Does anyone use excel to catalog their collection? How do you keep track of it all?

[lotis146]

I'm a nerd about my orchids too though I'd say at present my record keeping could be improved (just have to say that).

I use OneNote. I created a new notebook for my Orchids, then new sections for Orchid Diary (basically notes), a section with a table for my collection, breeding section (a new page for every new attempt), wishlist section, and now i started a new section for 2015 Diary/Notes. I can create as many sections as I want with as many pages as I want in each section. I can insert images and even dock OneNote so when I take notes from online it records the website I got the notes from.

In My Collection the table includes: Orchid genus, species/hybrid name, where/who acquired from, when (should add costs I'll say), repot dates, a column for any pests/treatments, general notes, and then blooming details. I do believe this could be more organized, as in more detailed columns. You may benefit from adding a pest/treatments column also.

I usually take my most detailed notes in the diary section though I do take some general and bigger notes (new growths, spikes, "big news" such as how putting Aganisia cyanea in a MUCH warmer room immediately resulted in some form of growth) in the Collection section. But my "diary" contains sections for each month wherein I note when I water, whether I'm using plain water or what fertilizer, etc. This is the best time for me to take stock of what's happening with my plants; I usually keep track with a notepad or piece of paper then type it all into my computer.

Even better I can access this folder and all its contents wherever I can get on the internet. My table gives me quick organization of the basic details while my Diary sections let me get even more detailed with each plant and thoughts when I feel like it.

I'd love to do more research and keep better track of my plants ancestry as well, that's a future nerd-task.

[astrid]

Originally Posted by lotis146

I'm a nerd about my orchids too though I'd say at present my record keeping could be improved (just have to say that).

I use OneNote. I created a new notebook for my Orchids, then new sections for Orchid Diary (basically notes), a section with a table for my collection, breeding section (a new page for every new attempt), wishlist section, and now i started a new section for 2015 Diary/Notes. I can create as many sections as I want with as many pages as I want in each section. I can insert images and even dock OneNote so when I take notes from online it records the website I got the notes from.

In My Collection the table includes: Orchid genus, species/hybrid name, where/who acquired from, when (should add costs I'll say), repot dates, a column for any pests/treatments, general notes, and then blooming details. I do believe this could be more organized, as in more detailed columns. You may benefit from adding a pest/treatments column also.

I usually take my most detailed notes in the diary section though I do take some general and bigger notes (new growths, spikes, "big news" such as how putting Aganisia cyanea in a MUCH warmer room immediately resulted in some form of growth) in the Collection section. But my "diary" contains sections for each month wherein I note when I water, whether I'm using plain water or what fertilizer, etc. This is the best time for me to take stock of what's happening with my plants; I usually keep track with a notepad or piece of paper then type it all into my computer.

Even better I can access this folder and all its contents wherever I can get on the internet. My table gives me quick organization of the basic details while my Diary sections let me get even more detailed with each plant and thoughts when I feel like it.

I'd love to do more research and keep better track of my plants ancestry as well, that's a future nerd-task.

Maybe I'll check it out! I am sure I'll eventually have to convert away from excel for this! I'd love to have more integrated notes and images and maybe little pull-down menus and whatnot.