We left our last column in the midst of a discussion for planning and preparation for this year’s tomato growing season. However, before we resume class, I want to revisit our column from a few weeks ago that revolved around the discussion of increased hunting pressure, land tract “chop-up,” and poor management strategies, that continues to promote a downward spiral of whitetail quality not only in our local region but in other parts of our state as well.
After this column ran, I received a call from Lee Hawkins, local landowner, real-estate broker, and avid outdoorsman. He stated that he enjoyed our column and wanted to add an omitted factor that I failed to mention as one of the causes of the dilemma we face with our efforts to maintain a healthy deer population. I was all ears. He mentioned the issue of illegal road hunting, and night hunting, by poachers that repeatedly cruise our backroads in search of opportunities to rob sportsmen, landowners, and game managers, of their efforts to have a profound impact for the betterment of our wildlife. In fact, he mentioned that two “alleged” poachers were caught recently in the local area I mentioned in the previous article. You are correct, Lee. This has been an ongoing issue for many years. Great strides have been made to mitigate much of what used to be a common practice in this whitetail corridor. Law enforcement and landowners have worked together to reduce this illegal method of taking game and it is now much better. However, there are still instances that occur, but these renegades don’t realize what they are up against in this area until it’s too late. A big shout out goes to those men and women that patrol our countryside, and thank you Lee, for adding to our discussion. Now back to the tomato patch.
Did you take your soil sample? If you haven’t, it may be a few days before you can chisel away at the frozen tundra. Remember, this is imperative to begin building your foundation. But let’s move on to some of the good stuff like varietal selection and best management practices that will aid in the rendering of those wonderful sandwiches that we all crave during summer with an ice-cold glass of sweet tea.
Local lawn and garden retail stores normally carry a wide selection of hearty tomato varieties that will do very well in your gardens and patio pots. Though we have our time-tested, standbys, it’s always fun to experiment with new varieties to see how they perform in your specific gardens. If I could pick only one variety, it would have to be Celebrity. This hybrid has a superior disease and nematode resistance package that will help battle Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, Tobacco mosaic virus, and Root-knot nematodes. This is a self-pollinating hybrid that produces a medium-size fruit that weighs approximately eight ounces. As with most other tomatoes, full sun is preferred, and these plants may reach five feet in height. Fruiting is prolific with clusters of three-five tomatoes common per fruit-bearing stem. This one is a must for the tomato grower. Other common varieties I like and that are easily found include Better Boy, Marion, Early Girl, Beefsteak, Big Boy, and more. I’m sure you have your favorites as well. But let’s talk about some varieties that are not as easily found that will make your gardening experience complete.
Other than Celebrity, my all-time favorite is Ozark Pink. I doubt very seriously if you will find this variety on the shelves in a local greenhouse. These seeds will probably need to be ordered and then started in small pots either in your greenhouse or under a heat lamp, or even in your windowsill. Developed in 1991 by the University of Arkansas, this indeterminate variety is adapted for our humid climate. The pink fruit, hence, the name, has excellent slicing quality and has good shelf life. What makes this variety unique, is its resistance to cracking. I know you never say never, but I would estimate that there is a 99.99 % chance that this variety will not split during extreme temperatures and inconsistent watering and rainfall. Though this attribute is noteworthy, the flavor of this tomato ranks up there with any you will grow. I highly encourage you to find a seed source and start your own. For sure, this one needs to be part of your garden too.
Speaking of flavor, the Mortgage Lifter is also at the top of the list for an unsurpassed culinary experience. Developed in the 1930’s by M.C. Boyles, also known as “Radiator Charlie,” from the radiator-repair business he owned, he created this legendary tomato by crossbreeding four of the largest-fruited tomatoes he could find: German Johnson, Beefsteak, an Italian variety, and an English variety. After Charlie developed and named this tasty tomato, he sold plants for $1.00 each in the 1940’s and paid off the $6000.00 mortgage on his house in six years. Each spring, gardeners would drive hundreds of miles to buy these seedlings. Fruits of this variety can average two pounds and are meaty and very flavorful. These seedlings can be found at times at our local nurseries, but to ensure availability, I would find a seed source and start some on my own. This is a good one!
Arkansas Traveler is another that you don’t want to miss out on. This indeterminate 89-day tomato is an old Southern heirloom that will produce a bounty when many other varieties fail. It performs well under drought conditions and extreme heat. A medium-size fruit is produced with wonderful flavor. Developed to be grown in the South, you must find a place for this one in your patch.
Other fun heirlooms to grow include Paul Robeson, Cherokee Purple, German Queen, and Kellogg’s Breakfast. Keep in mind, some of the nostalgic heirlooms do not set fruit as well as many modern hybrids do. However, what you sacrifice in numbers of tomatoes produced will be more than made up for in taste. Nothing compares to a home-grown tomato for a summer meal. When the light bread becomes soggy from the juices oozing out of the thick slices of fruit and the mayo becomes an acidic elixir, what more could one ask for? The truth is, I am salivating while sitting at my desk, dreaming of what’s to come.
I must touch on a subject that can have a devastating effect on your blood, sweat, and tears, while attempting to produce what sustains us during summer. This being insect pests, and foliar diseases. I know many of you love the thought of producing “organic” fruits and vegetables. This is novel thinking but be assured, the term “organic” is the best marketing tool ever created. Definitions of organic abound but it is mostly perceived as gardening techniques without the use of commercial fertilizers, and no pesticides. I love the way of thinking and growing crops “naturally” but the truth is, aphids, tomato hornworms, stink bugs, early blight, late blight, and a vast array of other pests will leave you scratching your head and starving. I know many of you shudder to think of using insecticides and fungicides in your garden, but if you don’t, you won’t make enough tomatoes to squeeze the juice for a single Bloody Mary. I hear those that boast of using peppermint oil, neem oil, garlic sprays, and other natural remedies to rid their oasis from pests. Soapy water may clean some dust off the tomato leaves, but it won’t touch one of those giant hornworms. Remember, you’re talking to a bug man that makes his living protecting crops from invasive pests. Don’t get me wrong, I respect your strategy and if it works for you, great. I remember speaking to a garden club years ago about controlling these pests and how to do it. A lady spoke up and stated she would never use any chemicals on her tomatoes. This was her choice, and all I said was, “I understand where you’re coming from, but when you want some tomatoes, you can call me, because when the caterpillars choose to find your address, it’ll be all over but the crying.” Amen.
Gardening can be one of the most rewarding hobbies one can participate in. It can also be one of the most frustrating. It takes investment with not only money, but time and effort as well. You will get out of it what you put into it. Don’t think it’s easy but then again, neither is deer hunting or golf. I’m sure you get my drift. To sum up what fresh tomatoes mean in our home, I refer to Guy Clark’s song, with the chorus “there’s only two things that money can’t buy and that’s true love and homegrown tomatoes.” I hope you pick some good ones this summer! Until next time enjoy our woods and waters and remember, let’s leave it better than we found it.
