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Garden time is coming

Jimi

Diamond Contributor
Member For 5 Years
Hi Jimi,

It’s peak harvest season for many of us—and if your garden is under attack from aphids, you’re not alone.

These tiny pests multiply fast and can take over your crops seemingly overnight.

Left unchecked, aphids can stunt plant growth, spread disease, and destroy your harvest. Whether it’s your kale, tomatoes, cucumbers, or cabbage—they’ll suck the life right out of them (literally).

That’s why we created this complimentary Aphid Management Guide to help you stop infestations before they start—and get back to enjoying a thriving, productive garden.
mail

>>> Download Your Aphid Management eGuide Now

3D Image: Your Guide to Aphid Management Inside you’ll discover:

The aphid life cycle and the best timing for control
🌿 Natural prevention strategies that really work
🪲 Smart mechanical & biological control methods
💧 A few safe, organic sprays as a last resort

Whether you're dealing with green, pink, or even black aphids—this guide will help you protect your harvest with confidence.

You worked hard to grow your garden—don’t let a pest take the final reward.

>>> Grab your free Aphid Management Guide today

To a healthy, harvest-filled garden,

🌱 Grow Your Own Vegetables Team 🌱
 

Jimi

Diamond Contributor
Member For 5 Years
Seeds for a Resilient Future: FREE Webinar on Regenerative Farming
AugtoNov

Regenerative Farming Webinar Invite​

Thursday, Aug 14 – Sunday, Nov 16•
Floriddia Organic Farm in Tuscany Italy
View schedule

You're invited to a free webinar on regenerative farming featuring Rosario Floriddia on August 26, with an opportunity to join a full-day seminar at Floriddia Organic Farm in Tuscany, Italy, on November 16, 2025.

Note​

  • Join the full-day seminar at Floriddia Organic Farm in Tuscany, Italy.
  • Register for the free webinar on regenerative farming. here
  • Attend the free webinar on regenerative farming with Rosario Floriddia.
 

Jimi

Diamond Contributor
Member For 5 Years
Missed the webinar today? No worries - you can catch the replay now.
🎥 SIGN UP HERE to watch the replay >>

Laurentine's kitchen during the webinar

Here’s a photo of my kitchen during the webinar. You’ll see some everyday items… some I keep stocked (on the right), and others that went straight to the Contraband Cupboard (on the left).
In the replay, I walk you through:
  • 🚫 The foods I removed (and why they don’t belong in a healing kitchen)
  • 🥦 What I do keep in my fridge and pantry to support digestion, blood sugar, and energy
  • 🥗 How I build a balanced plate - and stretch meals further with smart prep
  • 💛 The recipe for one of my favorite healing tonics
Bonus: When you watch the replay, you’ll also unlock a special discount for our Nutrition Certification Course.
If you’ve been thinking about studying nutrition, this is your chance. The course is fully online, self-paced, and designed for real life - no exams, no pressure. Just practical, life-changing tools to help you understand how food impacts the body, and how to help others too.
SIGN UP TO WATCH & CLAIM YOUR BONUS
But don’t wait - the replay (and offer) won’t be available for long!

In good health,
 

Jimi

Diamond Contributor
Member For 5 Years
You’ll discover:
🍅 6 simple ways to stock your pantry full of fresh goodies
🍄 A counter-intuitive strategy for saving 40% on your grocery bill every year
🌽 How to think like a flavor ninja and create delicious meals from basic garden ingredients
🧅 The one trick to preserve the essentials in just a couple hours
Imagine fresh meals just waiting for you and your loved ones to enjoy. Makes cooking a healthy dinner (any time of year) so much simpler. 😉
So thankful that you're making an investment in your health, your life and yourself.
Because health means everything,​
 

Jimi

Diamond Contributor
Member For 5 Years
Yesterday I was so busy I didn't get to pick the garden so today I went through and here's my "Pick of the Day" Monday
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Ok there's
Cherry maters
Various big maters
A zucchini
A yellow snack mater, this was from a volunteer plant
A few purple cayenne peppers
hot banana peppers
Sweet red bell peppers
And a cuke
 

