Upside-Down Tomatoes-- Week Ten

9 July 2009; At Home Again--

When Grumpy left for the 4-day trek across the USA (and through St. Louis MO) with Son Ward, he left the fate of the Upside-Down Tomatoes in the hands of son-in-law Adolfo. The necessary task was to pour about half a gallon of water each week into the funnel at the top of each upside-down planter. The depth of soil above the base of the tomatoes assures that there will then be sufficient water for the plant for the coming week.

When Grumpy left, he noted one little tomato beginning to take shape on the "Early Girl". Now, nearly four weeks later, the reader may count 15 tomatoes on this vine (on the right in this photo)! The "Glacier" plant to the left in this photo, has five tomatoes today. With a few more warm days, Grumpy is anticipating a garden-fresh tomato in his salad or sandwich from the Early Girl vine! The taste will be the test!!

From the other planter hangs the "Yellow Pear" (photo below, curving outward on the left, with two tomatoes evident; the larger one -- about midway along the main stalk -- taking a distinctive pear shape), and a very lusty "Sun Gold" vine (curving to the right and "leaning" on the stone facia, with no tomatoes in evidence). [Does anyone know a good recipe using "Sun Gold" tomato vine!?] But Grumpy is patient -- after all, he has yet to raise any tomatoes in his yard here at his Castle. This year looks promising -- so far!!