25 ground crop 26 ground crop 27 28 29 30 Sun, sun/cloud Stormy, rain Cloud, warm, snow, cold or below ground crops along with the moon cycle. Above leaf and fruiting plants Below root crops 30
My To do list for November Transfer Complete to next month. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. What worked well this month? What could I do differently next season? 31
December 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 New Moon 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Full Moon 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 or below ground crops along with the moon cycle. Above leaf and fruiting plants Below root crops Sun, sun/cloud, stormy, rain Cloud, warm, snow, cold 32
My To do list for December Transfer Complete to next month. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. What worked well this month? What could I do differently next season? 33
My Vegetable Profiles 34
Beans Botanical Name: Family Name: Papilionaceae Pea & Bean Growing Conditions: Soil preparation: Dig in 1 to 2 inches of aged manure or compost. Planting times: Seed mid May to beginning of July; plant every 2 weeks. Planting instructions: Plant bush varieties in rows; place pole variety seeds at the base of each stake. Spacing: Bush: 3 inches apart, 1 inch deep. Pole: 3-5 plants for each stake. Watering: Do not water seeds until they have sprouted; after that water regularly. Fertilizing: Do so after a heavy bloom and pods are starting to set. Stake: Pole varieties. My Planting Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Planted Transplanted Harvest Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Comments 35
Beets Botanical Name: Family Name: Chenopodiaceac Goose foot Growing Conditions: Soil preparation: Deeply till your soil, digging in 1 to 2 inches of aged manure or compost, seaweed, lime and borax. Planting times: Sow April to mid July; plant every few weeks. Planting instructions: Thin the seedlings to 3 inches apart. Spacing: Seed 2 inches apart 1 inch deep. Watering: Require regular watering. Fertilizing: Dig in amendments and fertilizers at the time of planting. Stake: No. My Planting Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Planted Transplanted Harvest Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Comments 36
Broccoli Botanical Name: Family Name: Brassicaeae Mustard Family Growing Conditions: Soil preparation: Dig in 2 to 3 inches of aged manure or compost, shredded leaves, and a few handfuls of lime. Planting times: Sow April to mid July indoors; every few weeks. Transplant at 6-8 weeks when plants have 4-6 leaves. Planting instructions: Seeds need to be covered when seeded in propagating mix. Add a handful of compost in the hole when transplanting. Spacing: Set out 18 inches apart. Watering: Water once a week at the base of the plant. Fertilizing: Three weeks after transplanting and when the bud starts forming. Stake: No. My Planting Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Planted Transplanted Harvest Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Comments 37
Brussel Sprouts Botanical Name: Family Name: Brassicaeae Mustard Family Growing Conditions: Soil preparation: Dig in 2 to 3 inches of aged manure or compost, shredded leaves, and a few handfuls of lime. Planting times: Sow April to mid July indoors; every few weeks. Transplant at 6-8 weeks when plants have 4-6 leaves. Planting instructions: Seeds need to be covered when seeded in propagating mix. Add a handful of compost in the hole when transplanting and water well. Spacing: Set out 18 inches apart. Watering: Water once a week at the base of the plant. Fertilizing: Three weeks after transplanting and when the bud starts forming. Stake: No. My Planting Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Planted Transplanted Harvest Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Comments 38
Cabbage Botanical Name: Family Name: Brassicaeae Mustard Family Growing Conditions: Soil preparation: Dig in 2 to 3 inches of aged manure or compost, shredded leaves, and a few handfuls of lime. Planting times: Sow April to mid July indoors; every few weeks. Transplant at 6-8 weeks when plant have 4-6 leaves. Planting instructions: Seeds need to be covered when seeded in propagating mix. Add a handful of compost in the hole when transplanting and water well. Spacing: Set out 18 inches apart. Watering: Water once a week at the base of the plant. Fertilizing: Three weeks after transplanting and when the bud starts forming. Stake: No. My Planting Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Planted Transplanted Harvest Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Comments 39
