Ok people, I have one word for you: Tomatoes. Did you know that more Americans plant tomatoes every year than any other plant combined? Home-grown tomatoes are a no-brainer, anyone can do it! All they need to thrive is an open, sunny spot in the garden, plenty of water, and in return you will get a great supply of tomatoes throughout the summer. Just think about what you could do with your tomatoes: salsa, pasta sauces, tomato confit, gazpacho, and so much more. My favorite use of tomatoes is in confit.
I have this perfect memory of sitting in a little town in the south of France, Eygalières to be exact, with some of my best friends eating some of the best tomatoes I have ever had.
As for growing tomatoes, there are two ways of doing it: from seed or from starter. I prefer to plant from starters; there is a large supply of amazing varieties at your favorite local garden center. Once you have chosen which varieties to grow, and believe me, there are hundreds of choices, raising the plants is simple! The time to plant is right this very second so run to the nursery and pick out a few great varieties like these heirloom varieties Cherokee Purple, Siberia, Tuscany, Yellow Perfection, Black Brandywine, Green Zebra, Hillbilly Potato Leaf, and of course my favorite, French Carmello.
Tomatoes need plenty of warmth to taste their best. Add a shovelful of compost and a handful of crushed eggshells for calcium to the hole. Set the plants 12” to 18” apart and plant them deeply, up to the fourth branch from the top, to encourage new root development. Make sure plants get between 1” and 2” of water every week, and to ensure a bumper crop, spray them with a rich compost tea every couple of weeks. If your plants get a bit unruly and start to tip over, use soft twine to tie the plant’s stem loosely to a stake. Check the ties regularly to prevent stem damage. Removing side shoots will allow the plant to breathe and produce better fruit.
When the fruits have ripened, pick them by bending back the fruit at the notch on the stem. So get out there and plant. I hope you enjoy this summer and your tomatoes as much as I know I am going to. Here’s to dirt under your nails! Cheers!
JJ De Sousa is the owner of digs inside & out, located at 1829 NE Alberta, Portland. She can be reached at jj@digs-pdx.com or 503-460-3447.
