August’s Bounty & Beyond: Garden Insights, Healthy Oils, and Entertainment Picks

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Welcome to August, a month that feels like two different seasons across the country! While many regions are already gearing up for back-to-school routines and cooler weather, here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, we’re still basking in the full glory of summer. For us in western Oregon, August and September are the peak preserving months, a time when our gardens finally burst with an abundance of produce, making all the waiting worthwhile. It’s a delightful contrast to the early back-to-school advertisements that often flood media weeks before our summer truly winds down, making it almost impossible to find a bathing suit or tank top after July!

This month, I’m thrilled to share a comprehensive look at what’s thriving (and what’s not!) in my vegetable garden during this first week of August. You’ll get an honest update on my growing efforts, including some valuable lessons learned and a couple of unexpected challenges. I’m also delving into the world of High Oleic Sunflower Oil, clarifying its benefits as a stable, high-smoke-point option that often gets unfairly grouped with less healthy “industrial oils.” Plus, I’ll reveal a charming new set of nesting bowls that brightened my kitchen, offer insightful reviews of six books I devoured this July, and recommend two fantastic movies perfect for summer viewing.

Let’s dive into all the good things!

Good Things: August Edition

Late July & Early August Vegetable Garden Update

Grape Arbor Insights: After years of cultivating table grapes, I continue to uncover new insights—gardening truly offers endless learning opportunities! This year, I’ve noticed something particularly interesting: a vine I allowed to grow along the top of the fence is absolutely brimming with grapes, a much more prolific harvest than the vines trained purely on the arbor. This observation came after a reader suggested that side-trained vines might yield more, and it appears they were absolutely right!

Another discovery involves our local feathered friends. The birds seem to particularly enjoy congregating within the shaded canopy of the arbor leaves, flitting away every time I approach. Despite the grapes not being fully ripe, the clusters within the arbor area show signs of missing grapes, indicating that these opportunistic birds are simply hanging out and snacking. While I still adore the aesthetic and shade provided by a grape arbor, I’ll now prioritize growing vines along supporting structures like fences and ensure the arbor itself hosts only a single, well-managed vine during pruning seasons to maximize harvest efficiency and minimize bird feasting.

The Long Narrow Beds – A Summer Staple: These elongated garden beds are consistently dedicated to growing tomatoes, pole beans, cucumbers, and peas. Each year, I simply alternate which section of the beds hosts which crop, a practice that’s a more relaxed approach to rotation. This aligns with modern gardening philosophies, like those of Charles Dowding, who questions the necessity of strict four-year rotations for vegetables in no-dig gardens, currently conducting trials to test this very theory.

My tomatoes, while perhaps not as overtly bushy as in previous years, have begun producing a steady harvest of paste and cherry varieties since late July, which is right on schedule for our region. You might notice some holes in my red plastic mulch – unfortunately, these are courtesy of ground squirrels, who, for reasons unknown, chew and tear at it! You can learn more about how I grow tomatoes and why I utilize red mulch here, despite these furry challenges.

On a less successful note, the prolific California ground squirrels in our area have completely defoliated my row of cucumber plants. My attempt to deter them with chicken wire proved futile; they simply used it as a convenient ladder to reach the top of the vines. It’s a constant battle!

However, my pole beans have thankfully pushed through initial squirrel nibbling and are now producing abundantly! This season, I’m growing my beloved Emerite, alongside Fortex, and the cheerful yellow Monte Gusto. All of these are filet-style pole beans, meaning they are absolutely stringless and remain incredibly tender whether harvested small and thin or allowed to grow larger. Once you try these, you’ll never want to grow any other kind!

Rectangular Beds – Protection and Productivity: The peppers in the furthest bed, nestled under their spacious hoop structure, have been yielding a fantastic harvest for weeks now. They absolutely thrive in the warm, protected environment of the perforated plastic hoop house, with its open ends providing ample ventilation throughout the summer.

One of the most effective strategies I implemented this year was to cover nearly all my growing beds with insect netting after removing the spring row covers. This extends beyond my usual practice, even protecting beds dedicated to more common crops like lettuces. While my primary motivation was to outsmart the ground squirrels, the unexpected bonus has been exceptionally clean produce! I’ve seen virtually no flea beetles, green worms, white flies, or aphids. While some slug damage persists, it’s significantly reduced. It might not be the most picturesque look for a garden, but the benefits of pest-free produce undeniably outweigh any aesthetic concerns.

Another successful innovation has been the shade cloth I draped over the lettuce bed. Since it wasn’t as large as the insect netting, I simply layered it on top. Remarkably, I’m still harvesting beautiful, sweet lettuce from my second June sowing, with minimal bolting (the variety is the wonderful Merveille des Quatre Saisons). This has been a game-changer for extending the lettuce season into the hotter months.

