This post may contain affiliate links. Read full disclosure here.
I’ve always been a fan of planning my garden on paper. There’s something so satisfying about putting pen to paper, sketching out plans, and jotting down notes. However, this season, I’m going digital, and I want to share some crucial reasons why this change is happening. But if you’re a paper enthusiast, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. I offer a free Garden Planner eBook on my Homegrown Florida website. It has everything you need, from scheduling and goal setting to drawing out your garden plan. It’s perfect for those who love the traditional method, just like me—well, usually!
Discovering SeedTime
Today, we’re diving into SeedTime, a digital tool I started exploring over a year ago when it first launched. Initially, it had its quirks, but the team has ironed out the issues, and now, it’s become a valuable tool in my gardening arsenal. What I love about SeedTime is its comprehensive menu of options:
- Calendar: A detailed schedule of everything you need to do, from planting and cultivation to bed preperation and harvesting. It’s like having a personal assistant for your garden!
- Layout: A feature available in the paid version, allowing you to visualize your garden’s layout.
- Tasks: This is my favorite part! It breaks down daily and weekly tasks, making it easier to manage a sizable garden.
- Journal: Perfect for note-taking.
- Classroom: Offers educational resources on growing various plants.
- Community: Connects you with other gardeners.
- Store: Where you can purchase seeds and supplies
Exploring the Calendar Feature
The calendar feature is free and incredibly useful. You can see all your planned activities month by month. For example, in July, I had a list of tasks for my peppers, watermelons, and Puerto Rican black beans. The task filter helps you narrow down what needs to be seeded, cultivated, or harvested each week. This is a lifesaver when trying to keep track of all the different plants for your fall garden planning.
Adjusting Fall Garden Planning for Southern Climates
Living in Florida, or any southern state, presents unique gardening challenges. SeedTime’s system is primarily designed for regions with harsh winters, so it tries to avoid planting during frost periods. However, in Florida, where we can grow year-round, you need to tweak the settings. For instance, when planning to grow turnips, the app initially suggested starting them too early. By adjusting the seeding date manually, I could ensure they are grown and harvested all winter long.
Fall Garden Planning Around Life
One of the biggest reasons I switched to digital fall garden planning is our upcoming RV trip. We often go on long trips, and I need to ensure my garden can thrive in my absence. By using SeedTime, I can adjust my planting and harvesting schedules around our travels. For instance, if we’re leaving in November, I can plan to harvest certain crops before we go and plant others that can wait until we return. This may be a helpful feature for you if you are planning trips or hosting family during the holidays this winter.
The Layout Tool
The layout tool is another fantastic feature. It allows me to visualize my garden’s layout, seeing where everything is planted and what needs to be done. This tool links back to the calendar, showing me what spots will be available as plants cycle off.
Task Management
The task feature is a game-changer. It breaks down my gardening tasks day by day or week by week, ensuring I don’t miss anything. Recently, SeedTime introduced a mobile app, allowing me to carry my task list into the garden. It’s so convenient to pull out my phone and see what needs to be done without running back inside to my computer.
What I’m Growing This Season
Curious about what I’m planting this fall? Here’s a glimpse:
- Broccoli: Arcadia, Green Magic, Imperial
- Carrots: Cosmic Purple, Kyoto Red, Tender Sweets, Danvers
- Turnips: Purple Top White Globe
- Radishes: Cherry Belle, Watermelon Radishes
- Beets: Avalanche, Early Wonder Tall Top
- Tomatoes: Heart of Somboro, Kewola, Pantano Romanesco, San Marzano, Cherokee Purple, Red Currant, Super Sweet 100s, Black Cherry, Large Red Cherry
- Onions: Red Creole, Texas Early Grano
- Winter Squash: Sweet Dumpling, Candy Roaster, South Anna, Burgess Buttercup
If you’re interested in a detailed guide on using SeedTime for your fall garden planning, let me know in the comments. I’d love to walk you through the entire process, step by step. Whether you prefer digital tools or the charm of paper planning, find what works best for you and your garden. Happy gardening, everyone!
