So far as maintaining growing records there are many, many ways to 'skin a
cat'. Here is mine:

My database system has evolved over time. It is a Filemaker Pro 10
application I wrote. It is a searchable database that is easy to use,
intuitive and works on Mac and PC by multiple users simultaneously. I plan
to eventually present my record keeping system to plant propagators and
will have copies to share by spring.

Putting all of the data about source, propagation protocols and
performance in multiple plantings into fields/flats/pots into a single
'seed entry' is cumbersome so I have devised an interlinked system that
allows a one to many hierarchy. Labels can be printed at each level.
Summaries and lists are easily formatted and printed. There is no limit to
types and categories of information, including digital images.

Here is the system.... The separate but linked databases are: Catalog,
Inventory, Propagation, Field Map and Composite Field Map

1. Catalog db is the list of plants, or strains that I grow. For me,
currently about 750 items. This db is useful for planning future plantings
and seed acquisition needs.
2. In Inventory db, each seed collection is assigned a unique serial
number. This is a place to keep info about source, current inventory, seed
quality, etc.
3. Directly linked to Inventory db is the propagation db. Each time I use
seed from inventory it receives a unique 'batch' number. All are directly
linked to serial number. Here I keep track of all pretreatments, variations
in treatment and performance.
4. Field Map db is a database to keep track of exactly where the plants
are growing and their performance in that location. Each 'batch' may have
several locations in field as a pot, flat or seedbed planting. All have a
unique location code. Here the performance at a location can be tracked and
the plants can be lfound in a complex planting layout.
5. Composite field map is a compilation of all cropping based on location
year to year. This way performance can be compared with location and
rotations and cover cropping planned.

Searching - Since this is a one to many database system, a keyword search
in field map or composite would return many entries over many crop years
for a single 'batch' or 'serial number'. Searching for plant types, field
and etc will return handy lists complete with formatted summaries. Changes
in Inventory db immediately show in Propagation db and Field Map db.

It's been fun and it works. Myself and three coworkers are using it every
day. For permanent labels I use plastic waterproof labels and laser
printer. For temporary or indoor labels on seed-bags, etc I use a dymo
printer. All are easy to format with the Filemaker program.

I've found Filemaker very easy to use, manipulate and intuitively
understand in comparison to 'Access'.

Rich Haard
Bellingham, Washington

_______________________________________________
pbs mailing list
pbs@lists.ibiblio.org
http://pacificbulbsociety.org/list.php
http://pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/