Of Tomatoes and their Worms

The first cherry tomato is showing it's true colors. I'm actually surprised the tomato plants are doing any producing. Our weather has been not the best growing weather for those hot weather loving veggies like tomatoes and squash. While the plants are growing and blooming, we haven't had much fruit form. It still feels like winter around here and certainly not spring! Considering it was snowing in Mammoth 2 days ago, I think this is just one of those odd weather years. Come on out, Sunshine! My garden needs you.


We've also go one pepper struggling to be the first pepper of the year.



And a sugar snap pea!



The slow growth has also been "enhanced" by hungry beasties. I suspect tomato worms cause this bit of damage (although I haven't seen one yet (thank goodness).

So, along with other natural pest prevention, I got out the food-grade Diatomaceous earth. DE is the fossilized remains of diotoms. The fossils are made into a fine powder that has microscopic sharp edges. The DE scratches the outer layer of an insect's body and causes them to dehydrate and die. It doesn't sound like a fun way to die! So far, it is the only thing I have found that is both organic and edible - and works. I've been using it as a flea treatment on the cats for a while now and it works great - although it does take time to work.

I also got six more tomato plants from my next door neighbor. Karl has started them from seed but can't be digging in the dirt at the moment - Doctor's orders. So, he gave them to me, along with some greens, to add to the Urb-Garden. We may have to build another box or move the decomposed granite to the parkway and turn that area into tomato heaven.

That will be next week's heavy labor. Maybe I should actually be wishing for more cool weather for another week or two!

I'm off to make the world's tiniest salad with my bounty!

Until next time!