Where we live, getting a homegrown ripe tomato before the beginning of August is an annual challenge. And once they start arriving, we face a big battle against blight. In fact, we’ve given up on heritage varieties like Brandywine and Beefsteak and turned to more resistant hybrids.
So when the agricultural school at our nearby state university had its greenhouse open house last year, the opportunity to come home with a healthy tomato plant was an irresistible temptation. We kept it in a sunny window and under grow lights, taking it outdoors on days when the temperature edged above 50F. And just look at what happened into May!
Will we repeat the experience? It’s awfully tempting.
Jnana's Red Barn 
Looks splendid š and I’m being sincere because I mean it. It’s got a lovely sheen and no bug eaten parts. š
I’m wondering how much of that was because we took it in most nights, at least until June.
As I said, cheating?
It was nice, though, having real tomatoes two months earlier than usual.
Cheers to that!! š
Well, those tomatoes look happy š My husband is in the green business – for the last twenty-five years, he’s managed nurseries. Our property is home to many a damaged tree. My husband’s leafy patients receive extra special care – his green thumbs are quite amazing. My thumbs sadly are not very green – I’ll admit to destroying a few cacti in my day, due to over-loving.
The one thing my husband is still trying to figure out – deer-resistant plants. He brings home plants that are known to be deer-resistant only to have them chomped down. He gets quite frustrated at times. We don’t like to spray and only use organic materials…so we’ll see what this year brings.
AnnMarie
Oh yes, and thank you ever so much for visiting my little corner of blogworld. Have a wonderful week. š
So far, no deer here. Even though we’re in a small city, though, it’s no guarantee, not considering all the woodsy ways they could follow.
Orange County, NY is morphing into more suburbia than woods in many places, but alas, nature always finds a way. And that’s a good thing – I don’t mind the deer, they’re quite beautiful. I just wish they’d grocery shop elsewhere š
AnnMarie
Oh, no, not Orange County! My memories of it are closer to rustic delight.
Are you a native transplant? I’m originally from New Jersey – been in NY about 18 years now
AnnMarie
Those tomatoes look delicious! Hopefully the hybrid works out for you!
I just checked with what we have coming up from seed under our grow lights, and the tally is 15 varieties. Some of the cherry tomatoes, especially, will come in weeks before their bigger cousins, but all will be deeply appreciated. You bet!
Not cheating! Yum!!
Out here in Southern California I usually grow the Early Girl (for sheer quantity) and the Italian Plums. There such a special satisfaction from working in a garden, with both successes and failures. Thanx for the post and for visiting my blog. Peace.