Lessons Learned

I must say it has not been a banner year for my garden. I used to grab my breakfast and go out to the garden. Now I look at it from the window and think, "I need to go out there."

But there are some interesting observations and lessons learned this year:

1) Do not send your daughter to Lowe's to buy your twine for the tomato plants. Cotton twine does not hold up your tomato plants. I started out tying up these beautiful plants and then the string stretched out. It was a lost cause so now they are just a scrambled mess. I think I have some pretty big tomatoes under there somewhere. Next year: nylon twine.

2) Ever wonder what happens when you plant seeds from a hybrid tomato--You get unpredictable plants.

All of these tomatoes came from three different plants, but the seeds came from the same "Russian" tomato the year before. The correct fruit is the large one that is shaped like a cute apple. I obviously got some cross-pollination the year before. I have a Mandarin Pepper plant that I have no choice but to save seeds from it. I'm nervous what will result. I LOVE that mandarin pepper!

3) I am allergic to okra plants. Every time I pick them I come in itching my hands and arms like I just rolled in poison ivy. But it tastes so good. I've had a lot of okra to pick. And in case you wonder, the best way to prepare it is to slice it up, soak it in a beaten egg for a while so it gets nice and slimy, then dredge in equal parts cornmeal and flour, with plenty of salt and pepper mixed in. Fry in shortenin'--but not fresh shortenin'. It's gotta be used a couple of times to be *just right*. Mmm. Can't be beat.

4) Orange Wellington is a delicious tomato! Every year I carefully plan out where I'm gonna plant what. I fill the entire garden on paper. Then when I go to the garden center I find something I can't resist adding in. So I picked up an "Orange Wellington" tomato because of the scrumptious orange color. I squeezed it into the garden plan and it has done really well! (tied it up on one tall stake). It tastes amazing! It has a tougher skin, but the texture inside is creamy like a perfectly ripe peach, and tastes very sweet, too. I will buy another next year--I've learned my lesson about planting seeds from my favorite tomatoes.

Perfect lunch: toasted onion bagel, spread with cream cheese and topped with a sliced Orange Wellington.

5) Organic material is crucial for a successful garden. I have neglected that task for a couple of seasons. It showed this year in the vigor of my plants. I have TWO neighbors with chickens, so I'll be adding lots of...uh...stuff...to the garden next spring. With the other lessons learned, it should be a great year!