In a pinch, I have also used MS Word to do some record-keeping. Really, any word processing program that has a Tables feature would do, and if you don't have one on your computer you can find free program to use online or download. As long as you can insert a table, resize the cells as you like, and do some sorting functions like Excel, you will have a great tool. For example, I've made garden layout grids, with pictures and stats, and also use Word for quick wish-lists or research on related cultivars that I want to learn more about.
Catherine, I track garden performance because I want to be objective when I'm culling cultivars ... I hate to cull, but think it is a sound practice, and that means ranking cultivars according to any number of performance parameters. Each person has a different take on what performance is, though - desired heights, health, early morning openers, attributes and pedigrees in a cultivar's line, clarity of color or so on, and for me that can all be handled easily in a spreadsheet.
I think it just comes down to finding a program that you are comfortable using and then refining what it is that you feel is most important. A home garden hobbyist may have very different things they want to know about their daylilies than a professional hybridizer. Without knowing what your particular goals and interests are it is hard to know which of the many benefits you might enjoy - or whether a plant program, spreadsheet, or paper notebook would be more helpful. Are you looking more for tips on how to use PlantStep? If so, I think there is a built in help program or book, and even a link to discussing the program with others.
For me, though, slowly building an Excel spreadsheet really helps me discover what my most valued goals and needs are with regard to daylilies, often highlighting things I hadn't expected, and focusing me in ways that were a complete surprise (and, I'm sure, very different from anyone else). So, if you are looking for readily available alternative ways that people might comment on, it may help to share what your initial goals would be for your own record-keeping, or mention the goals you have for your garden, and what you want most from record keeping. That way, people may be more likely to think of helpful things to mention that will be just what you are looking for.