Jimi

Diamond Contributor
Member For 5 Years
[VIDEO] Off-Grid: The Law vs. The Legal
When the police stopped her, Marjory was humiliated. But you know Marjory… she isn’t taking this sitting down. Watch how she’s fighting back and learn what you can do to protect yourself from similar situations.
Click here to watch the video now
 

Jimi

Diamond Contributor
Member For 5 Years
[ARTICLE] Why Fall is the Best Time to Plant Fruit Trees
Did you know that planting fruit trees in the fall gives them a head start for spring growth? The cooler weather allows roots to establish without the stress of summer heat. Learn which trees thrive best when planted now, plus tips to ensure a bountiful harvest.
Click here to read the full article
 

Jimi

Diamond Contributor
Member For 5 Years
Help others grow healthier lives 🌱

  • Grow Your Own Vegetables
    To: me · Wed, Aug 20 at 8:02 AM

    Hi Jimi,

    Love sharing healthy recipes?
    Offering tips from your garden?
    Encouraging friends to try new ways to feel better?

    You already know how one simple conversation can spark change.

    That’s exactly what the Plant-Based Coaching Workshop is all about — a free, 3-day online training with our friend Ocean Robbins and the Food Revolution Network team.
    mail
    Free 3-Part Workshop August 22-24, 2025
    You’ll get tools, insights, and inspiration from world-class experts to help you:

    🌱 Support healthier choices in others
    🌱 Create change in your community
    🌱 Even explore a new career path

    It starts this Friday, August 22 — it’s online and there’s no cost to attend.

    >>> Reserve your spot today.

    To your health,

    🌱 Grow Your Own Vegetables Team 🌱

    P.S. You’ll also receive 27 Rewarding Paths to a Thriving Career as a Plant-Based Coach just for signing up.

 

Jimi

Diamond Contributor
Member For 5 Years

What Full Sun, Partial Sun, And Shade Really Means​

 

Jimi

Diamond Contributor
Member For 5 Years
As food prices continue to climb, preserving your garden harvest and farmer’s market haul might be on your mind this season. But what’s the best way to save and store all those veggies? And how much time and equipment is it going to take??
Too much of a good thing is a great problem to have… as long as you’re ready with a plan.
You have to take action fast or that precious harvest goes to waste. It would be so much better as pasta sauce later in the year. 😉
That’s why I’m inviting you to a Masterclass with Stacey Murphy called 3 Strategies to Simplify Preserving and Storing the Harvest: Enjoy Fresh, Organic Vegetables & Herbs All Year Long.
--->>
Access the Masterclass now
You’ll discover how to think like a restaurant owner so that you can transform fresh food into a stocked kitchen without a lot of hard work.
This is not just about a bunch of canned tomatoes here. We’re talking ready-made meals with that summery burst of flavor and nutrition all year long.
In this Masterclass, you’ll learn the strategy Stacey’s dad taught her that made her a “flavor ninja.” You can transform basic garden ingredients into wildly delicious meals in minutes, too!
You’ll hear about Stacey’s complete Harvest into Meals preservation system including…
  • Garden fresh recipes
  • Meal planning
  • Food storage
  • Canning
  • Fermenting
  • Drying
  • Dehydrating
  • Pickling
When you have a preservation system, you can enjoy delicious, garden fresh meals even when it’s cold outside.
Preserving the harvest means you don't have to say goodbye to your favorites simply because the seasons change.
And it really can be simpler than you think.
--->>Access the Masterclass now: 3 Strategies to Simplify Preserving and Storing the Harvest: Enjoy Fresh, Organic Vegetables & Herbs All Year Long
So thankful that you're making an investment in your health, your life and yourself.
Because health means everything,​
mail
P.S. When you attend the Masterclass, you can also grab the Quick eGuide for Preserving the Harvest and it will help you discover which techniques are right for your lifestyle.​
 

Jimi

Diamond Contributor
Member For 5 Years
By the way, incorporating animals in your yard can help bring more balance and mitigate some of the commons issues we experience as urban growers. Personally, I love watching my sweetie Heidi care for and love on our pet chickens.

