Read by Matilda Longbottom

Dear fellow gardeners,

August is an incredible time in the garden! The abundance of summer is at its peak, with ripe tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and juicy fruits ready for harvest. As we transition into fall, it’s the perfect time to start planning for cool-weather crops and preserving the bounty of the season.

In this issue of Food Gardening Magazine, we’re diving into the world of late-summer gardening and cooking. From tips on what to plant in August to creative ways to use up your tomato harvest, we’ve got you covered. Plus, we’ll explore the art of propagating blueberry bushes, drying herbs, and creating an edible perennial garden that will provide you with fresh produce for years to come.

One of my favorite articles this month is about dealing with an overabundance of tomatoes. From canning and freezing to making sauces and soups, this article provides plenty of inspiration for using up those delicious summer tomatoes. Speaking of soups, don’t miss the recipe for Fire-Roasted Tomato Kale Soup—it’s the perfect way to transition into the cooler months ahead.

I hope this issue of Food Gardening Magazine inspires you to step outside and try something new in the garden. Or head to the kitchen and try something new there! Here are the featured articles you can expect:

• What to Plant in August: As summer gradually comes to an end, it’s time to start thinking about your fall garden. Discover the best crops to plant in August, in three different major planting zones, for a bountiful harvest in the cooler months ahead.
• 6 Ideas for Dealing with a Massive Tomato Harvest: If you find yourself with an overwhelming abundance of tomatoes, this article provides plenty of inspiration for using them up, from canning and freezing to making sauces and soups.
• The Tomatoes That Wouldn’t Quit: In this delightful and witty tale, author Clarence Boucher takes us on a humorous journey through his reluctant foray into gardening, guided by his determined wife, Diana.
• How to Propagate a Blueberry Bush from Cuttings: A Step-by-Step Guide (with video!): Learn how to multiply your blueberry bushes by taking cuttings and rooting them. This article walks you through the process step by step.
• How to Dry Herbs (with video!): Preserve the flavors of your herb garden by drying your harvest. This article covers several methods for drying herbs, from air drying to using a dehydrator.
• Watering A to Z (with video!): Everything You Need to Know About Watering Your Garden: Proper watering is essential for a healthy, productive garden. This comprehensive guide covers everything from how much to water to the best time of day to do it.
• How to Create an Edible Perennial Garden (with video!): Imagine having a garden that provides fresh produce year after year without the need to replant. This article shows you how to create an edible perennial garden that will feed you for years to come.
• Fire-Roasted Tomato Kale Soup (with video!): This delicious soup is the perfect way to transition into the cooler months ahead. Made with fire-roasted tomatoes and fresh kale, it’s packed with flavor and nutrients.

In this edition of Food Gardening Magazine, you’ll find Gardening Guide Close-Ups that focus on peaches, lemons, watermelons, bell peppers, and tomatoes to help get you started with these five foods and our Peach, Lemon, Watermelon, Bell Pepper, and Tomato gardening guides. These articles below give you valuable tips and advice, and you’ll have instant access to the premium gardening guides themselves, too. Each of these foods has its own unique growing requirements and challenges, which we explore in detail. From pruning peach trees to protecting your tomato harvest during a rainy summer, these articles will help you become a more knowledgeable and successful food gardener.

• Peaches, Pruning, and Preparation: Your Late Summer Game Plan – Learn how to properly prune your peach trees and prepare them for the next growing season.
• The Bitter Taste of Spider Mites: A Tale of Three Lemon Trees – Discover how to identify and control spider mites on your lemon trees for healthier, more productive plants.
• Decoding Watermelon Ripeness – Find out how to tell when a watermelon is perfectly ripe and ready to harvest.
• Keeping Your Bell Peppers Sweet By Avoiding Cross-Pollination – Learn how to prevent cross-pollination in your bell pepper plants for the sweetest, most flavorful peppers, plus we’ll debunk a popular myth.
• How to Protect Your Tomato Harvest During a Rainy Summer Season – Discover strategies for protecting your tomatoes from disease and rot during wet weather.

Of course, we can’t forget about the delicious recipes that come along with these featured foods and can be found in the Peach, Lemon, Watermelon, Bell Pepper, and Tomato gardening guides. These recipes showcase the incredible flavors of late summer and are sure to impress your friends and family.

• Easy Peach Pie – This classic dessert is a perfect way to showcase the sweet, juicy flavors of fresh peaches.
• Lemon Meringue Bars – These tangy, creamy bars are a delightful twist on the classic lemon meringue pie.
• Grilled Watermelon and Pineapple Skewers – Sweet, smoky, and refreshing, these skewers are a great addition to any summer barbecue.
• Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers – These hearty, flavorful peppers are filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and vegetables
• Balsamic Bruschetta – Ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and tangy balsamic vinegar come together in this classic Italian appetizer.

Finally, I’m thrilled to announce our new Fall Food Garden Planning Kit. This comprehensive guide will help you plan and execute a successful fall garden, with tips on what to plant, when to plant it, and how to care for your crops as the weather cools down. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, this kit is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to extend their growing season into the fall months.

Gold Members can find more on our new Gardening Kits tab:

• Printable Garden Planning Calendar Kits
• Printable Garden Planning Kits
• Printable Recipe Card Kits

Check them out now, and download your favorites!

As always, I hope this issue of Food Gardening Magazine inspires you to get outside, get your hands dirty, and enjoy the incredible bounty of the late-summer garden. Whether you’re harvesting tomatoes, propagating blueberries, or whipping up a batch of Lemon Meringue Bars, remember to take a moment to appreciate the magic of the garden and the delicious food it provides.

Happy harvesting—and happy eating!

Christy Page
Editor & Publisher

P.S. Please enjoy this issue of Food Gardening Magazine, and let me know what you think about it by commenting below with your feedback! Your input is valuable to us and can help us make improvements.