Prior to 'Computers' the most common method of keeping records of sowing or planting dates was to keep diaries, ledgers & notebooks.
This worked well, but after a number of years, the system could become rather unwieldy, i.e. to such an extent that finding 'past results' could become a task in its self.
Now at the press of a button this type of information is available in an instant.
For example; when keeping a 'Diary' in a 'data base format', the information can be readily filtered out.
Similarly, by keeping 'bedding layouts' & cropping plans etc. in 'spread sheet format', one can keep a record of crop rotation.
Further details can be noted to suit your personal preferences.
Examples;
(click on heading for example pages)
The Diary;
The column titles and content can be designed to suit your own particular needs.
In future years you can filter out particular information, for example; details of an individual genus, or events in any given week/month.
By studying this filtered information you can decide if the dates you carried out these tasks was to early / late and make adjustments accordingly the following year.
Plot layout;
One method of planning your layouts would be to;
let each column represent a ‘Bed’ and each line a 'row'as shown in the example.
A chart similar to this allows you to count how many of each type/variety of plant you will have to grow on, or buy to meet your needs.
As mentioned previously; by saving these charts, you will be able to plan ' crop rotation' in future years.
Sowing Plan;
At the start of each season make a daily / weekly reference sheet by tabulating all the varieties of seed you plan on sowing / growing that season.
Then add the quantities you require, as indicated in your 'Plot Layout'
Planning your 'sowing order' couldn't be easier!
List all the seeds types & varieties you plan on growing.
At this stage these do not need be in any particular order.
The next stage is to determine the 'sowing date' for each packet of seed you have or cuttings you may wish to take.
Once this information is established filter / sort it by clicking on Tools > Sort > choose ascending, and all the information you have listed will appear in the order you wish to use them.
Conclusion;
As the year progresses make comments on the reference sheet you have copied indicating any changes you wish to make in future years.
In this way you can keep up with ‘new varieties’ and seasonal changes and how they affect you.
One great advantage with planning in this manner is; you can plan available greenhouse & cold frame space much better*
*As many of you will have experienced, plants can take up a lot of space in a greenhouse or cold frame when hardening off, so by removing ‘excesses’ the issue can be less of a problem.