Plant Knowledge Checklist
Identification
Common name
Scientific name
Variety/cultivar
Annual, biennial, or perennial
Climate
USDA hardiness zone
Heat tolerance
Frost tolerance
Native climate/habitat
Light
Full sun / partial sun / shade
Minimum sunlight required
Afternoon shade beneficial?
Water
Water requirements (low/moderate/high)
Drought tolerance
Waterlogging tolerance
Watering frequency
Soil
Preferred soil type
Preferred soil pH
Drainage requirements
Organic matter requirements
Nutrition
Heavy, medium, or light feeder
Nitrogen needs
Phosphorus needs
Potassium needs
Fertilization schedule
Growth Habit
Mature height
Mature width
Growth rate
Root characteristics
Container suitability
Seasonal Calendar
Planting season
Germination period
Flowering period
Fruiting period
Harvest period
Dormancy period
Propagation
Seeds
Cuttings
Division
Layering
Grafting
Best propagation method
Pruning & Training
Requires pruning?
Best pruning season
Trellis/support needed?
Training method
Pests
Common insect pests
Common animal pests
Prevention methods
Treatment methods
Diseases
Common fungal diseases
Common bacterial diseases
Common viral diseases
Prevention methods
Treatment methods
Pollination
Self-pollinating?
Requires pollinator?
Attracts beneficial insects?
Pollination partners needed?
Companion Planting
Good companions
Plants to avoid nearby
Harvest
Signs of harvest readiness
Harvest method
Storage method
Expected yield
Long-Term Care
Expected lifespan
Mulching requirements
Winter protection needed?
Replanting schedule
Personal Observations
Planted date
Location in garden
Performance notes
Problems encountered
Lessons learned
Changes for next season
Minimal Gardener Checklist (80/20)
If you want the smallest useful version:
Sun requirements
Water requirements
Soil requirements
Fertilizer requirements
Mature size
Planting season
Harvest season
Common pests and diseases
Propagation method
Personal notes
This compact checklist is enough for managing most vegetables, herbs, fruit trees, and ornamentals effectively.