You say To-may-to: I Say To-mah-to

Tomatoes. A staple of so many home gardens, especially in gardens tended by Italians.

For as long as I can remember, my dad has grown tomatoes. Fresh off the vine, they are like candy.
I am always amazed at how my dad's garden grows.

This year, I have taken a more active role in helping him with his garden and I now see all of the hard work he has done for so, so many years.

I am grateful.

Here is Dad and the first tomatoes.
A few years ago, I received the Seed Savers Catalog. Besides being visually beautiful, the fact that people are taking heirloom varieties of plants and making sure they continue to exist for years to come is just amazing.


I ordered seeds for Purple Russians. They are delicious and peppery. Love them!
Here are some other tomatoes that we have harvested.I made delicious Panzanella Salad. Crusty Italian Bread - cucumbers - red onions - basil - and of course, the star of the summer, tomatoes.I also made a Greek Salad with everything from above except for the bread. I also added capers and feta cheese.To think that in a few short months, tasteless, colorless, sweetless tomatoes will be crowding the grocery store shelves.

Ugh.

If I could only make these tomatoes last all year long!

"Gardening requires lots of water - most of it in the form of perspiration."

- Lou Erickson