Lately, I’ve focused more time on being in the garden — whether my own or a client’s — than I have on writing about gardening. Today, after many days of hot, sunny weather, I woke to wind and spitting rain inspiring me to take several photos and begin sharing updates of food in the garden.
First Gold Nugget of 2009
Try not to get too envious of our first, ripe tomato — yes, one is ready. It may be a tiny Gold Nugget, but it is an early start for the Seattle tomato season. Still, for us it has been a bit of a wait. I seeded these on March 3, 2009!
This little nugget of summery sunshine flavor is simply the first of many to come. And though I did start this indoors and kept it in the greenhouse into early May. Until the wind today, it has been setting fruit and ripening outdoors for several weeks, rather than being coddled (and cooked) in the greenhouse.
Our early Seattle summer heat and our careful selection of plants that set fruit even in cool weather means our tomatoes are loaded with fruit already. From this tiny Gold Nugget to several Saucy Paste, enormous Oregon Springs, uniquely flowered Siberia and ever-faithful Stupice, we have plants laden with green orbs — some kinkled, some perfectly round, some small, some drupish. I must admit, when I felt the cold this morning, I moved a few of the potted plants into the greenhouse where it is still a balmy 65F (she says with her tongue-in-cheek). Others are withstanding the wind and the relative cold unprotected. Even the late-planted Long Keepers are holding up well — some in the weather; some in the greenhouse.
Keep tuned in for updates on cucumbers, watermelons, peppers, sweet peas, stunning gourd blossoms and even passionfruit!
