THE OPTIMISTIC FARMER-August 2025
- theoptimisticfarme
- Aug 1
- 3 min read
2025 August Edition
Tall and (Small) Tales from the Great Basin of Northeast Nevada
August is usually the month where the hard work of the season begins to pay off! While July may be splendid for flowers and the like, August is when you start seeing fruits and vegetables getting ready for harvest. It may be a little early for some picking, so patience is still a virtue, but you will definitely start seeing the potential. There is usually an abundance, so the idea in the picture is a fun idea for sharing!
News from the Garden
If you follow this blog, you know The Optimistic Farmer is a fan of artichokes, and late July and August is the time (if you left any on the plant) you will get the magnificent bloom of the artichoke plant. With its spiky purple crown, the bloom is so FUN and the almost neon purple spikes of this unique bloomer are spectacular to look at. Let it continue to die off and you will find the choke filled with seeds for next year's planting. In the right climate an artichoke can be a perennial and they do well in a greenhouse.
Innovations and Ideas
Not really a new innovation but having a good pair of pruners should be in every gardener's bag of tricks. Useful when harvest season kicks into high gear and also in the cleanup department when it is time to prune for dormancy and prep for next season. If you are going to take gardening seriously or even as a fun hobby, invest in a good pair of pruners.
Inner Work
Does how you think have an influence on your health? Good question and the jury may be out, but there are studies that show positive thinking may have benefits on your health. This meme definitely gives us something to think about...
Plants in Science:
Cilantro, love it or hate it, but did you know that when cilantro goes to seed, the seeds are coriander seeds? Coriander seeds are used in many cuisines, dishes such as Lemon Coriander Chicken Curry, Coriander Rice Pilaf, and even Coriander Cookies! Hard to believe, but surprise, surprise, the seeds also offer many potential health benefits as well!
Preventing and treating diabetes by helping to maintain blood glucose levels is a well-known benefit of coriander. Loaded with a bunch of antioxidants, coriander is also helpful for the prevention of osteoporosis. Coriander, as if it could get any better, has linoleic acid and cineole which are useful in treating inflammation from arthritis. So, if you are not a cilantro fan you may be able to get some of the benefits by adding coriander to your day instead.
From Left to Right: Cilantro, Cilantro plant blooming, Coriander seeds starting, Coriander seeds drying
Last, but Not Least: Pesky Mosquito Control
The fall will usually bring out some of the pests of the season including flies, gnats, and of course the pesky mosquito. First instinct is to grab the latest spray to eliminate the pests, however more and more people are looking at natural ways to keep them at bay.
Did you know that dragonflies can eat hundreds of mosquitoes per day! If you are interested in using natural approaches, such as dragonflies, for your flying pest control, your best bet is to create an environment that attracts dragonflies. Some flowers that dragonflies like include the Black-Eyed Susan, Asters, Coneflowers, Asiatic Lilies, and Borage to name a few. Dragonflies also love being near water, so adding ponds or water gardens can also be helpful in getting dragonflies to hang out in your garden.
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