Tomato Tomato

Spring is here!!!  Well sort of. Weather in San Francisco continues to be rainy, but that's not stopping me from gardening.  For the last month I've my dad has been germinating tomato seeds.  Sounds nerdy, but it's very simple (and EXTREMELY rewarding).  My dad has been growing tomatoes by seed for the last 5 years.  Each summer he extracts the tomato seeds from his crop and re-germinates them the following spring. If you're interested in harvesting tomato seeds click HERE.

 Last years tomato crop of early girls, yellow and red heirloom tomatoes.

Growing tomatoes in the Bay Area. Early girls, yellow and red heirlooms tomatoes 10 days after planting.

Secret Tip: We  Bill has been watering the seedlings with chamomile tea because it helps prevent fungal growth!  Chamomile is sometimes known as "the plant doctor", because it is thought to help the growth and health of many other plants, especially ones that produce essential oils. It is thought to increase production of those oils, making certain herbs, like mints (spearmint, sage, oregano) and basil stronger in scent and flavor. source

The tomato plants 5 weeks after planting.

Because the weather has been so terrible, the tomato plants have been parked on our kitchen window ledge for the last 5 weeks.  When it's sunny outside the plants get to sunbathe for a couple of hours.  Despite the challenging weather, Bill is obviously doing something right! I can't believe how green and beautiful these plants are.  

Secret Tip: We've been collecting rain water and feeding it to the plants.  Nerdy (I know), but it's common to harvest rain water for irrigation purposes.

Stay tuned for more tomato and gardening tips!

 Stella last summer hiding in the tomato plants!