August Garden
August in the Garden: Harvests, Surprises, and Setbacks
Harvested some carrots, beets, San Marzano tomatoes, zucchini, cucumber while enjoying my morning coffee :)
August always feels like the climax of the growing season. After months of planting, weeding, and hoping, the garden starts giving back in earnest—and this year is no different.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve begun harvesting some of the garden’s early stars: bright orange carrots, deep red beets, plump tomatoes, and more zucchini than I honestly know what to do with. There’s something deeply satisfying about pulling a carrot from the earth or slicing into a homegrown tomato still warm from the sun. It’s a reward that never gets old.
Tiny Tim tomatoes planted with basil, nasturtium and red clover.
But of course, not everything went to plan. Something got to my corn—I'm still not sure what, but it’s completely gone. One day the stalks were standing tall, and the next… devastation. Gardening teaches resilience, and this was my latest lesson in letting go and moving on.
Beefsteak tomatoes, basil, flowering chives.
The tomatoes definitely thrived. I grew three varieties this season, each with its own purpose. Tiny Tim tomatoes have been perfect for snacking on right off the vine—sweet, bite-sized, and so satisfying. Beefsteak tomatoes have been the star of every sandwich and burger I’ve made this summer, their thick slices and juicy texture unbeatable. And San Marzanos are quietly piling up in the kitchen, destined for salsas, soups, and slow-simmered sauces in the weeks to come. I’m already dreaming of a rich tomato soup on a cool September evening.
Amaranth.
Out in the garden, there are other quiet joys. The amaranth I planted earlier has just begun to flower—tall and dramatic, with its feathery blooms swaying in the late summer breeze. It’s one of those plants that seems to grow more beautiful with each passing day, and it adds a wild, ornamental touch to the vegetable beds.
Bumble bee on flowering chives.
As I was walking through the garden the other morning, I noticed a bumblebee nestled into one of the chive blossoms. It was such a small moment—quiet and ordinary—but it stopped me in my tracks. It was a reminder that the garden is more than a place to grow food. It's a whole world of life, rhythms, and connections. It’s moments like these that make me pause and feel grateful. The garden feeds more than just the body—it feeds the spirit too.
How’s your garden growing? Have you had any wins or setbacks in your garden lately? Share your stories in the comments—I’m always curious how other gardeners are faring this time of year.