I am new to growing figs. But, I have to confess that I am a long time computer geek (professionally). I'm looking for the best way to track a collection of fig trees. Including dates, source, and source type (nursery tree, cuttings, etc). Those type of things. Along with some logging on the tree's growth.

What does everyone use? Really looking for something (software) on the computer. I started creating a database myself. But I thought that I would ask before going to that trouble.

PS  -  I still plan to post some pics of the unknown tree we got with the new house. But, been busy dealing with lots of rain, and a little flooding. So, no pics yet.


Cliff H.

I just use google spreadsheet to keep track of everything.. I "borrowed" the template from Ross though so I can't take any credit for its creation lol! So far its been a huge help to me in keeping track of all the different varieties I'm growing along with all the other important info.. I have the link posted below if you'd like to check it out

Thanks! That gives me several new ideas to add the database that I decided to go ahead and start.

Hi Cliff, welcome to the forum.

I like to record in a spreadsheet cutting or plant, the year of acquisition, cost and ownership back to its origin.

I keep an Evernote document entitled "Fig Notes" where I record information about figs in general. When a certain variety is referenced, I highlite and Bold the name to catch my attention when scrolling the document.

I use two different spreadsheets, one is a fig list and the other is a detail of each fig.  Below are examples of the two.  Sorry it doesn't show the gridlines but if you know spreadsheets the you know where they should be.

Fig list:

I use MS access  When I get more than 10,000 figs I'll have to learn something else.  Probably not until 2018, though.

Welcome to the forum!

Hi,
Pics are worth a thousand words. I take pics of my trees sort of every month, and have sort of a spreadsheet for the basic information ( name and source mainly).
Photos all have a date stamp - so no need to worry about that information.

Here is a little better look at my detail sheet not only showing detail but also pictures.

The one Jamie shamelessly stole from me is in my signature :D

Gene I love how you put the pics in there too! Perhaps I may have to shamelessly "borrow" that idea as well! Lol

Jamie, be as shameless as you want, I have no objection. Remember it's one fig per sheet.
"gene"

Is there any way a clickable list of fig varieties could be set up? You could click on a name and go to a detail sheet about that one variety. Back click and go back to the list?
I haven't worked with data bases since Appleworks a long time ago and that was possible then. But I have Windows now and don't remember Excel being able to do that. 
I have a Word document with sometimes a half a page to a page of comments from people on the fig boards and Internet about a specific variety. Also pictures and links to the original posts. It's especially helpful when there is a lot of discussion as to which varieties are the same or nearly the same as others. But it's up to fifty-two pages now and I have to merge it with the thirteen pages of the new varieties I rooted this year. The whole document is getting too cumbersome to work with comfortably.  

Here is how to create hyperlinks within Excel.

http://www.colby.edu/acits/2010/03/29/link-worksheets/

Shamelessly copying your format might be easier with an existing copy of your populated spreadsheet, Gene. Maybe a good variety reference too.

Thanks everyone for the input and ideas! I have added several more data fields to the database that I started with. Fields that I had not thought of, and I am not sure I will use. But other people might (container info, etc).

Hi Gene - I am "shamelessly ripping off a few of your ideas, and some of your data, if not the whole spreadsheet. Hope you don't mind. I would return the favor, by e-mailing your the Access database when I am finished. But it has been a long time since I did any DB work, and I am not having much time right now. So it may take a few weeks.

Jerry - I would also be interest in your Evernote document. I use that app too. BTW, love your part of Texas. We have camped at the lake there frequently in the past, and plan to come back this summer.

Mara - I had the thought about adding basic variety/cultivar data to the database itself couple of days ago, as well. I started working on collecting that data today.

Cliff H.

Clift help yourself, I would also like to see your data base. Access is what we did our inventory with at work.
"gene"

Hi Gene, 

Would you be able to share your template for those of us not good at excel?

Craig 

Access is a lot more flexible and organized than a spread sheet can be.  It's easy to learn and totally worth it.

Cliff, I'd love to see what you come up with.  I had a lot of linked tables but I lost my whole DB in a computer crash - data and design.  My back up S/W said every day that it was working but nothing had been recorded for 3 years.  I'm slowly re-doing my inventory.

I gladly share the database when finished with a workable version. I will give it to a few people first just to test and get feedback. I don't plan to compile it, so you will need at least MS Access Run-time (2010, or newer) to use it.

rcantor - I sympathize on your data lose. A while back our main network storage hard drive died, with about 15 years worth of data and pictures on it. I freaked out. I worked for weeks getting the data back. I still loss a little of it.

-chh

Don thanks for the instruction on applying hyperlinks. I have very little knowledge of spreadsheets but have found ways to make my life easier. I did as per the instructions and WoW, I now have it working great. I put the "fig list" as the first page and have link each item with it's detail page. That makes it much easier and faster than looking up a fig on my list page and then going to my detail sheets and thumbing through them to get to the right one. Thanks again.
"gene"

Craig, I have sent you a Private Message.
"gene"

I wish I had the patience to put together a webpage with a directory of my varieties and their corresponding youtube videos.  For now, I create a google sheet at least:

PA Figs Cultivars