At the beginning of each season, draw a sketch of your garden beds and write down the variety names and planting dates in the journal. Later, record weeding, fertilizing and harvest dates and how well each variety performed. Germination, flowering dates and pertinent weather information are also useful. Record other details such as irrigation methods, what you used for trellising or support devices or how you controlled pests. Added up, these details may provide invaluable insight over the years to come.
Rotation discourages depletion of soil nutrients, pest outbreaks and soil borne disease.
If you record pest outbreaks in relation to what plants they are found on, it might help you plan the next year's garden. The same holds true for beneficial insects and their host plants. To keep track of the amount of money spent on seed, fertilizer and garden tools, a journal can come in handy. It can also be a good way of keeping track of yields and a safe place to record the varieties of any woody plants you plant. Most of all, a garden journal can give you a feeling of accomplishment.