The 'Martha Girl Summer' Guide to August—How to Savor the Season

As summer winds down and the sunset inches a little earlier each evening, it’s the perfect time to take stock of all the season has offered—while still reveling in late-summer delights. August is a beautifully transitional time—when one foot is still in summer while the other steps toward fall.

For some, this shift brings a welcome breath after a whirlwind of entertaining; for others, it’s the last calm before the exciting chaos of a new season begins.

In our guide to August, we’ll help you navigate this in-between time, a la Martha—this is the Martha Girl Summer, after all. From savoring the late-summer garden and cleaning and organizing your home to refreshing décor and diving into DIYs, we’re sharing Martha-inspired ways to embrace renewal, nurture your space, and let creativity reign.

How to Can Tomatoes the Right Way

Martha's calendar in the August 2012 issue of decorvow Living offers a great peek into how Martha spends the month. Along with such goal-worthy appointments as "Horseback ride through Acadia" (August 17) and "Scrabble tournament with weekend guests" (August 19), there are plenty of late-summer garden and harvest tasks. Among those, we see a reminder: "Start canning tomatoes" on August 24. So, without further ado, let's get canning.

What to Plant in Late Summer for a Delicious Fall Harvest

Few things are more quintessentially Martha than growing your own ingredients. And while you may be starting to crave cozy sweaters and corduroy, don’t kick off your gardening clogs just yet. As the days grow shorter, it might feel like the garden is winding down—but that doesn’t have to be the case. Late summer is actually the perfect time to plant vegetables that thrive in cooler weather and reward you with a delicious autumn harvest.

Creative Scrapbook Ideas to Preserve the Season's Memories

Scrapbooks are a wonderfully tangible way to honor the season, whether you create one to house summer vacation ephemera, sketches from hikes, or even notes and seed packages from the garden. Scrapbooks can hold everything from crinkled letters and natural specimens to train tickets and newspaper clippings—which will all conspire to bring back memories as new seasons come and go.

20 Summer Pasta Recipes That Make the Most of Seasonal Produce

We love produce-forward pasta dishes for August. They bring the summer garden's bounty to the forefront, while leaning on the cozy factor of pasta for anyone eager for a meal with a bit more heft. Our favorite recipes range from simmered sauces to no-cook options, and include dishes for vegetarians as well as meat lovers.

Creative Ways to Use Your Lavender Harvest, From Food to Décor and More

Martha recently gave a shout-out to the lavender she plants in containers at her winter house—do you plant lavender, too? If so, whether you have windowsill pots brimming with blooms or Provence-worthy fields, you may be wondering what to do with your harvest. Aside from feeding pollinators and adding layers of scent to your garden, lavender has myriad uses—From culinary creations and natural cleaners to decorative touches, you needn’t let a single bud go to waste.

How to Transition Summer Décor to Fall, According to Interior Designers

Yes, it’s only August, but giant skeletons are already going viral on social media. And while you may be holding onto your coastal grandma vibes a little longer, fall is on its way. As the weather cools, swimsuits give way to jackets, fresh berries are swapped for apple pie, and—of course—summer décor makes room for autumn touches. Fortunately, getting your home ready for the coziest season doesn’t require a full makeover. With a few thoughtful swaps, you can ease into fall effortlessly.

Martha's New Wall Paint Collection Is Luxurious and Versatile

Few things refresh a home like a new coat of paint—especially when it’s a hue chosen by Martha herself. Whether you're admiring her New York estate or her summer retreat in Maine, Martha’s homes are masterclasses in design, with beautifully curated color palettes that set the tone. Now, you can bring some of that style into your own space with one of her 40 nature-inspired paint colors.

How to Organize the Most-Used Rooms in Your Home

As slow summer living winds down and the pace of fall picks up, your home becomes more than a landing pad—it becomes a place of action and the center of family life. Now is the perfect time to reset your most-used spaces. From the kitchen to the bathroom, organizing these high-traffic areas can streamline routines and make cozy days indoors even more enjoyable.

Beautiful Fall Flower Arrangements That Celebrate the Season's Bounty

Depending on your garden—or the selection at your local flower shop—late-summer blooms might start to feel a bit sparse. You may be tempted to think, “Well, that’s it until spring.” But don’t overlook the incredible beauty the late-summer and fall garden still has to offer. From sculptural branches and seed pods to autumnal favorites, there’s plenty to keep your arrangements thriving.

Watch a Stunning Meteor Shower With Up to 100 Shooting Stars Per Hour

Mother Nature couldn’t have created a better swan song for summer than the annual Perseid meteor showers. Lighting up the August sky with a dazzling display of shooting stars, this celestial event feels nothing short of magical. While the peak occurs on August 12, any clear, dark night this month offers a good chance to catch the show. So head outside, look up, make a wish, and soak in the wonders of late summer.