Carrots Botanical Name: Family Name: Apiaceae Carrot Family Growing Conditions: Soil preparation: Deeply till soil adding in 2 inches of compost or aged manure. Remove all stones. Planting times: Sow direct April to mid July; sow every few weeks. Planting instructions: Best tasting carrots are grown in cool weather. Plants must be thinned to 1-4 inches apart. Spacing: Sow rows ¼ inch deep. Watering: Water regularly preferably with drip irrigation. Fertilizing: Fertilize the soil in the fall where you are planning to plant in the spring. Stake: No. My Planting Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Planted Transplanted Harvest Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Comments 40
Cauliflower Botanical Name: Family Name: Brassicaeae Mustard Family Growing Conditions: Soil preparation: Dig in 2 to 3 inches of aged manure or compost, shredded leaves, and a few handfuls of lime. Planting times: Sow April to mid July indoors; every few weeks. Transplant at 6-8 weeks when plants have 4-6 leaves. Planting instructions: Seeds need to be covered when seeded in propagating mix. Add a handful of compost in the hole when transplanting and water well. Spacing: Set out 18 inches apart. Watering: Water once a week at the base of the plant. Fertilizing: Three weeks after transplanting and when the bud starts forming. Stake: No. My Planting Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Planted Transplanted Harvest Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Comments 41
Celery Botanical Name: Family Name: Umbelliferae or Apiaceae Parsley Family Growing Conditions: Soil preparation: Likes really rich soil, add in several inches of compost or chicken manure. Planting times: Sow late spring and transplant at 6-8 weeks. Planting instructions: Dig a trench 12 inches deep adding compost or aged manure to the bottom then set out the transplant. Spacing: Set out 8 inches apart. Watering: Celery needs lots of water; water twice weekly. Fertilizing: Three weeks after planting place compost around the base of the plant and then again every 6 weeks after that. Stake: No. My Planting Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Planted Transplanted Harvest Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Comments 42
Corn Botanical Name: Family Name: Poaceae Grass Family Growing Conditions: Soil preparation: Dig in 1 inch of compost or aged manure. Planting times: Sow direct at the end of May or when nighttime temperatures are above 12 degrees Celsius. If you have a large area do 2 or 3 plantings. Planting instructions: Hand seed or use a hand seeder in a large area. Spacing: Sow 4 to 6 inches apart, 1 inch deep. Watering: Water regularly, if sprinkling make sure the soil is well watered. Fertilizing: When the stalk is 8 to 10 inches tall and then again when the first silk appears. Stake: No. My Planting Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Planted Transplanted Harvest Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Comments 43
Cucumbers Botanical Name: Family Name: Carurbitaceae Ground Family Growing Conditions: Soil preparation: Dig 2 to 3 inches of compost or aged manure, then add lime and seaweed before planting. Planting times: Start seedlings indoors in mid April or sow direct at the end of May. Transplant out at 4 weeks. Planting instructions: Add compost to the hole when setting out transplants. This vegetable needs bees for pollination. Spacing: Sow 6 inches apart, 1/2 inch deep. Watering: Deep watering at the base of the plant twice a week rather than sprinkling. If growing in a greenhouse or container they may need water every second day. Fertilizing: One week after plant blooms and then 3 weeks later. Stake: Use netting so plant grows upright and fruit is not on the ground. My Planting Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Planted Transplanted Harvest Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Comments 44
Eggplant Botanical Name: Family Name: Solanaceae Nightshade Family Growing Conditions: Soil preparation: This vegetable needs rich soil so dig 3 to 4 inches of compost or aged manure. Planting times: Sow indoors in April to transplant out in mid June. Planting instructions: Add compost to the hole when setting out transplants. Eggplants need lots of warmth so grow plants in a greenhouse or under plastic. Spacing: Set out 12 inches apart. Watering: Requires lots of water; water at the base of the plant. Fertilizing: After first bloom and after fruits start to set. Stake: No. My Planting Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Planted Transplanted Harvest Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Comments 45