Hens are often the first animal (other than typical pet species) that people keep in their yards, and for good reason...they provide fresh eggs, are easy to care for, and can even help build rich compost.

Once people experience how playful, productive, and profitable chickens are, a whole world of potential opens up and it's difficult to stop there. They might then venture into keeping other species of poultry, bees, goats, or sheep.

Whether or not you grow your own produce, and especially if you do, I'd suggest considering raising chickens. Let Urban Farm U open you up to the possibilities in our Signature Course, Urban Animals, with garden educator Kari Spencer!

Learn more about the course and raising urban animals here.

Enjoy, and happy growing.
 

Jimi

Diamond Contributor
Member For 5 Years
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Newsletter: Home Gardener's Weekly
Home Gardener Weekly has a fresh new look! As summer begins to wind down, it’s time to make the most of your garden’s bounty—whatever it looks like. This week’s Home Gardener’s Weekly delivers harvest-season strategies to help you finish strong or prep for what’s next. Whether you're wrapping up or planting ahead, your garden will thank you.


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Here’s what you’ll dig into:​
🌿 Freeze like a pro – Keep your garden-fresh veggies tasting just-picked with our guide to properly freezing produce.
🍅 Tasty recipes – Turn your end of summer harvest into delicious, easy recipes your whole family will love!
🐛 Disrupt soil-dwelling pests – Gently scuff your topsoil once or twice a week to expose eggs and larvae to the elements.
🍏 Save Your Green Tomatoes – This week’s video shows you how to enjoy your end of summer tomatoes.
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🌿 Freeze like a pro​
Keep your garden-fresh veggies tasting just-picked with our guide to properly freezing produce.
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🍅 Tasty recipes​
Turn your end of summer harvest into delicious, easy recipes your whole family will love!
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🐛 Disrupt soil-dwelling pests​
Gently scuff your topsoil once or twice a week to expose eggs and larvae to the elements.
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🍏 Save Your Green Tomatoes​
This week’s video shows you how to enjoy your end of summer tomatoes.
We’re sending this week’s edition through a new email system, so we’d love your help making sure it’s reaching you. Just hit reply and let us know your favorite section of the newsletter—we can’t wait to hear what you enjoy most! Here’s to making each moment matter, each season count, and every meal more delicious.

Happy harvesting,

🌱 The Grow Your Own Vegetables Team 🌱
 

Sir Kadly

Squonk 'em if you got 'em
VU Donator
Platinum Contributor
Member For 5 Years
@Jimi or anyone else for that matter, I bought some zucchini at the farmer's market yesterday enough to make some zucchini bread and still have some for meals this week. Thing is I ended up on a whim using part of the batter to try making muffins, and they are amazing. I have a friend flying in from Sacramento in two weeks. Well, friend of a friend technically since I've never met her but we've talked a few times. She's moving here to become the roommate of my other friend, they've been besties for many years. So now I'm thinking I'd like to make a whole batch of those muffins and send some home with the two of them when we meet at the airport. Can I save that zuc if I put it in the fridge for two weeks? Or should I just use it the way I originally panned and buy more that Saturday morning?
 

Jimi

Diamond Contributor
Member For 5 Years
@Jimi or anyone else for that matter, I bought some zucchini at the farmer's market yesterday enough to make some zucchini bread and still have some for meals this week. Thing is I ended up on a whim using part of the batter to try making muffins, and they are amazing. I have a friend flying in from Sacramento in two weeks. Well, friend of a friend technically since I've never met her but we've talked a few times. She's moving here to become the roommate of my other friend, they've been besties for many years. So now I'm thinking I'd like to make a whole batch of those muffins and send some home with the two of them when we meet at the airport. Can I save that zuc if I put it in the fridge for two weeks? Or should I just use it the way I originally panned and buy more that Saturday morning?
You can grate and freeze it without any indifference, just thaw and use right then.
Hope this helps you
 

Jimi

Diamond Contributor
Member For 5 Years
Did your garden exceed your expectations—or leave you feeling a little disappointed?

