06.05.08
Four little tomato plants for a fiver seemed like good value, a bit of harmless fun. To be honest I thought most of them would quickly wither, this theory based on my previous botanical fads, but that we might get enough fruit to make a small side salad.
The shop assistant popped the tiny little tom pots into a brown paper bag. Once at home I absentmindedly placed said bag on dresser in guest bedroom and promptly forgot about their entire tomato existence.
After two days Muddy thankfully noticed the bag and rescued the angry little fellows who were somewhat parched to say the least. Having been relocated to the sunnier climes of the bathroom window ledge they have now started to thrive. As a not very good tomato mother I have only been granted occasional watering rights but get the chance to try out new material on them although, it has to be said, the applause is minimal - perhaps they are still cross.
This mixture of love and healthy neglect seems to have had a somewhat triffid effect on Lewis the 'F1 tumbler', who, as you might expect, has surged in to the lead growth wise, closely followed by the two 'Money makers' Alan and Richard with Percy the 'Gardeners Delight' bringing up the rear.
Although Percy might be a bit ploddy, he is the first to flower. This means he is now officially allowed to move into the specially dedicated tomato growbag. I do worry that the others might be jealous, Alan in particular has a ruthless streak.
My friend Lynn was so impressed by our tomato or 'wolf fruit' activities, that she has offered us a small area of her allotment to tend. To say I am excited is very much an understatement. We each have a pair of very clean wellies, but other than that have no idea what the allotment dress code might be. I think big gloves play an important role.
I am in danger of becoming a tomato bore. I have taken too many photos and made a short film about the 'boys', which I show to everyone I meet. I have also learnt a brief history of the tomato in case anyone is interested, so far no one has been. I will of course be keeping you updated with progress reports but remember this, "Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is not putting it in an apple pie."
Clare Teal XXX
