The Garden Thread - August, 2025

August 1, 2025 | Diana in WI/Greeneyes in Memoriam

[Diana in Wisconsin]

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.

[Augie]

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.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

LOVE IT! HI, Mrs. Augie! :)

Howard’s coat is looking so glossy and healthy! He’s loving his Best Life Ever. :)

What are the names of the other two dogs?

[metmom]

When you get enough, could you sent some a bit north?

[left that other site]

Rats...It’s too darn HOT again, even for a ride.

[metmom]

In just ran across this you-tube video from MIGardener on GMO plants he found in his land.

This Plant is a BIG PROBLEM! (Extreme Action Required)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pk4KsyTVsk4

[metmom]

And will be for a few days yet.

Looks like the worst of it will break after Sunday.

[left that other site]

Ugh.

[metmom]

Yeah, I hear you.

Our church is not air conditioned as normally, we’d only need it 1 -2 times per summer. But this one has been brutal.

On the bright side, ticks need moisture to survive and having two hot very dry summers in a row SHOULD theoretically, help knock the tick population down.

[left that other site]

EYEW!
I HATE Ticks!

[metmom]

Yeah!

I hear you.