Harvesting Abundance from your garden for you nutrition
Summer has been racing by, hasn't it? It feels like just yesterday you were putting those tiny seedlings in your garden, eagerly planning how to make the most of the season. And now, here we are in August, standing among a lush and flourishing garden, overflowing with fresh produce. It's pretty incredible how your little garden has transformed into a massive jungle of plants and produce, right?
You see, as you stroll through your garden, plucking ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and vibrant bell peppers, you're not just reaping the rewards of your hard work, but also a wealth of nutrients that your body craves. It's like nature's own supermarket aisle, filled with wholesome, garden-fresh goodness.
As August graces your calendar, your nutrition plans are falling perfectly into place, thanks to the garden you've lovingly nurtured. Those luscious tomatoes are teeming with antioxidants and vitamins, the crunchy cucumbers are hydrating and packed with fiber, and the colorful peppers are brimming with essential nutrients. Your garden is like a secret weapon, ensuring that you're not just eating, but feasting on the freshest, most nutrient-rich produce.
So, as you savor those sun-ripened cherry tomatoes straight from the vine and toss those vibrant peppers into a summer salad, remember that your garden isn't just a source of pride; it's your ticket to a season of delicious, healthy eating. Your nutrition plans are thriving, thanks to the lush oasis you've cultivated, and that's something to celebrate. Enjoy every bite of your garden's gifts – you've earned it!
So what are our goals for this month? We have several things to be doing as far as our garden goes, thats right is not over yet, in my area, we still have 80-85 days left to grow in our garden and therefore taking advantage of these fresh fruits and veggies to nourish our health.
Let's take a look at the garden and see what August has in store for us:
Harvest, Harvest, Harvest
Right now I'm sure the garden is producing like crazy and you're getting a ton of produce. Keep up the good work, harvesting your produce regularly will help the plant produce for a few more months. But wait are you getting cucumber overload, giving zucchini away crazy, or sick of tomato-based recipes? There are worse things than being overloaded by abundance that is for sure, but have you ever thought of keeping this produce for the winter months? There are many ways to preserve your harvest so you can enjoy it until the next season comes and blesses you again. Make sure you are keeping up on my YouTube channel where I have videos on preserving your harvest and check back here periodically for programs and events in the area where I help you learn the art of preserving.
There's something else to consider when it comes to harvesting all the wonderful produce from your garden. Visiting your garden daily not only allows you to collect fresh goodies but also benefits your health. Spending time in nature and connecting with the earth is a form of self-care that can boost your mood and alleviate stress. Taking your time to appreciate the beauty around you and even walking barefoot in your garden can help you feel grounded and connected to nature. Plus, you'll be receiving a boost of vitamin D from the sun, which many people are deficient in. So don't just think of gardening as a chore, but rather as a way to care for yourself and your well-being.
Replant: keep the goodies flowing in
I'm a big fan of eating in-season because it packs in more nutrients, and growing fall produce is an excellent way to support this healthy habit of consuming nutritious food. Trust me; your taste buds and body will thank you!
Now, you might be wondering if there's still enough time to grow anything worthwhile. Absolutely! I'm in zone 6a, and we've got a good 80-85 days left in the growing season. So, you've got more than enough time to grow some delicious foods.
But wait, with your garden already overflowing and overwhelmed with produce, how can you manage to keep it up for the Fall season? That's where succession planting comes to the rescue! By using this technique, you can plant just what you need, ensuring you stay on top of things without feeling swamped.
Now, here's the exciting part - I've got you covered with a garden and nutrition plan! Let's work together to create a tailored plan that fits your needs and goals. From selecting the right fall crops to ensuring you enjoy a nutritious harvest, I'm here to assist you every step of the way. Let's turn your garden into a true haven of health and flavor! Happy gardening and healthy eating!
Weeds galore: yep that's never-ending
Alright, let's talk weeds! I know how much you all love gardening, right? But here's the deal: when August rolls around, those perennial weeds start getting busy. They flower and release seeds everywhere, and if we don't act, we'll be stuck with a whole lot more work next year. Not something any of us want, right? So, the key is to tackle those pesky weeds before they drop their seeds and create chaos in our gardens.
But hey, if you've got some favorite perennials you want to spread around, that's cool too! Just let those seeds fall, and you'll be amazed by the extra growth they'll bring next year. It's like nature's little gift to us!
Now, let's talk about August weather. It can get pretty hot and relentless in our area, so staying hydrated is crucial! It's one of those healthy habits you want to maintain. When you're working in the garden, try to schedule most tasks for early morning or late evening to avoid the intense midday heat. And don't forget to keep your water close by!
Your body needs that water to stay cool and function at its best, especially during those hot gardening sessions. So, remember, a bit of effort now means less hassle later. Keep your garden in check, and you'll be sitting pretty with less work and more joy in your gardening adventures.
Save seeds: keep them for next year to grow again
Did you stumble upon something in your garden that you love and can't imagine living without next year? Those special finds can be rare and sometimes quite pricey or hard to come by. But guess what? If they're open pollinated varieties, you should consider saving the seeds, and a perk is they may be heirloom which means they have been passed down for many years!
Now, each fruit requires different techniques for seed saving, and that's where this blog post comes to the rescue! Check it out for all the info on seed-saving your favorite fruits. It's an educational and fun read that'll help you become a seed-saving pro!
The perks of saving seeds go beyond just having them for yourself. By preserving these seeds, you'll get to enjoy your beloved plants year after year and even share them with your friends. It's like spreading a little gardening joy all around!
Thats a wrap
So, as we wrap up this blog on nutritional gardening in August, let's remember the magic of this month. It's a time when our gardens are brimming with delicious produce, and we can harness that bounty to nurture our bodies. By making informed choices about what we grow and how we care for our plants, we can create a garden that not only delights our taste buds but also nourishes our overall health.
So, go ahead and enjoy the rewards of your efforts! Whether you're harvesting fresh veggies, preserving them for winter, or staying hydrated during those hot gardening sessions, know that every little step you take contributes to your well-being. Gardening in August is not just about growing food; it's about cultivating a healthier lifestyle and connecting with nature most delightfully.
Happy gardening, my friends!
~Nikki
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