Grower's Diary: Care Yields the Best Blooms

Do you keep a journal? A question that will probably surprise most growers. The truth is that this somewhat old‑fashioned way of recording gives the grower a perfect overview of the processes that influence the cultivation outcome. In addition, keeping a journal is a cheap and easy way to improve in indoor growing.

You ask, what is a grower's journal good for? Our memory can often deceive us and after harvest it is often difficult to remember where we made a mistake during cultivation. If you write down what you did throughout the cycle, you'll easily find at the end what worked and what didn't. Overfertilization, improper watering or transplanting too late? If you have a record of it, you'll avoid these mistakes next time. Moreover, thanks to systematic monitoring of procedures you can constantly improve your cultivation. Over time you'll discover which substrate is most productive or which combination of fertilizers and lighting produced the best results. All this will help you grow more efficiently. Last but not least, a grower's journal is helpful whenever you encounter a problem. For example, if you notice yellowing leaves, you can quickly look up what changed in the previous days. Maybe you used a new fertilizer, adjusted watering, or the temperature changed. The journal will help you uncover the cause and quickly find a solution.

What to record in a grower's journal?

The most important function of a grower's journal is a thorough record of the growing environment, plant nutrition and important milestones. Record sowing, germination, transplanting, start of flowering and harvest dates. The timeline will help you track the length of each growth phase and plan future cycles. Note which substrate you used, which fertilizers and supplements you gave the plants and the lighting schedule. Every time you water, record the time and amount of water. If you measure pH or EC of the nutrient solution, definitely write down these values each time. Every day also record the temperature and humidity in the grow space. Record how the plants change, leaf color, growth rate or onset of flowering.

• Basic milestones (sowing, transplanting, switching to flower, harvest)
• Materials used, fertilizers and equipment
• Measured values (EC, pH, humidity, temperature, VPD, PPFD)
• Observations (plant development, growth rate, color, unusual deformities)
• Interventions and unusual events (LST, sprays, pests, molds, environmental fluctuations)

Tips and tools for keeping a grower's journal

A great thing about a grower's journal is that anyone can do it and you don't need any expensive equipment. It's not about writing essays. A few numbers or sentences a day are enough. What matters is regularity and thoroughness. Ideally, take time each day and spend a few moments with the plants. They will reward you with a bountiful harvest.

• Pen and notebook: Maybe it's been a while since you used a pen and notebook and of course you can keep the journal digitally as well. However, old‑fashioned paper and pencil is still the fastest (and safest) way to make entries in this case.
• Digital hygrometer and thermometer: Measuring temperature and humidity in the grow space should be part of every grower's routine. We recommend reaching for the digital thermo-hygrometer.
• EC and pH meter: Many growing techniques require regular measurement of EC and pH of the nutrient solution, or of the runoff from the substrate. For use in indoor growing the most suitable are digital EC and pH meters, which provide accurate and reliable measurements.

You might be interested in: How to correctly measure EC

For more tips and guides for indoor and outdoor growers find them on the Higarden blog.