The Invasion Of The Killer Tomatoes

You know I have a small raised bed vegetable garden that this year has become a layered garden.  The lettuce is long gone, green onion sets all eaten, seed onions still growing, carrots are very tasty and have enhanced two meals so far and still going, bumper pepper crop and cucumbers doing well on the 45 degree angled trellis.  I usually do not like cucumbers but the home grown ones taste so much better than those waxed ones in the store.

Mariachi Peppers

But, my five tomato plants are going crazy - completely tangled together because the Beefsteak in the Dura Cage fell over when one of the legs broke.  So, I have to guess which tomato I am eating although some are such a distinguished shape that it is easy.

Brandy boy is not a true red, almost pink, and large like a Beefsteak - not thrilled with the taste.  I have two Celebrity tomatoes which are determinate and reliable each year producing plenty of tomatoes - not the taste of a Beefsteak but much better than store bought.  I am also growing a Pineapple Heirloom Tomato, but I have not tasted this one yet.  I think I have picked a few but not totally ripe yet.

Bush Cucumber

Dahlia in Veggie Garden

The Basil has been great this year already producing a delicious pesto and plenty more to cut.  I have already given tomatoes to my family but I am wondering how much sauce can I make?

Veggie Tales

I know not everyone is into growing vegetables, but believe it or not, this is how most children become interested in gardening.  There are so many cold crop vegetables that grow in short periods of time, the results are watchable almost daily and most can be put on the table to taste or eat.

Not only is the growing a first class science experiment, but the preparation and cooking integrates language, math and science.  Think of some new words to learn such as germinate, soil, fertilizer, even photosynthesis and phototropism (even young children can be introduced to these terms and an explanation of the meaning - remember this is an introduction, not mastery).  Growing veggies is such a great way to get children to try new things, especially if they grew it and nurtured it into adulthood and finally to the table.

I began growing veggies at age eight on a thirty foot city lot in Chicago.  I probably would have begun earlier but I lived in an apartment in the big city.  Neither of my parents were gardeners, but my aunt was, my mentor who I followed around the garden on my hands and knees learning about each plant as we hobbled along.  As I mentioned in a previous blog, my first crop was carrots.  I have carrots growing this year layered in between the lettuces.  They seem to be doing just great, but my radishes have lots of little nibbles showing, don't think I planted them at the time recommended by the Farmers Almanac!

I love the Red Rosie lettuce, so dark and mysterious, Oakleaf Panisse is a brighter green than any other Oakleaf that I have grown.  I have already planted two Celebrity tomatoes because they are determinate and do not take over my small garden.  I had to have a Beefmaster but still have not received my Brandy Boys and peppers from Burpee.  I did add some hot banana peppers,  jalapenos, mild banana peppers and basil.

Vegetable Garden Memories

My vegetable garden is doing great.  It has really loved all of the rain we have had, and just about everything is up except the parsley.  It is not time yet to put in the tomatoes or peppers so I am sure the cold crops will be lush by May 1.

The radishes need to be thinned and this is always traumatic to have to throw away living plants.  But, if you do not thin them out you will not get useable radishes.  I am growing Red Emperor this year - can't remember if I have grown this variety before.  I am not always successful with radishes, sometimes pithy, eaten by insects, etc.  But, I keep trying because they are so quick to germinate and so tasty when a success.

All of my weird lettuces are up and it is a good thing that I have put down markers or I would never remember their names.  My set onions are up, no seed onions yet, spinach looks great and carrots are peeking through the soil.  It is such a small garden but it still gives me a thrill every year to see the seeds sprouting. 

Plant a garden with your children or grandchildren even if they seem disinterested.  It will make a lifetime impression!