Vegetable garden plans are best mapped out in the fall. It is a great time to look back at what grew well, what tasted great, what you couldn't get enough of and what showed up in huge quantities.
Each spring, I (try) to keep a list of all that I am planting. When the seed packets come in, I log them in a database, listing important growing information. As the season progresses, I note germination time/rates, greenhouse or garden starting, transplanting information and notes that will help me make decisions about next year's choices.
Even if you don't have time to create a database, you can do some simple things that will make it easier for you to have a more productive garden next year. Pick up a pen and paper right now and record the following:
- What did you absolutely LOVE this year?
- What was horrible?
- Where was there too much and where was there too little production?
- Where did you plant what? Remember, some veggies shouldn't be replanted in the same spot, year after year
- What did better than expected? Note varieties that like your climate, grew larger than you thought, liked having certain companions
- What growing tips have you learned? (ie use tomato cages BEFORE tomato plants are too big!)
Believe me, I would love to believe that I will remember all of these great bits of wisdom for next spring. But I know I won't. Take an hour to write down the important lessons of this gardening year. This information will be absolutely invaluable for next year.
Check out Vegetable Garden Plans, Part II at Jean Ann's organic gardening blog, Gardener to Farmer.
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