Category Archives: Garden

Gardening in Texas hardiness Zone 8a

Garden Update: July

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By Texas Homesteader

Well it’s July in Texas and it’s hot, hot, HOT.  I don’t have too much room to complain I guess, we’ve had some rare breaks from the typical hot and dry summer with a few odd cool fronts that have come through as well as sporadic showers that we’re blessed with every week to 10 days.  Rare indeed.  The pastures are greener than any other year in memory during this time of year – LOVE IT!  My garden has benefited from the temperate weather as well. I’m able to harvest fresh veggies every day for our meal.

July garden update. Stroll with me through my veggie garden & let's see what's growing! #TexasHomesteader

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Preserving The Harvest: Oregano

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by Texas Homesteader 

I try to harvest and preserve all the fresh herbs I can. I finally got some oregano to grow. In addition to harvesting and using as much fresh oregano as I can, I also plan on preserving it for future use.

My dehydrating procedure is simple and requires no special equipment. Come see how easy it is to preserve oregano.

Preserving Oregano. Italian seasonings are my favorites. Because It tastes better fresh I like to grow and preserve my own. #TexasHomesteader

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Harvesting, Preserving & Using Fresh Thyme

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by Texas Homesteader ~ 

I’ve discovered my favorite herb to cook with is Thyme. It’s so versatile and it adds a delicious flavor to so many different dishes. And the price of growing fresh thyme in your garden is so much less than buying it – plus it’s much fresher!

Fresh thyme in metal bowl in front of wooden birdhouse. #TexasHomesteader

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Gift Idea – Starter Garden For A Child

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by Texas Homesteader ~
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With dreams of another amazing garden I worked diligently at the first of the year with visions of the same fresh produce I had enjoyed in previous years. While the weather was still blustery I planted heirloom seeds in my indoor greenhouse to get a jump-start on starting seedlings.

And later I started preparing the raised beds. When we were welcomed with the warmth of spring I could finally set those tender seedlings into the sweet-smelling earth.

Then I would dream about a few short when weeks I could once again begin harvesting the most nutritious and beautiful organic produce fresh from the garden.

This is just part of who I am – I *MUST* garden and although it’s lots of work I derive immense pleasure and satisfaction from it.

Seed pack, pot, soil & decorative container - PERFECT! This gift came from my heart didn't cost much & it only took a few minutes to assemble. #TexasHomesteader

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The Garden That Love Planted

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by Texas Homesteader ~ 

Those who know me say that having a vegetable garden is just in my blood. And I’m likely to agree with them. 

I guess it’s just something deep inside me that feels the strong drive to nurture the earth and through grit and gentle determination coax from it nourishment for both my body and my soul.

But things came up this year and with a sigh I conceded that a vegetable garden was just not meant to be for the first time in…  well maybe EVER. 

Although I had begun garden preparations months ago, “Life” stepped in and there was simply no way I could tackle the now-overgrown beds and plant. I was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Due to surgeries & healing I had to face my limitations this year – it was just too much.  Maybe next year…

Then Love happened.  

The Garden That LOVE Planted! I couldn't plant a veggie garden due to health. Then several people showed their love by showing up to help. #TexasHomesteader

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Wood-Plank Raised Bed Vegetable Gardening

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by Texas Homesteader ~
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RancherMan saw me on my hands & knees in the garden, struggling with digging out yet more bermuda strands. (grrrrrr…)  He commented “Looks like YOU’RE not having any fun today!  Why don’t you do something different this year instead of raised-bed gardening?”

I looked up at him as I brushed my wind-blown hair from my face with a dirty glove, smiled and replied “I don’t know how to explain it to you, and I’m not sure I understand it myself, but I *HAVE* to do this, it’s in my blood!”

Several years ago we built three 20′ raised beds in my fenced vegetable garden area. Now you have to remember that my veggie garden was initially planted in what was previously just a cattle pasture – I needed to amend the soil to be able to produce a bountiful garden. The raised beds were built with regular 2×4 boards but they have lasted three years so far and will probably last another 3-4 years before they have to be replaced.

Gardening using raised beds is a great way to grow your own vegetables. #TexasHomesteader

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