TOMATOES

Tomatoes were considered poisonous in Elizabethan-Era England. I'm sure glad that someone discovered that they are safe to eat! I remember my grandpa growing his tomatoes in big flower pots on his porch when they lived in a condo without garden space. He did it because he loved fresh tomatoes so much! Growing tomatoes in San Diego County is easy! All you need is a bit of dirt (even dirt in a large planter works great), water, seeds, a tomato cage (optional, but very helpful), and sun! These plants grow well, are super hearty, and gophers do not like them. We purposely plant LOTS of tomato plants so that we can have the "fresh tomato" taste all year round. I freeze my tomatoes, here's how it is done: 1. Pick ripe tomatoes 2. Wash tomatoes, and cut out the stem and any blemishes 3. Put several in a ziploc bag and put them in the freezer. When you are ready to use them: 1. Run tomato under hot water and pull off the skin 2. Chop 3. Add to soups, spaghetti sauce, etc! Easy stuff! Add planting tomatoes to your "to-do" list this week and in a bit, you will be harvesting tomatoes that are so yummy!