We planted a variety of tomatoes this year – cherry, beefsteak, and heirloom varieties. They are all growing nicely, thriving in the heat/rain cycles. Some of them have grown to an incredible size, which thrills me.
I was watching one as it got bigger and started turning a deep shade of red. It was ripening so sweetly. I could imagine how it would taste. The day I went out to pick it, though, I had a shock; a quarter of the tomato was eaten into. I could see the seeds. The juice dripped from the opening and I could smell the fresh tomato aroma. I mourned the loss of such a beauty.
There was another tomato on the vine that was just starting to ripen. I didn’t want the same thing to happen so I placed a cage around that section of the plant. But when I went to check on it the next day, the cage was lifted out of its moorings and the tomato had been nibbled on.
Was it a wascally wabbit that was getting into the garden or a sneaky squirrel? I was talking to a man who had a vegetable garden and he said that groundhogs, in particular, loved tomatoes. I occasionally saw a groundhog around but not lately.
I needed a plan. While I love letting the tomatoes ripen on the vine, I decided to pick them when they were partially red, before the creatures got into them, and to let them ripen the rest of the way on my kitchen counter. So far that is working. We ate one of our tomatoes yesterday and it was absolutely delicious! I can’t blame the outside critters for digging in.
I know that everyone needs to eat and I don’t mind sharing but I would like some produce for myself, too. Next year I will plan differently, perhaps setting aside a small plot for the local scavengers; this year I will just enjoy what I can and at least take pleasure in knowing that my tomatoes are making a party for many mouths.
Editor’s Note: We, too, in California planted tomatoes both of the cherry variety and smaller size full-size from a nursery named Sweetwater Nursery near the capitol of California, Sacramento that provides plants to our supermarket. The description of their nursery includes:
Since 1977, Sweetwater Nursery has been whole-heartedly dedicated to providing organic herb, vegetable and flowering plant starts. To preserve biodiversity they specialize in both traditional and heirloom varieties well suited to particular microclimates. Most of the varieties they grow have been trialed on their certified organic farm in Sebastopol, California. They operate their business using sustainable practices, including:
- Using biodiesel to fuel their delivery trucks
- Using solar power to run the nursery
- Earth friendly pots
- Growing much of their seed on their organic farm
Their cherry tomatoes and tarragon … superb.
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