I have mentioned several times in my recent blogging that I “may” have a ripe tomato before May 1st. I am sorry to report that I was two days short of the goal. The first ripe tomato, a cherry tomato, was consumed by my wife on May 2nd. I am going to claim partial success though……in the garden I planted over at John’s house….the cherry tomatoes have been ripe for over a week now. Unfortunately, he didn’t get to consume that first ripe, red tomato of the season either. That honor goes to his golden retriever, Pismo. She LOVES tomatoes and it is a real challenge to keep her away from the goodies. The photos for this rambling were taken on April 30th. You will see that my efforts to grow tomatoes are going well but the target was missed by just a smidgeon!
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- The Celebrity tomato – does very well in our hot environment! At least another week before ripe!
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- See that nearly ripe cherry tomato lurking in the back! Cloes, oh so close!
My asparagus is really doing well this year. It is so tender and sweet that much of it munched on while tending to the other garden chores. I have pulled almost all of the carrots and have really enjoyed eating them fresh, steamed, sauteed in butter – with a dash of nutmeg and cinnamon – and tonight I will grill a few. The Royal Chantenay Carrot has been a stellar producer for the heavy Houston soils….becoming less dense every year as I add compost, the Cosmic Purple were pretty…..pretty small too. Lovely color but they were stunted – the descriptor in the catalog says -” The smooth purple skin contrasts beautifully with the bright orange coreless flesh. They have a very sweet flavor and are a hit with kids and adults alike. The tops grow to 15 “. Roots are tapered and best harvested around 7″.” Partially true – color and taste and the tops are tall and beautiful. They would make a a nice border planting. Size, hmmmmmm, not anywhere near 7″. The Danvers Half Long were also a great carrot to grow here in Houston.
Have not been traveling much lately so I have been tending the gardens on a regular basis. I have not written much lately as I have been busy finishing up a video for the High School soccer team….my wife nicknamed me the great American volunteer as I seem to find myself on the everyone’s list. I haven’t had a child on the local swim club team for more than two years but volunteered to do their year end video……maybe it is because I also enjoy working with the kids!
TTFN
Bishop
From My Backyard 
May 05, 2012 @ 16:32:35
It’s great to read an update from your garden, despite missing your “target” by a day or two 🙂 I also grow th epurple carrots and royal chantenay, they are both delicious, but as you say the purple ones do seem a bit small. Oh and I’ve only just sown ours 🙂
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May 05, 2012 @ 16:44:57
I like slicing and using the purple ones with the skin left intact. I like the contrasting colors of the skin to the bright inside orange! I will begin the next round of carrot planting in mid September. The gurus recommend mid October but I will stage them in and see if I can get away with early plantings.
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May 05, 2012 @ 17:18:23
Hmmm, Pismo has good taste but might need a little discouragement in it if John’s to get any tomatoes himself!
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May 05, 2012 @ 17:36:36
Pismo has been coming back from her backyard visits with a green smudge on her head & smelling like tomato plants….John now follows her out and strongly encourages her to stay out of the veggies!
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