In this issue:
- August in the Garden – End of Summer
- Video: How to Process Pomegranates – No Mess!
- Gardenerd Tip of the Month: Preserving the Harvest
- Gardenerd Product of the Month: Bolting to Seed – a New Novel
1. August in the Garden – End of Summer
Technically summer doesn’t end until next month, but with kids back in school and days getting shorter, we all feel fall coming on. SoCal summers seem to go on forever, and that’s not always a good thing. Hot weather means tired, dry soil, so we long for the cool temps of fall. It’s something to look forward to.
Here at Gardenerd HQ, We’re watching winter squashes and watermelons cover a lot of ground, as cucumbers produce like crazy. We’re harvesting basil, cucumbers, green onions, cilantro (grown in the shade), lima beans, and herbs like oregano and thyme. We’re pruning shrubs for biomass so we can make an active batch compost pile. It’s also time to start planning the fall garden. We offer help with that if you need it, here. It’s a good time to feed your remaining crops to give them a boost for the rest of the season.
In this newsletter, you’ll find a video tutorial on how to process pomegranate seeds (arils), as well as techniques and ideas for preserving that harvest. Don’t forget my new novel, Bolting to Seed is available anywhere books are sold. Check out the options below. We’re hearing from readers that they love it!
Happy gardening,
Christy
2. Video: How to Process Pomegranate Seeds (Arils)
Does the thought of splattering your kitchen with pomegranate juice keep you from processing these fruits for their arils? We’ve got a method that makes it easy and less messy. Watch and try it yourself.
How to Process Pomegranate Seeds
3. Gardenerd Tip of the Month – Preserving the Harvest
Check out these Preserving Tips:
We share so many ways to preserve your harvest – canning, drying, freezing! Click on the articles below to help you make the most of your summer harvest.
Drying Peppers – make your own chili pepper or dried chilies for later use
3 Ways to Preserve Tender Herbs – that keeps their flavor in tact
Can Those Tomatoes – just like mom used to do
A Pressure Canning Primer – this allows you to can low-acid foods – a massive upgrade from water bath canning
Modern Pioneer Pantry – one of our favorite books on preserving the harvest
4. Gardenerd Product of the Month – Bolting to Seed is Your End of Summer Read!
5-Star Reviews! Christy’s new novel, Bolting to Seed is getting 5 stars. It’s being hailed as “a fun page turner!” and “a perfect summer read”.
You can order autographed copies from Gardenerd directly (makes a great gift!), or from your favorite independent bookseller. Ebooks are also available wherever you get your digital books. Continue the story of Lizzie, Jared, and the rest of the crew at Vista Mar Community Garden. Our first review came in:
It’s a fun, fast read with plenty of heart, humor, and mystery. If you enjoyed the first book, you’ll be happy to be back in the garden. And if you haven’t discovered this series yet, you’re in for a treat.
~~Lynn J.
And don’t forget…
Get your copy of High Yield Small Space Organic Gardening at your favorite bookseller, or order an autographed copy for the gardenerd in your life (even if that’s you!). We’re here to help you grow your best garden this season!
Stay tuned for more tips and tidbits from Gardenerd.com. Let’s make the most of the end of summer, and let’s plan for fall together. We’re here to help you have your best garden yet!
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