However, it hasn’t all been triumphs. I’ve encountered two significant gardening failures this season:

• For the first time ever, the broccoli plants I started from seed have stubbornly refused to produce a main head. From four seemingly healthy plants that haven’t bolted, I’ve managed to harvest only a handful of tiny shoots. It’s truly a bizarre outcome.
• And my attempts at growing carrots have been equally disheartening. Despite two separate seedings—one in April and another at the end of June—and diligent watering and covering with cardboard, I have a grand total of five carrots to show for my efforts. Ugh! I’m certainly thankful for Costco’s inexpensive organic carrots at this point, which will fill the gap for our kitchen needs.

Finally, after many years, I’ve made the executive decision to remove the sprawling clematis from the center of this round rock wall bed. It’s simply grown too large, casting a literal shadow over other plants that desperately need sunlight. I anticipate being able to cultivate a much wider variety of crops here once it’s gone, optimizing this valuable garden space.

Demystifying High Oleic Sunflower Oil: A Healthy Choice for High Heat

I frequently receive questions about the best cooking oils for recipes such as 100% whole wheat sandwich bread or sourdough vegetable fritters. This has prompted me to clarify the truth about an oil I rely on heavily for high-heat cooking and baking: High Oleic Sunflower Oil. It’s often unfairly maligned or lumped into the category of “industrial oils,” but when chosen correctly, it’s an excellent and economical option.

First, it’s crucial to understand the benefit of incorporating a **variety of non-industrial oils** into your diet. Different oils offer distinct types of fats essential for our health, and balance is key. Moreover, each oil has a unique smoke point, which dictates its suitability for various cooking methods:

• Olive Oil: I typically reserve olive oil for no-cook applications like homemade salad dressings or for very low-heat sautéing, where vegetables might be cooked for just a few minutes before other ingredients are added, such as in this corn, pepper, and onion sauté. Extra virgin olive oil has a smoke point ranging from 350-430 degrees Fahrenheit. Exceeding its smoke point can lead to the formation of harmful toxins and trans fats, so careful usage is important.
• Avocado Oil: This is a great choice for higher-heat cooking methods like stir-fries, boasting an impressive smoke point of 520 degrees Fahrenheit. Its flavor is also more neutral compared to olive oil. The main drawback for many is its relatively higher cost.
• Coconut Oil: I use coconut oil more sparingly. The best kind, unrefined virgin coconut oil, imparts a distinct coconut flavor that isn’t always desirable in every dish. Furthermore, its smoke point is only around 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and it’s solid at room temperature, requiring melting if a liquid oil is needed. I primarily use it as a dairy-free substitute for butter in specific recipes.

This brings me to my second most frequently used oil, after olive oil: High Oleic Sunflower Oil.

An informative article explains that there are actually three distinct types of sunflower oil. The kind often found in highly processed and ultra-processed foods, simply labeled “sunflower oil,” is typically high-linoleic sunflower oil, which is the least healthy variant and often grouped with industrial oils like corn and canola. The key distinction lies in the fatty acid profile.

What we seek for healthy cooking is high oleic sunflower oil. Most high oleic versions are expeller pressed (or cold pressed), meaning the oil is extracted mechanically without the use of chemical solvents. This natural extraction method preserves the oil’s integrity and quality.

The affordable Trader Joe’s high oleic sunflower oil, which I often use and have pictured above, used to prominently feature “expeller pressed” on its label. While that specific phrase might be absent now (perhaps for simplified labeling or a slight change in process), a trusted food education site confirms it is indeed expeller pressed.

For those looking for other reliable options, here are a few quality, expeller-pressed high oleic sunflower oils: Whole Foods High Oleic Sunflower Oil, Spectrum Naturals High Heat Sunflower Oil, and La Tourangelle Organic High Oleic Sunflower Oil.

Ultimately, I encourage you to critically evaluate sweeping statements about food and nutrition. I’ve always questioned the notion that sunflower seed oil, which is visibly and tastily present in the seeds themselves, is comparable to oils derived from corn or grains like canola/rapeseed where no oil is inherently visible. This logical inconsistency led me to research, confirming that, indeed, they are not the same. I hope this detailed explanation has been helpful in enhancing your understanding of healthy cooking oils!

Charming New Jadeite Nesting Bowls

This month, I acquired the most delightful set of jadeite nesting bowls, and I am absolutely enamored with them! They perfectly complement a few other cherished jadeite ceramic pieces I own. More importantly, this set effectively replaces a much-loved, frequently used bowl for salads and side dishes that sadly met its demise. While investing in a nesting set was a bit of a splurge for me, I quickly realized that the cost was comparable to, or even less than, purchasing just one vintage jadeite bowl. So, I took the plunge, and I have zero regrets!

July Books Read

As you can see from this cover collage, my reading journey this July was a delightful whirlwind across genres! From historical fiction to sci-fi, thrillers, romance, and even a literary retelling – it’s clear that different moods call for different stories. There’s truly something for everyone in this diverse collection!

