Circle of Life...

11 years ago

The Indians have an interesting spin on things...they call the "Circle of Life". Our tomato plants are certainly dying now...and it can be sad and exciting at the same time. I will miss my maters (some still hanging on)...but the routine of watering, feeding, picking, and tying up is a bit of work. The good news is: life will spring forth again next year...and we will once again be excited for "Spring Training". What is your favorite part of growing tomatoes...either this year or in general?

Featured Answer

rgreen48

11 years ago

last modified: 11 years ago

I do like the process. I like gardening. There a certain contemplative peace that comes from all aspects of gardening. It could be from deciding where-to-put-what, pruning, or thoughtfully looking over the plants, keeping an eye out for, and tending to troubles, that state of mind is tranquil, meditative,and even productive. However, harvesting is my favorite part. It's not only the idea of eating the produce of the crops, but it's symbolic of a successful endeavor.

Whether a plant produces 5 or 50, whether or not you have too many and wind up tossing a few that go bad, whether you even like it when you eat it, the harvesting of even 1 good fruit is what it all comes down to... it's accomplishment - overcoming the challenges, persevering with patience, and wiping your brow - knowing you and your family are going to enjoy the best while being embraced with a feeling of.... "did it!"

There was a writer from the mid-twentieth century that dissed the circles. Straight lines were what were to be praised. I shouldn't, because it's just another perspective (if not, at times, a destructive one,) but I feel sad for someone who doesn't understand the circles.

"Every time that wheel turn round, bound to cover just a little more ground..."

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Comments (12)

daniel_nyc
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
> What is your favorite part of growing tomatoes...either this year or in general?

Making healthy seedlings ( 1.5 - 2 ft. high ) preparing sturdy supports, and eating over-riped Brandywine tomatoes.
qaguy
11 years ago
Eating them is also my favorite part of the process. Of course, technically, that's not part of growing them.

As far as growing them, seeing those small plants turn into 6-8 foot monsters loaded with tomatoes is the most gratifying part of the process.

But my favorite part is putting them into the ground!
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Peter (6b SE NY)
11 years ago
I'm sick eating of tomatoes, and have enough for the winter with plenty to spare. Honestly at this point I wouldn't miss them too much, though I would be a little sad.

My favorite part is planting out.
Jennie Sims
11 years ago
I love growing seedlings, the whole process. From germination to transplanting to dixie cups, to transplanting to larger containers to take in and out with our fickle spring. I love the anticipation, the hope of a great season. The rest is a lot of work, growing seedlings is fun.
tripleione
11 years ago
Tomatoes take a little bit more management than most of my other fruits/veg. plants, but they also usually produce a lot more food from each plant than most of the others as well. I have eight plants of various varieties, planted in April, first ripe fruit in July. Still harvesting ripe tomatoes today. The plants are definitely slowing down, but they are still forming a few new fruit here and there.

I spent a few hours every week in the Spring and early Summer tying them up, weeding and pruning. At this point, I don't manage them at all. I felt it worth my time for the abundance of fresh tomatoes I produced and consumed, as well as gave away to neighbors and friends.

I can't say I really have a favorite part of growing them, but I most disliked the pruning. Cutting off every leaf that was heavily infected with early blight was sooo time consuming and boring.
moventurer
11 years ago
Favorite part? A juicy, dripping tomato sandwich made with a sun-warmed tomato picked just minutes prior to being sliced.
fireduck
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks for all the feedback and ideas here. I played and coached baseball for many years...and I liken growing tomatoes to that a bit. I always recommended to players...enjoy the process. I am glad many of you indicate that you do "enjoy the process".
daniel_nyc
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
moventurer wrote: > Favorite part? A juicy, dripping tomato sandwich made with a sun-warmed tomato picked just minutes prior to being sliced.

Yep, "sun-warmed" and "prior..."

With some salty French cheese...
pennypond USDA 10 Sunset 21 CA
11 years ago
The most rewarding part is watching the seedings grow in a light stand in winter...like a mother admiring her baby!
Seysonn_ 8a-NC/HZ-7
10 years ago
My favorite part is when finally I can plant out. and watch them grow.

The rest is just anticipation.

Sey
mnwsgal
10 years ago
My favorite part is choosing and sowing the seed. I like reading about the different varieties, both here and other places, making lists, refining the list, finding the seed and finally sowing.