Garlic Botanical Name: Family Name: Alliaceae Onion Family Growing Conditions: Soil preparation: Dig in 2 to 3 inches of compost or aged manure. Planting times: Sow direct in October through to January, may be planted in the early spring depending on the variety. Planting instructions: Do not skin the clove and place it pointed end down. Cut the flower stalk (scapes) in June so energy goes to the bulb. Spacing: Plant 12 inches apart; 2 inches deep. Watering: Rarely have to water unless May and June are very dry. Fertilizing: After flower stalks start to form. Stake: No. My Planting Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Planted Transplanted Harvest Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Comments 46
Kale Botanical Name: Family Name: Brassicaeae Mustard Family Growing Conditions: Soil preparation: Dig in 3 inches of aged manure or compost, shredded leaves, and a few handfuls of lime. Planting times: Sow early April and then again mid June to mid July for fall planting. Transplant at 4 weeks when they have 4-6 leaves. Planting instructions: Likes cool temperatures. Can be directed seeds, but plants will need to be thinned. Spacing: Set out 12 inches apart. Watering: Water regularly at the base of the plant. Fertilizing: Three weeks after transplanting. Stake: No. My Planting Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Planted Transplanted Harvest Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Comments 47
Leeks Botanical Name: Family Name: Alliaceae Onion Family Growing Conditions: Soil preparation: Dig in 2 inches of compost or aged manure. Planting times: Sow indoors in early March and when the plant is pencil size thick transplant out. Planting instructions: Use a large stick to make a 6 inch deep hole, set out transplants at the bottom of the hole and cover with soil up to the first leaf notch. Leave the rest of the hole unfilled, fill it in gradually as the plant grows. Spacing: Set out 4-6 inches apart. Watering: Water twice a week during the early stages of growth. Fertilizing: When plant is about 1 foot tall. Stake: No. My Planting Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Planted Transplanted Harvest Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Comments 48
Lettuce Botanical Name: Family Name: Asteraceae Daisy Family Growing Conditions: Soil preparation: Dig in 1 inch of compost or aged manure. Planting times: For transplants sow indoors in March to July; transplant at 4 to 6 weeks. Direct seed as soon as you can till your soil. Planting instructions: If direct seeding you will need to thin. Add a handful of compost to the hole when setting out the transplant. Spacing: Set out or thin to 12 inches apart. Watering: Regular watering is needed. Plants may need more during the hottest part of summer. Sprinkling is a good way to keep lettuce leaves cool. Fertilizing: Add compost or compost tea around the base of the plant 2 or 3 weeks after transplanting. Stake: No. My Planting Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Planted Transplanted Harvest Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Comments 49
Onions Botanical Name: Family Name: Alliaceae Onion Family Growing Conditions: Soil preparation: Dig in 3-4 inches of compost or aged manure. Planting times: Sow indoors in early March and transplant at 4-8 weeks. Planting instructions: Sow seeds in propagating mix ¼ inch deep. Spacing: Set out 4-6 inches apart. Watering: During the early stages of growth water at least twice a week. Stop watering once tops start to turn brown usually in August. Fertilizing: Place compost around each plant when bulbs start to swell and then again when the plant reaches 1 foot tall. Stake: No. My Planting Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Planted Transplanted Harvest Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Comments 50
Peas Botanical Name: Family Name: Papilionaceae Pea & Bean Growing Conditions: Soil preparation: Dig in 3 inches of aged manure or compost. Planting times: Seed early spring; plant every 2 weeks until early May. Planting instructions: Mark your row with the handle of your hoe, place in the pea seeds and then cover with soil. Spacing: Seed 2 inches apart 1 inch deep. Watering: Peas suffer from heat and drought and require regular water. Fertilizing: Do so after a heavy bloom and pods are starting to set. Stake: Use netting so peas will grow upright. My Planting Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Planted Transplanted Harvest Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Comments 51
Peppers Botanical Name: Family Name: Solanaceae Nightshade Family Growing Conditions: Soil preparation: Dig in 2 inches of compost or aged manure. Planting times: Sow indoors in April to transplant out in 6 to 8 weeks. Planting instructions: Add compost to the hole when setting out transplants and water them well. Peppers need lots of warmth to grow well. Spacing: Set out 12 inches apart. Watering: Requires lots of water during early stage of growth and then once the plant is established once a week is probably sufficient. Fertilizing: After first bloom and after fruits start to set. Stake: No. My Planting Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Planted Transplanted Harvest Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Comments 52
