The Victory Garden Thread - September, 2026

September 1, 2026 | Diana in WI/Greeneyes in Memoriam

[Diana in Wisconsin]

The MONTHLY Victory Garden 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 Victory Garden 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.

[Liz]

Broccoli in Creamy Pepper Jack with Bacon
Super simple, delicious side w/ grilled salmon or a meal by itself.

Ing: 8 oz bacon, (chp) 2 tbl unsalted butter 1 tbl minced garlic, 2 c halfnhalf, 3 c broccoli florets 1 c grated pepperjack, (divided) 1/4 c Parm. Slurry: 2 tsp cornstarch/1 tbl water. 4 tbl cr/cheese, s/p

Method: Cook bacon crispy 3-4 min. Set bacon on p/towel. Drain bacon fat from pan and melt butter; add broccoli florets. S/p, Saute/stir 3-4 min. Add minced garlic; stir well. Saute 30 sec til fragrant. Stir in halfnhalf. Pour in 1/2 slurry; whisk/simmer/cook down. If sauce is too thin, add rest slurry and stir as it simmers and thickens. If the sauce gets too thick, pour in a splash or two of half and half. Add parm, cream cheese, 1/2 c pepperjack. Simmer 3-4 min, stirring til cheeses melt, sauce is creamy. Add the bacon back to warm it, top w/ 1/2 c pepper jack. Bake 300 deg, uncovered, 10-15 min to melt cheese. Remove, garnish w/ red pepper flakes, black pepper, Parm. Serve.

(For softer broccoli, cover pan; cook 3-4 min longer; add bacon then bake.)

[Pete from Shawnee Mission]

I think I hit about 35 y.o.a. and I no longer enjoyed pretty much any amusement park ride other than the trains that circled the park. I also tried to stay as close to the rest rooms as possible .

[Liz]

Homemade Tomato Soup / classically served with grilled cheese
San Marzano tomatoes, basil, butter, cream; goodness in every bowl.

Ing: 1/3 c (5 pieces) butter 3 1/2 c chp onion 2 Tbl minced garlic 1/3 c flour 4 c chix broth 2-28 oz
cans San Marzano tomatoes 3 basil sprigs, 2-3 tbl Parm 2 tsp sugar, S/p, H/cream, chp basil garnishes.

Method: Saute melted butter pieces, onion slightly brown and caramelized, 10 min. Reset heat, saute garlic slowly 30 sec. Stir in flour a min. Whisking slowly, pour in broth. Cook/whisk to blend a min. Add tomatoes, basil, Parm, sugar, s/p. Cover/simmer, stirring bottom of pot 25-30 min (tomatoes start to break down). Offheat toss out basil sprigs, puree soup smooth. Serve warm w/ swirl of cream, basil garnishes. (For thinner soup, add more broth last).

[MomwithHope]

Hey nice looking broccoli recipe. Can you believe tomato soup is on my menu for today? I dehydrated a bunch of tomato slices and put the chunky bump ends in the fridge for soup today. It’s been years since I made tomato soup and was going to look for a recipe. I have cream now too. This looks good and I bought an immersion blender this spring. Plus homegrown garlic and fresh died basil. Thanks Liz! Great timing. Will eat it with the leftover roasted squash recipe thanks Diana.

[Liz]

You have everything it takes to be a master chef........lol.

[MomwithHope]

Just need more energy. Thanks for the compliment.

[Pete from Shawnee Mission]

September is over and so is this thread! No gardens down that way and the the light is fading!

Click on the photo to get away from this sad forest and head over to the October Victory Garden Thread!