The Year of the Tomato

When I moved here five years ago it was June 1---a little too late to start any kind of garden. Besides when one first moves to a new city and state there is so much to do inside and out that planting anything is not convenient. In fact, one doesn't even know how good the soil is. However, one of my very favorite foods is a wonderful ripe tomato. So, the following winter I could hardly for the garden plants to come into the retailers. Bear in mind I really don't know anything about gardening and don't come from a line of farmers. I just wanted some really good tomatoes.

The first big hurdle is to select which hybrid to plant. There are so many, but I finally settled on a Big Boy. That sounds sturdy and somewhat reliable. And was it ever? It seems the area into which I had moved had extremely rich soil. I also gave the little darlin' a couple of feedings also just to help it along. That was the summer that I ate tomatoes almost every day from the 4th of July on and made green tomato relish in September so as not to waste any. That came in handy at Christmas time too as the gift for the person you don't know what to give but feel you should---give something that is. The picture on the right shows you the first three tomatoes I harvested in 2003, and I ate the smallest one just moments after snapping the picture.

Those geography lessons from so many years ago taught me that one lets the soil rest; therefore I take even numbered years off. No tomato plant again until 2005. That year I chose Better Boy, and it became a territorial war between Better Boy and my dogs. It also tested my support skills, i.e. could I keep its branches off the ground.

By the end of the season I had put in 13 stakes to hold it up as well as using the fence. It was also the summer that I welcomed new neighbors to the "hood" with a bag of tomatoes, and I learned to make fried green tomatoes. That plant produced 152 usable tomatoes; mind you I'm not counting the ones that did rest on the ground, or that the birds got to first and ruined.

Honestly, I didn't know whether I wanted to plant another one this year or not, but when my son's dog dug a deeper than needed hole in the usual place I decided to fill it partially and stick in another tomato plant. This year's choice? Beefsteak! Those are the really big ones, and I can't wait to see what the challenges and rewards will be. By the way, any favorite tomato recipes you want to pass along?