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Tuesday, June 10, 2008

As I Watch Everyone Freak Out About Tomatoes

I kind of wish I had planted mine a little sooner this year. I had to plant practically everything later than I wanted to, because all that crazy rain we had in May interfered with expanding my garden plot and building a new fence in a timely fashion (and also temporarily turned my garden soil to sludge, and also encouraged fungal growth and insect infestation on the few plants I did plant on time).

But, at the same time, I do feel a certain sense of satisfaction that while most Americans will be eyeing their store-bought tomatoes warily all summer even after this recall is over with, in a month or so, I'll be happily munching organically-grown, salmonella-free tomatoes out of my backyard garden without a second thought.

And if last year's tomato harvest is any indication of the success this year will bring, so will several neighbors up and down the street.

(You're welcome.)

And to all those currently suffering from tomato phobia who do not yet have a backup plan: do note that tomato plants, stakes and cages are still on sale at hardware stores and garden centers. All a tomato plant needs is a patch of dirt, lots of sun, lots of water, and something to lean on. For about $5 and a few hours of your time over the next month or two, you can have two or three plants providing you with fresh produce, oxygen, a reduced carbon footprint, and a sense of accomplishment.

Plus peace of mind.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

How could you have planted earlier? My mom always says "Never plant until after Mother's Day."

Every year I roll my eyes and plant early. Every year we get a late cold snap and my plants die.

This year we had a frickin frost advisory the WEEK AFTER Mother's Day.

You simply couldn't have planted any earlier this year. Too cold. Too wet.

SusanIsk said...

Perhaps this "outbreak" will force more consumers to pay attention to where their foods are coming from. Perhaps people will seek out local produce instead of foods grown out-of-state and out of the country (or, like you, grow it themselves).

Anonymous said...

isn't it pathetic that i don't even HAVE a patch of dirt?? our entire backyard, while beautiful and garden-y (as in flowers, not vegetables) and all Botanical Gardens, doesn't have a single area where we could grow our own vegetables. I hope one day, though. . .

Raquita said...

Jerry will probably take your advice and in the mean time whats a girl gotta do to be considered a neighbor for thirty miles away?

Kim said...

I don't eat tomatoes, but I miss buying them for Jess from the Keller roadside stands. They also have the best cucumbers and corn on the cob. Soooo sweet you don't even need butter or salt. Now, if the outbreak hits the corn, I'll be highly upset.

Daisy said...

Sounds utterly fabulous! :)

(Dropping by to say I love your blog, which I've been reading ever since you posted on mine.)

Anonymous said...

To Rebecca,

My neighbors put two tomato plants in a giant pot (those plastic kind that look like terra cotta), put cages around them and they are doing great so far. Maybe you could try that.

Awesome Mom said...

We don't really have a garden space just yet, but we did plant a tomato bush in some pots that we moved with us. That was one of the first things we did once we got here. Next year I am being picky and getting some heirloom tomato seeds so that we can use them again the year after and enjoy the better flavor.