Potato Botanical Name: Family Name: Solanaceae Nightshade Family Growing Conditions: Soil preparation: Dig in 2 inches of compost or aged manure. Planting times: Sow direct mid April. Planting instructions: Each seed potato should have 3 or more eyes. Make a trench 8 to 12 inches deep with the edge of a hoe, add in some compost and lie in your seed potato and then fill in the trench. Once the potato plant is about a foot high hill it with excess soil leaving just the top leaves uncovered, do this again when it has grown another foot high. Spacing: Plant 12 inches apart; 6 to 12 inches deep. Watering: Regular watering is needed. Keep soil moist if weather is extremely hot and dry. Use mulch to keep the soil cool and moist. Fertilizing: After flowers start to emerge. Stake: No. My Planting Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Planted Transplanted Harvest Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Comments 53
Radish Botanical Name: Family Name: Brassicaeae Mustard Family Growing Conditions: Soil preparation: Dig in about 1 inch of compost or aged manure. Planting times: Direct seed starting in late March. Sow every few weeks all spring. Planting instructions: Make a shallow trench about ¾ inches deep, sow seeds and then cover with soil. Water well. Plants will need to be thinned to every 2 inches. Spacing: 2 inches apart. Watering: Until the seed sprouts water daily, then water every few days. Fertilizing: It is best to fertilize the area before planting with compost and manure. Stake: No. My Planting Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Planted Transplanted Harvest Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Comments 54
Scallions (Green Onions) Botanical Name: Family Name: Alliaceae Onion Family Growing Conditions: Soil preparation: Dig in 3-4 inches of compost or aged manure. Planting times: Sow indoors in early March and transplant at 4-8 weeks. Planting instructions: Sow 10 seeds in each cell with propagating mix ¼ inch deep. Spacing: Set out 4-6 inches apart. Watering: Water deeply once a week. Fertilizing: When bulbs start to swell and then again when the plant reaches 1 foot tall. Stake: No. My Planting Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Planted Transplanted Harvest Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Comments 55
Spinach Botanical Name: Family Name: Chenopodiaceac Goose foot Growing Conditions: Soil preparation: Dig in 3 to 6 inches of aged manure or compost. Planting times: Sow indoors early April to mid July; transplant at 4 weeks. Seeds can be sowed direct as well. For a continuous harvest, plant every few weeks. Planting instructions: If direct seeding plants will need to be thinned to every 6 inches. Spinach grows best in cooler temperatures. Spacing: Set out to 6 inches apart. Watering: Requires regular watering. Sprinkling will keep plants cool. Fertilizing: When plants are one third grown. Stake: No. My Planting Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Planted Transplanted Harvest Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Comments 56
Squash Botanical Name: Family Name: Carurbitaceae Ground Family Growing Conditions: Soil preparation: Dig in 2 to 3 inches of compost or aged manure. Planting times: Start seedlings indoors in mid April or sow direct at the end of May. They can be set out at 4 weeks. Planting instructions: These plants come in bush or vine varieties. Spacing: 24 inches apart. Watering: Require regular watering. Fertilizing: Just before vines start to run, when plants are about one foot tall. Stake: Netting can be used to keep the fruit off the ground. The fruit is very heavy so strong supports will be needed. My Planting Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Planted Transplanted Harvest Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Comments 57
Swiss chard Botanical Name: Family Name: Chenopodiaceac Goose foot Growing Conditions: Soil preparation: Dig in 3 inches of aged manure or compost and add lime. Planting times: Sow indoors mid April; transplant at 4 weeks. For fall planting sow mid June to mid July. Seeds can be sowed direct as well. Planting instructions: If direct seeding plants will need to be thinned to every 12 inches. Spacing: Set out to 12 inches apart. Watering: Requires regular watering at the base of the plant. If using a sprinkler the leaves may impede water from reaching the soil. Fertilizing: Two to three weeks after transplanting. Stake: No. My Planting Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Planted Transplanted Harvest Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Comments 58
