Heirloom Tomatoes and other Vegetables
Marsha Croner
March 27^th 2007

The March Into Spring series concluded Thursday as our very own Master Gardener, Marsha, continued the trend of impressive programs by sharing all her secrets (well. possibly not all of them) on how to grow heirloom tomatoes and other vegetables.

Probably the biggest mistake people make is to over-fertilize and not prepare their soil properly.  Common fertilizers, high in nitrogen, only promote foliage.  The gardener needs to work the soil with compost and other organics, and concentrate on raising the phosphorus level to promote the production of vegetables.   Some crushed egg shells in the bottom of the hole at planting time works well.  Speaking of eggs, Marsha advises placing cracked, half-shells around the perimeter of the plant to gash creeping slugs (com'on - they're just slugs).  Another fantastic tip is to transplant tomatoes much deeper than their original soil line since they develop roots all along the stem.

How to be a Gardener (from handout)

Lean toward sunshine dig down deep make peace with chaos grow amazing zucchinis and too many tomatoes rain-dance  rake leaves and jump in hum along with bees ache, sweat and yearn wear crazy hats and baggy pants have wise hands cultivate patience moonglow stay rooted blossom wildly have shady and mysterious corners mend fences wonder get earthy make magic share the harvest be thankful.

Whatever these three veteran gardening sages come up with, it's gotta be good!

All the talk about tomatoes and veggies got everybody hungry.  Thankfully Rhonda brought something to munch on!  Rumor has it, Jane's no slouch when it comes to growing tomatoes!

Those in attendance seem to be pondering Marsha's suggestions - or maybe they're contemplating who will get voted off tonight on American Idol.