Garden Fresh: Late Summer Vegetable Garden in Texas

Saving Seeds for Next Year's Garden

One of my favorite ways to save money in the garden is by collecting seeds from healthy plants. Allowing a few bean pods to fully mature and dry on the vine provides seeds that can often be planted the following season. Seed saving has been practiced by gardeners for generations and is an excellent way to preserve varieties that perform well in your local climate.

Why I Love Kentucky Pole Beans

Kentucky Pole Beans are one of my favorite vegetables because they continue producing over a long harvest season when picked regularly. The vines grow vertically, making efficient use of garden space, and fresh-picked beans have a flavor that's hard to beat.

Fresh From the Garden

There's something especially satisfying about preparing a meal with vegetables you've grown yourself. Whether it's beans, peppers, onions, squash, or tomatoes, harvesting fresh produce from the backyard reminds me why I enjoy gardening so much. Even a modest harvest adds fresh flavor to the dinner table and makes all the effort worthwhile.

Not only has the cooler weather given my garden a boost, but since the temperatures have dropped to the 80's, I've had to do less watering!

They say we should save our seeds from the first batch of crops, but as my beans have become more energized, I'm allowing several "late season" beans to dry on the vine to save for later.

All my Kentucky Pole beans have been producing. I'm not picking "bucket fulls" a day, but I'm able to save enough to have the occasional stiry fry!

My favorite dish is to add olive oil to the wok, cubed beef with worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. After meat is med well, I add whatever is available from my garden - squash, bell peppers, green beans, peas, onions, okra, and frozen vegetables from the grocery store - broccoli, and zucchini. Toss till heated, then serve with rice and soy sauce.