James: A Novel, Percival Everette. I have a soft spot for well-executed literary retellings, and this reimagining of Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of Jim was certainly good, though not ultimately amazing. Percival Everette expertly maintained the original book’s setting, voice, and atmosphere, effectively transporting me back in time. I particularly appreciated the fresh and nuanced portrayal of Jim and his fellow enslaved individuals; they are shown as wary and fearful of white society’s treatment, yet far more educated and knowledgeable than they allow on. Children are even “taught” how to speak in an ignorant manner to perpetuate the whites’ perceptions, ensuring a semblance of “safety.” This added a compelling layer to the original narrative and Jim’s interactions with Huck Finn. However, I found the book to lag in a couple of places and it was unexpectedly more violent than I anticipated, culminating in an ambiguous and violent non-ending that leaves James’s fate uncertain.

Rogue Protocol, Murderbot Diaries 3, Martha Wells. Brian and I continued our journey through this captivating sci-fi series, narrated from the cynical yet endearing perspective of the self-proclaimed “Murderbot.” We adore the sharp humor and sarcasm, perfectly blended with compelling storytelling. This quote beautifully encapsulates the “SecUnit’s” (security unit) signature vibe:

“I hate caring about stuff. But apparently once you start, you can’t just stop.”

In this third novella, our reluctant hero ventures to a derelict terraform station, seeking evidence against the corporation that was its employer in the first book. Despite its desire to simply binge media soap operas, it quickly finds itself entangled in human drama as the individuals it hitched a ride with descend into conflict, soon facing off against three combat bots. Naturally, Murderbot triumphs in the end, paving the way for our next listen, #4!

Before We Were Yours, Lisa Wingate. This book came highly recommended by many readers, knowing my fondness for historical fiction. I admit I hesitated for a long time due to the difficult subject matter: kidnapping and child abuse. Once I began listening, the flashback sequences detailing these hardships were indeed as challenging as I’d imagined and became my least favorite parts. Understandably, I found myself much more engaged by the present-day mystery and other storylines. The novel beautifully tells the poignant story of siblings in the 1930s who lived as ‘boat people’ on the river. When their mother is hospitalized, they are forcibly taken from their home, lied to, and confined in a horrific orphanage. The woman who orchestrated this abominable operation—snatching children and selling them to desperate, childless parents—is based on a terrifying true story. This woman, once hailed as a pioneer of modern adoption, ran a horrific system whose abusive methods and resultant deaths went undiscovered for many years. It’s a truly heartbreaking chapter in American history.

Just For The Summer, Abby Jimenez. After the emotional weight of “Before We Were Yours,” I definitely needed a light romance to cleanse my reading palate, and this book delivered! It tells the story of two individuals who enter into a “deal” to date for a single summer, with the predictable outcome of deeper feelings developing. Abby Jimenez often weaves heavier themes into her lighthearted narratives, and this book is no exception, touching on child neglect, depression, and mental illness. Despite these serious undertones, the witty banter between the hero and heroine is consistently funny and sweet, feeling remarkably realistic. While it won’t be a book that stays with me for years, it was an enjoyable, quick read. (It features an “open door” romance, but with minimal scenes that were easy to skip.)

Eruption, Michael Crichton and James Patterson. This was an audiobook Brian and I listened to together, and as a big Crichton fan, Brian was initially very excited. Sadly, we found it to be a rather disappointing read. The characters are incredibly shallow and broadly drawn, often bordering on caricature. The dialogue is truly terrible – and that’s being generous. Furthermore, the plot, especially its conclusion, stretches credulity. The worst aspect, however, was the audiobook narrator, Scott Brick (whom I had previously heard good things about). He overdramatized *everything* people said, making every character sound as if they were perpetually on the verge of tears or an explosion of rage. We powered through to the end, but it was, frankly, a painful listening experience.

The One With The Kiss Cam, Cindy Steel. Seeking another dose of light romance, I picked up this book. It was a bit silly, yet highly entertaining, brimming with good humor and a truly relatable story. The heroine grapples with issues of trust and boundaries, trying her best to navigate life but feeling perpetually stuck. The hero, in contrast, injects fun and adventure into her world, consistently showing up for her. Their journey is filled with playful banter and teasing moments, even as they each confront personal and familial struggles. A sweet, closed-door romance that was a pleasant escape.

Watching: Our Latest Movie Recommendations

The Long Game, Netflix. Brian and I thoroughly enjoyed this inspiring golf story about a Mexican high school team in 1950s Texas. It’s based on a true story and beautifully portrays their journey amidst significant prejudice and racism of the era. The film is incredibly sweet, uplifting, and a truly moving watch.

Fly Me To The Moon, Theater. I saw this film with my mom, and we both found it absolutely charming and cute! It’s a lighthearted movie that playfully pokes fun at the worlds of marketing, selling, and even touches upon the idea of the moon landing conspiracy. We particularly appreciated the minimal swearing, absence of violence, and a single chaste kiss – the film genuinely focused on telling an engaging story without resorting to lengthy, drawn-out chase scenes or gratuitous elements. What a refreshing concept! I highly recommend it if you’re looking for a genuinely feel-good and entertaining movie.

That concludes another delightful edition of the Good Things List!

If you’re eager to discover more of my favorite finds and recommendations, you can explore all previous Good Things Lists here. I’d genuinely love to hear your thoughts – whether you’ve tried any of these recommendations or have some wonderful discoveries of your own to share. Please leave a comment below!

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