If you’re like many growers, you may have faced hurdles this season: unpredictable weather, pests that showed up overnight, soil that didn’t deliver, or crops that just didn’t thrive. We’ve been there too—and it’s frustrating when all your hard work doesn’t pay off.

That’s why over the next few days, we’re giving every member of the Grow Your Own Vegetables Community (that’s you!) a special Harvest Club Journey—a guided tour packed with proven resources from our Harvest Club membership.

What is Harvest Club? It’s like having an ongoing gardening class at your fingertips, with hundreds of tips, tools, and guides to help you grow more, stress less, and get bigger harvests. Our members tell us it’s “like having a garden coach in your back pocket” and that the resources have “turned failures into the best harvest yet.”

>>> Take the Harvest Club Tour Today (PLUS access exclusive member resources)

During your Harvest Club Journey, you’ll explore:

🧑‍🌾 Growing Guides for crops like basil and beans—so you know exactly what these plants need to thrive.
🪲 Garden Dweller Guides—learn how to stop cutworms before they start, and discover whether moles are really a problem in your garden.
📰 Harvest Club Newsletters—enjoy 3 member newsletters, each packed with seasonal tips, simple strategies, and even a fun garden crossword.

>>> Come experience Harvest Club and access your complimentary resources today

We can’t wait to share these resources with you!


🌱 The Grow Your Own Vegetables Team 🌱
 

Jimi

Diamond Contributor
Member For 5 Years
Hi Jimi,

Ready for some fresh garden insight?

For today’s garden journey you’re invited to enjoy three member-favorite Harvest Club Newsletters—each one packed with tips, strategies, and inspiration you can put to work in your garden.

>>> Grow Smarter with these Newsletter Tips

Inside these newsletters, you’ll discover:

🌱 Learn about mineral-based amendments with the newsletter that focuses solely on these types of amendments. Inside Harvest Club we also have plant-based and animal based amendment newsletters to complete your understanding of the most common amendments for maximizing your garden nutrition.

🌱 Explore ideas on plant-spacing for bigger harvests, a consideration for growing sprouts, whether vegetables are better raw or cooked, and more.

🌱 Discover Secrets to Soil Wizardry, tips on finding budget friendly containers, cold hard facts about GMO’s, and more!

Oh yeah, and a few fun crosswords to test your garden knowledge!

Don’t just take it from us about how useful these newsletters are … this is what Harvest Club member Bridgette has to say:

“There is so much info that it can’t all be stored in my head at once. I love reading through the information provided, knowing that a month or 2 down the line I can look back on it for more details or if I have a certain issue.”

Take a moment for yourself—grab a cup of tea and enjoy these relaxing, insight-filled reads.

>>> Access your Harvest Club Newsletters Today! Happy Gardening!


🌱 The Grow Your Own Vegetables Team 🌱
 

gopher_byrd

Cranky Old Fart
VU Donator
Diamond Contributor
ECF Refugee
Member For 5 Years
VU Patreon
[VIDEO] How to Save Tomato Seeds
Tomatoes are one of the most rewarding crops to grow — and saving seeds ensures you'll never run out of your favorite varieties. Watch this simple, step-by-step guide to harvesting, fermenting, and storing seeds for future seasons. Click here to watch the video
Just so everyone knows, to make sure you get what you think your getting for next years planting, only save seeds from varieties that are open pollinated or heirloom. If you save seeds from a hybrid, you won't know what you'll get next year.
 

Jimi

Diamond Contributor
Member For 5 Years

New video with Doc, and Carolyn from the Homesteading Family!

Hey Folks,
Carolyn’s herb garden proves you don’t need acres of land to grow a powerful home apothecary.
A lot can happen in a few years. In this video, we tour the space again and find out what she loves, what’s been driving her a little crazy, and which new plants she’s most excited about growing.







 

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