The Garden Thread - August, 2025

The MONTHLY Gardening Thread is a gathering of folks that love soil, seeds and plants of all kinds. From complete newbies that are looking to start that first potted plant, to gardeners with some acreage, to Master Gardener level and beyond, we would love to hear from you.

If you have specific question about a plant/problem you are having, please remember to state the Growing Zone where you are located.

This thread is a non-political respite. No matter what, you won’t be flamed, and the only dumb question is the one that isn’t asked.

It is impossible to hijack the Gardening Thread. Planting, Harvest to Table Recipes, Preserving, Good Living - there is no telling where it will go - and that is part of the fun and interest. Jump in and join us! Send a Private Message to Diana in Wisconsin if you'd like to be added to/removed from our New & Improved Ping List.

NOTE: This is a once a MONTH Ping List, but we DO post to the thread all throughout the month. Links to related articles and discussions which might be of interest to Gardeners are welcomed any time.

Here’s a recipe for Zucchini Bread made with whole wheat flour:

https://theflourbarnhomestead.com/whole-wheat-zucchini-bread-recipe/

I agree with less sugar and substituting 1/2 the oil with applesauce. I’ve done that and have noticed no difference in moistness.

Lots of crazy weather all around Central Missouri this past week - flash floods in pretty much every direction - not a drop of rainfall here. I hadn't needed to water the victory garden for the past couple weeks but by Friday things were starting to get wilty so I'm back at it.

Tomatoes, cukes, peppers, and spaghetti squash all still thriving. We had the cannery running here on Saturday - Mrs. Augie jarred up another nine quarts of fermented dill pickles and I made ~15 quarts of spaghetti sauce. I canned 12 quarts and stuck the rest in the fridge to use right away.

The Ninja juicer I bought is a semi-useful countertop unit. It's quite slow, but it chewed through the onions and peppers like a champ, did a decent job on the parsley and basil, but not so great for skin-on tomatoes. It would fill the reservoir about halfway then I'd have to take it apart to clean the strainer. Apple cider will be its next test. I'll be amazed if it survives that.

Howard is figuring things out fast. When the golf cart comes out he's usually the first one on for a ride. We have to hang onto him when the deer are around because he WILL go after them if he gets the chance. Aside from that he sits up there and rides like a good dog. When we let him off the cart he stays with us rather than bolting to the woods. If he does manage to sneak off one beep on the training collar is all it takes to bring him back.

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