Today is the last day of July and when you read this it will be August, since I am posting this late in the evening. We had a long, really hot July and it looks like August might be the same. Although, to many of us gardeners, it seems to be about midsummer, August 1 in some parts of the world, celebrates this day as the beginning of the harvest season.

Known as Lughnasadh in Ireland, Calan Awst in Wales, and Lammas in Great Britain, this first day of August commemorates the first harvests of grain and is sometimes referred to as the “celebration of bread”. This ancient holiday signifies the passing of the summer growing season into the autumn harvest. People celebrate the beginning of this season with feasting, dancing and bonfires, giving thanks for a bountiful harvest, and enough food to get them through the winter months to come. Bread is made with this year’s harvest.

Although we have been harvesting food from the garden since spring, the real abundance is about to begin and we will be preserving in earnest this month and next. So on this day I stop and give thanks for our gardening efforts and their yield and what is yet to come. Even though we’ve dealt with the deer and the groundhogs, and then the flea beetles and cabbage moths, and now the stink bugs are climbing around on the tomatoes, peppers and eggplants—would you stop gardening? Not I.

Even though we have not had enough rain and the weeds threaten to take over, I  still visit the garden daily and happily harvest tomatoes, chiles, eggplants, squash, beans, onions, and fragrant herbs of all flavors. The joyous flight of the butterflies causes me to pause everyday; they go about their garden chore of pollinating—gaily dancing over the pycnanthemum, Echinacea and anise hyssop. I stoop over to inspect those cantaloupes and winter squash hiding under the big leaves and hear the drone of drunken bees in the squash blossoms. The flowsy red heads of the bee balm tremble and I know that the hummingbird is gathering nectar. I patiently wait to dig the potatoes, which will be soon. The heat, the critters, the bugs, the weeds—we all inhabit our little green-growing universe together—and I celebrate the joys as well as the challenges of gardening. This week with the first quarter moon, I will sow some more annual herbs and hardy greens. And the cycle of the seasons keeps on…  

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Flat Soaker Hose 75 150 FT for Garden Beds

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Consistent & Even Watering Drip Irrigation Hose: Makes use of a clog-resistant fabric cover recycled vinyl for consistent slow soaking seep throughout its entire length. Deliver water to the entire area that it covers. Only certain areas of your garden bed getting watered. For waste-free watering in garden beds and other tight spaces. Waters the base of the plants so less water-related leaf damage. Linkable Garden Soaker Hose For DIY Irrigation System: End to end connectable drip water hose, flexible versatile Above-ground or bury it below a up to 3-inch layer of mulch or soil; this fit with garden hose threads and come with rust resistant end caps that make it possible to connect multiple hoses and works well with timers. Maneuverability And 100% Environmentally Friendly Drip Hose: Double layer design PVC Covered With Extra-Strength Fabric material protect from sun damage than rubber weeping hose; ensure the longevity of the soaker hose, which is ideal for you using it regularly through all seasons in your garden. Made of 100% environmentally friendly recycled vinyl, pass CA65 test, water is safe for ground which makes it perfect for use with vegetables, herbs, and other edible plants. Easy To Store Flat Soaker Hose: This irrigation drip hose flat design is kink-resistant, lies flat makes it a breeze to roll up and store for next season.The flat shape also makes it simple to snake under existing plant growth. One-Year Warranty on Flat Soaker Hoses: Ensure a water pressure of 40-90 psi for best results—hot water is not suitable.

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Gardzen 3-Pack 72 Gallons Garden Bag

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High Quality Fabric - Gardzen Garden Waste Bags are made from 4.4oz/yd2 (150g/㎡) durable polypropylene fabric that can withstand heavy loads and rough handling. Please note that they should not be left out in the sun for long periods. Environmentally Friendly - These reusable yard waste bags are an environmentally friendly choice as they can be used over and over again, unlike disposable bags. The strong handles make it easy to carry the bags, even when they are full. These garden bags for debris allow you to complete your gardening tasks efficiently and effectively, while minimising waste and promoting sustainability. Large Capacity - With a height of 30 inches and a diameter of 26 inches, there is plenty of room for a large amount of garden waste. Whether it's leaves, branches or grass clippings, these yard waste containers can handle it all. A Must-Have For Gardeners - these leaf bags are an essential tool for managing garden waste and can make your gardening tasks much more efficient. The large capacity and durable construction make them ideal for storing and transporting various items. The yard bags can also be folded and stored compactly when not needed, saving valuable space. Package Included - A great value set of 3pcs heavy duty lawn and leaf bags. 3pcs white plastic hoops. There are 2pcs double stitched webbing handles in the top and 1pc strong webbing corner handles in the bottom.

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Fiskars Garden Tool Caddy with Removable Small Tool Storage for Indoor and Outdoor Gardening Use, Made with Recycled Plastic

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Fiskars Gardening Tool Caddy stores tools and supplies for easy access and transportation from indoors to out. Body is made of durable, lightweight, resin with 20% post-consumer recycled plastic. Spacious toolbox includes a removable bin with holes for wall mounting and is the perfect organizer for snips, pruners, and more. Handle locks in place for one-handed carrying, or use side handles for two-handed carrying. Lifetime Warranty.

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