Most years I start my own tomatoes. In addition, I usually buy some plants. Most years I have too many tomato plants. Actually, every year I have way too many tomato plants (sometimes it helps to move past denial).

This year I am trying something different. I started tomato seeds in 3 pots: brandywine, black krim and soldacki. What's different? Well, I usually start seeds in seed trays and end up with 6 or more seedlings of each type of tomato. Once you transplant from a seed tray to a pot, it's really hard not to plant them in the garden. One year after planting my tomatoes, I left several surplus plants in the greenhouse. I was really proud of myself for not planting them all! However, three or four days later, I was surprised to find these surplus tomatoes appear in one of my garden beds! Maybe I should leave all my seedlings in the greenhouse and see what happens? It could eliminate some work:)

So, this year I planted 3 or 4 seeds per pot and thinned them out to the largest seedling. It's been a cold April here in Michigan, but is a week or so I will move them out to the greenhouse ( 3 season house). I will plant them in the garden in late May.

Panic attack: I have 3 tomato plants! I do not have backups. Not a good feeling. (However, I can always buy some plants).

Here they are! All Three!

Frank, I don't know how you had such restraint! Good choices on varieties i must say. This is my first year for Soldacki. Have you grown them before?

So, will you be able to find good varieties locally to buy?

And I want to know WHO planted the extra tomatoes? Did you sleepwalk and plant them during the nopight?

I could never manage such restraint. I normally plant double the number of seedlings I expect to need. I am heartless when it comes time to thin, or do final planting. Only the best looking half of the seedlings for each variety get planted. The others are given away or tossed (after an extra couple of weeks when I'm sure everything is ok).

David

abhege said:Frank, I don't know how you had such restraint! Good choices on varieties i must say. This is my first year for Soldacki. Have you grown them before?

So, will you be able to find good varieties locally to buy?

And I want to know WHO planted the extra tomatoes? Did you sleepwalk and plant them during the nopight?

This is my first year for soldacki as well.

On the local scene, I am finding a better selection of tomatoes every year (including heirlooms).

And, I do not sleepwalk.

Frank---you will love the Soldacki. Grew them for the first time last year--my most prolific tomato (even during a difficult growing season). Loved the flavor, and that is my only "repeat" tomato I'm growing this year.

I also grow too many plants, and can't bear to just "kill" them. I donate my extras to our Master Gardeners plant sale, and bring extras to work. They always get taken right away

Very giving and kind Linda.

Thank you, David.

I was actually inspired to garden by visiting a homeowner's garden near where we were living in a temporary apartment. I drove by this property almost every day and longed to see it. Then I noticed a sign by their driveway that said "Beauty is meant to be shared...feel free to come in and enjoy our gardens". I was so excited, and went to visit often. I met the homeowner several times as he was working outside, and he just had a true love for gardening. He sold beautiful bouquets of flowers for $5.00 (honor system). I told myself if I ever got the chance go garden, I would share with others.

It's amazing how giving someone a little thing like a tomato plant can get them interested in growing their own food, flowers, etc. I love to share my love of gardening with others. And who doesn't like a homegrown tomato????