Tomato Botanical Name: Family Name: Solanaceae Nightshade Family Growing Conditions: Soil preparation: Dig in 2 inches of compost or aged manure. Planting times: Sow indoors February to late March; transplant out in late May. Planting instructions: Plants should be 6-10 inches tall with at least 6 leaves before transplanting out. Add a handful of compost to the hole, planting deep by burying lower leaves. Spacing: Set out 18 inches apart. Watering: Do not over water; watering deeply once a week is usually sufficient. If you are growing in a greenhouse or container then you will need to water twice weekly or more if it is extremely hot. Fertilizing: Two weeks before and after first picking. Stake: Yes. My Planting Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Planted Transplanted Harvest Record: Date Location Variety Quantity Comments 59
My Maintenance Records 60
Tools and Equipment Inventory If you are just starting out and need to purchase all your tools start with a good quality shovel, stirrup hoe, garden hose and a bucket. As you go along purchase a wheelbarrow, rake, pitch fork and a water wand. If you need larger equipment like a rototiller or weed eater save money and time by renting them. My garden tip: Always keep your tools clean and sharp! Item Date purchased Date cleaned Tools and Equipment needed Writing down what you want or need right now, will make it easier for garden and budget planning. 61
Watering Record Your vegetable plants need water to grow. Too little water causes plants to wilt and die; too much moisture can also destroy your plant. Most vegetables need a minimum of 1 inch of water per week. If you are using a sprinkler set out an empty can in the garden area so it will catch water and see how long it takes to reach one inch (usually about an hour). My garden tip: Check your soil before watering; dig down about 3 inches and if the soil is dry, give your plant some water! Date Location How much given Observations: 62
Fertilizing Record Your vegetable plants will probably need a little boost of nutrients during the growing season. Compost or aged animal manure is great amendments to add to any type of garden soil. Top dress your plant which means placing a shovel full of compost or manure around the base of each vegetable plant, and then water over it. Nutrients in the compost or manure will soak in giving the plant roots the nutrients. If you do not have a lot of compost, fill a pail 1/3 full of compost and then fill it with water. Cover the pail and leave it overnight. The next day you have a wonderful brown liquid called compost tea. Pour this around the base of your plants for a similar affect to top dressing. My garden tip: A soil test can give you invaluable information about your garden soil! Date Location Type How much given Observations: 63
Mulching Record Mulch can be any material laid over your garden soil; usually at the base of your plants to protect them by suppressing weeds and by enriching the soil as they decompose. Depending on what kind of material you are using, you may need to add a fresh layer every few months. Mulch is also used to warm up your soil in the spring, keep it cool and moist during the summer months and to provide protection from the rain in the fall. My garden tip: Save your grass clippings, leaves and newspaper to use as organic mulch! Date Location Type How much Observations: 64
Pest and Disease Management The best pest and disease management is to have a healthy garden soil, keep your garden clean of debris, and keep your plants healthy by proper watering and fertilizing. Plants that are stressed are more likely to be susceptible to problems. My garden tip: Take time to walk through your garden everyday and observe your vegetable plants. By doing this you can tell if something is wrong and you can then quickly intervene! Date Problem Control used Result Observations: 65
My Vegetable Garden Observations How well did my vegetables grow? Were there any surprises? Were there certain varieties that grew well or did poorly? Was the garden too large for me or can I go bigger next year? Was the weather, pests or diseases a factor in my success? Were the vegetables I planted worth the space they used? Did I eat everything I harvested? Was there anything I did not like? Do I need to plant more or less of a certain vegetable? Did I try something new this year, did it work? 66
Plans for my next growing season The best time for making plans for next season is when everything is fresh in your mind. Take time to write down what you would like to do next year in your vegetable garden. Now is your time to dream. Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. -Melody Beattie ISBN 978-0-9811732-0-7 67