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A Gardener’s Note

Summer Garden
Summer Garden

A key habit of a great gardener is good note taking. Tracking key moments during the grow season is not only important now, but will pay dividends in the near future. The ability to look back on previous weather patterns and plant performance during different stages is priceless.  Here is an example of a project note I made during the 2013 grow season. Enjoy!

4/16/13

It’s been awhile since I’ve updated the project notes. Many things have occurred such as more questionable seeds, changes in the production schedule and the relocations and re-designing of the flower beds. The acquisition of a Hoop House (12x7x7). The painted daisy seeds appear to be fine. They have a 95% sprout rate. But, I was not following the instructions for the second stage of their growth. They must be transferred to larger pots. That was accomplished 4/13/13. Approximately 72 plants with an average of 2 seedlings per container.  There’s another 36 to 40 that need to be transplanted as well. They appear to be doing fine after transfer 4/16/2013   The weather has not cooperated. It is time to harden the marigolds. Due to outside elements and pest the decision was made to purchase a hoop house for the second phase of growth and plant hardening. All plants can be moved to the hoop house at this time. The indoor greenhouse will serve as a backup light source for foul weather days.   I’ve revised the plant schedule numerous times. I’ve made the decision to eliminate the sunflowers this season and stick with the daisies. I’m currently working on the beds and flower location due to some newly discovered issues. In the far north 10’x10’ bed I discovered an underground cable. The area is now for emergency only.  I’ve had to reconsider the flower bed location due to the proximity of the hoop house. Yard prep is going according to schedule. It is a lot of physical labor involved in the bed making process.

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