The Garden Thread - September, 2025

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

[Diana in Wisconsin]

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.

[Liz]

SLOW COOKER PASTA WITH EGGPLANT SAUCE
Tasty slow cooker eggplant.

Ing 1 lg eggplant 1/2 cup chp onion 28 oz can Italian-style tomatoes, undrained, cut up 6 oz can Italian-style tomato paste 4 oz can sliced mushrooms, drained 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/4 c dry red wine 1/4 c water 1-1/2 tsp dried oregano 1/2 c pitted Kalamata olives, sliced 2 tbl snipped fresh parsley 4 c hot cooked pasta 1/2 c grated Parm

Method In slow cooker combine, peeled eggplant in inch cubes, onion, cut-up undrained tomatoes, tomato paste, mushrooms, garlic, wine, water, and oregano. Cover, cook on low 7-8 hours, or on high 3-1/2-4 hours. Stir in olives and parsley. S/p. Serve over fave pasta, sprinkle with Parm.

[Paul R.]

Zucchini does not have a compelling flavor of its own; it takes on flavors of ing you add.

I'm guessing "ing" was supposed to be "anything". :-)

Anyway, that is actually a very useful characteristic when one needs cheap "filler" for, well, most anything that needs cheap filler. I'm not "big" on the texture of Zucchini, but I don't hate it either.

[Liz]

Zucchini does not have a compelling flavor of its own; it takes on flavors of ing you add.......”that is actually a very useful characteristic when one needs cheap ‘filler’ for, well, most anything that needs cheap filler.”

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I very much enjoy zucchini on its own.......not as an ing in another recipe.

[Paul R.]

You are adding flavor w/ salt and / or seasonings / spices tho, right?

My wife cooks zucchini with soy sauce and some spices: It goes fairly well in Asian themed meals. I like her “Asian” green beans or mixed (actually California blend) veggies better, but the zuc is not a bad change of pace.

That Opo I keep mentioning is very mild tasting: I can add it (chopped) to almost anything from salads to omelets to spaghetti sauce, and it works well. :-)

[Liz]

My wife cooks zucchini with soy sauce and some spices: It goes fairly well in Asian themed meals. I like her “Asian” green beans or mixed (actually California blend) veggies better, but the zuc is not a bad change of pace.

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Sounds good to me.......what spices does she use with the soy sauce?

[Paul R.]

It’s amazing to me that people tend to IGNORE the first rule of gardening: Plant ONLY what you and your family will WILLINGLY eat - unless you plan on selling it. ;)

Or giving it away. That little "Free Veggies" stand I mentioned donates the money donated to it for veggies, to local charity orgs. I figure a few Mortgage Lifter toms on the table would attract some attention for them, IF I can get some extras.

BTW, what was your experience with Mortgage Lifters? Mine have taken so long to set fruits that I just hope they ripen B4 our 1st frost! NWS is forecasting 46° F next Monday morning - that's very cool for us for early Sept.

[Paul R.]

NWS is forecasting 46° F next Monday morning - that's very cool for us for early Sept.

And then next Tuesday early a.m. into afternoon we see a nearly 40° F positive temperature swing. Dang!

[Paul R.]

I’ll try to remember to ask!

[Diana in Wisconsin]

You should have your own private ‘Savanna’ when you’re done!

Please don’t over-do it on the hauling. Your guests will just have to understand that you’re only one woman!

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Eggplant ARE a pretty plant, but I’ve just never been into them. I have a friend who is NUTS about them and grows all kinds. She usually makes some sort of rag-out with them, too.

It’s almost time for Pumpkin Sauce, which is my Fall Go-To over pasta.

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce

“Creamy and delicious, this pumpkin pasta sauce is a surprise hit! It’s a simple recipe that goes together in just 10 minutes and relies on simple ingredients you might even already have in your pantry. Get ready to enjoy the flavors of fall with this delicious creamy pumpkin sauce recipe.”

https://www.frugalnutrition.com/creamy-pumpkin-pasta-sauce-recipe/#recipe

Diana here: I prefer this to have some sage flavor to it too, so I either add two fresh leaves when I’m warming the garlic in oil (then remove them!) or a 1/8th tsp. of powdered sage with the liquid ingredients. More or less to your own taste.

[Liz]

“Creamy and delicious, this pumpkin pasta sauce is a surprise hit....
goes together in just 10 min w/ simple ingredients already in your pantry.”

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Unusual recipe .....but a must-try.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

[Diana in Wisconsin]

12 Cozy Pumpkin Spice Recipes

https://www.acouplecooks.com/pumpkin-spice-recipes/

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Really good over cheese-stuffed Ravioli. :) Total Comfort Food.

[Liz]

Really good over cheese-stuffed Ravioli. :) Total Comfort Food.

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Good stuff.

[Qiviut]

Mom is helping .... she’ll only be 92 next weekend :-) My brother took pictures of her working, couldn’t believe what she got done in 2 hours yesterday. She’s happier than a pig in a wallow because she has a BIG project to work on. I would like to have the front yard cleaned up by Tuesday - the couple is from our old church & have never been here before. The folks coming Sunday are relatives (cousin) & they have been here before so tree debris won’t bother them. My cousin’s dad was actually killed felling trees when my cousin was fairly young so he’s been nervous when I tell him we’re taking down trees. He’ll be happy to see trees on the ground & everyone still standing unhurt.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Like any ‘Beefsteak’ type tomato, Mortgage Lifter needs a long growing season. 80 days ‘on average’ from fruit set to ripe fruit. So, keep an eye on the temps - you may need to be throwing a sheet over it some evenings.

My First Freeze (Zone 5) is usually October 15th, but it was 42 degrees this morning at 6am and there was frost on my VW’s window.

This is all in keeping pace with one of the worst growing seasons I’ve ever experienced. It’s a CONSPIRACY I tells ya! A CONSPIRACY against ME, specifically! ;)

And, yes. Donating food is just fine, too. I was my own ‘favorite charity’ for many years while trying to keep us all fed.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Beau lost a friend to a falling tree that way a few years ago. It was the brother of that same guy I told you about whose ex-wife was just murdered. :(

Not sure how much more that family can take! Yikes!

Years ago we took down a HUGE Cottonwood tree in the back yard that was dead on top and threatening to fall on our deck. That was quite the project and Beau got SIX bear ‘bait stumps’ out of that tree, that’s how HUGE it was.

We also took down the last remaining Ash tree in Wisconsin that same day. Emerald Ash Borer got it, but the thing keeps re-sprouting and refusing to die, so Beau is just letting it go to see what happens. He says he’s saving that ash wood to make himself a baseball bat, LOL!

[Liz]

GERMAN POTATO SALAD / traditionally served warm.

Ing 6 slices bacon 2 tbl flour 2 tsp salt 1/8 tsp pepper 1/3 c sugar 1 egg 1/4 c cider vinegar 1 c water 1/4 c l/juice 6-8 med cooked potatoes, 1/2 c onion, sliced 1/4 c parsley, minced 1 tsp celery seed

Method Fry bacon delicately brown. Add flour, salt, pepper and sugar to bacon; blend well. Beat egg slightly, add vinegar, water, l/juice gradually to skillet; stir/cook til thickened. Pour while warm over sliced potatoes, sliced onions. Add parsley, celery seed. Toss lightly.

[Paul R.]

And... The fairly impressive-on-radar line of showers and t-storms missed us last night. Another “dang!”