Wondering what to buy your loved ones for the holidays?
How about organic heirloom vegetable seeds?
or many other wonderfully made crafts and arts?
Where to find urbantomato
Wondering what to buy your loved ones for the holidays?
How about organic heirloom vegetable seeds?
or many other wonderfully made crafts and arts?
Dagmar Baur- Learn more about a fabulous lady
Dagmar Baur is a personal mentor of mine. She has worked tirelessly for years to support gardens, naturalization projects and community arts. She is a champion of making gardening more accessible to people who live on low incomes and come from diverse cultures. Dagmar has enriched both her own neighbourhood (engaging Bain Co-op members in greening projects) and across the city. York Community Services, Black Creek Farm and the Toronto Community Garden Network have all been strengthened by her wisdom, experience and passion.
A Party In Honour of Dagmar
As many of you are aware, Dagmar is in a tough battle with cancer. Her spirits are high but like everyone at one point or another, she needs our help.
We've all benefited from Dagmar’s commitment, knowledge and giving nature.
Now it's time to give something back! Some extra money would go a long way to improving her quality of life.
Join us!
Date:
Sunday, November 15th, 2009, 4pm - 8pm
Location:
Green Barn
Address:
601 Christie Street, Toronto (map)
Macleans Magazine- photo of urbantomato booth
There was an article in the Oct. 26th Maclean's Magazine that featured a photo of my booth from Toronto's Seedy Saturday.
Click on link above to read :
"Farmers’ markets for seed savers
The latest chapter in the local-foods craze is a grassroots protest against seed ownership" by Pamela Cuthbert
Extending the Season & Growing the Harvest
Panel Discussion: How can we increase the availability of local food while supporting farmers and business in the region??
Special thanks to Martin Oates, Lisa Dixon & Lee Galley for the lively debate and discussion & information
Extending the Season & Growing the Harvest
Here are some photos from the Wildcrafting & Herbal Medicine Workshop presented by Anna Petry of Deep Roots Farms
Extending the Season & Growing the Harvest
Some photos of the Canning & Preserving Workshop presented by Peggy Baillie of Local Table Catering
up to my elbows in rotting tomatoes!!
pictorial step by step guide to saving your own tomato seeds
(1) select ripe, healthy tomatoes, cut in half horizontally
(2) squeeze out all guts into a jar, set aside
(3) let the 'tomato goo' ferment for three- five days (dependent on weather). wait for a layer of mould to form on top
(4) once fermentation has occured, add water to jar. the seeds will sink and the 'goo' will float
(5) you may want to do this step a few times. slowly pour rotten elements from the top, add more water, repeat until only seeds and water remain in the jar
(6) strain seeds. seperate from water. rinse
(7) let seeds dry on a screen for a week or more.
you can then store them for the winter in an envelope. keep in a dark, dry and cool place . . . .
(1) select ripe, healthy tomatoes, cut in half horizontally
(2) squeeze out all guts into a jar, set aside
(3) let the 'tomato goo' ferment for three- five days (dependent on weather). wait for a layer of mould to form on top
(4) once fermentation has occured, add water to jar. the seeds will sink and the 'goo' will float
(5) you may want to do this step a few times. slowly pour rotten elements from the top, add more water, repeat until only seeds and water remain in the jar
(6) strain seeds. seperate from water. rinse
(7) let seeds dry on a screen for a week or more.
you can then store them for the winter in an envelope. keep in a dark, dry and cool place . . . .
Wondering What Variety Your Tomatoes Are?
loads of cherries. bottom row from right to left
una heart stock. green grape. isis candy. yellow pear. black cherry
striped cavern
allegory sunset
white queen & hillbilly
yellow pear & costoluto genovese
black seaman
black krim
black russian
purple cherokee
green grape
from top. green grape. striped cavern. yellow taxi
stupice
una heart stock. green grape. isis candy. yellow pear. black cherry
striped cavern
allegory sunset
white queen & hillbilly
yellow pear & costoluto genovese
black seaman
black krim
black russian
purple cherokee
green grape
from top. green grape. striped cavern. yellow taxi
stupice
Tomato Season- At Last
After months of talking to people about seeds & seedlings.
and months more of tending to my plants
the harvest has come.
tomatoes once again, as always capture my eyes with there beauty
they beg to be photographed all over my house
and months more of tending to my plants
the harvest has come.
tomatoes once again, as always capture my eyes with there beauty
they beg to be photographed all over my house
My Favourite Time of the Year
Yeah. It's Tomato Season.
Nothing makes me happier than picking the fruit that I have waited all year to taste . . . . .
Well, except for maybe photographing them . . . .
upcoming event - Extending the Season & Growing the Harvest.
Join us for a FREE afternoon of FOOD, WORKSHOPS & DISCUSSION.
RSVP to urbantomato@gmail.com or for more information.
RSVP to urbantomato@gmail.com or for more information.
Collecting Flower Seeds
here are some fairly blurry photos of my back room/ seed collecting domain.
tis the season for delphinium flower collection. they are on the plate in this photo.
also lots of columbine on the top layer. and fuzzy lupins drying below.
tis the season for delphinium flower collection. they are on the plate in this photo.
also lots of columbine on the top layer. and fuzzy lupins drying below.
Down by the River - Garden # two
my first zucchini for the season . . .
and many other green things coming along. soon to be deliciously ripe.
and many other green things coming along. soon to be deliciously ripe.
Home garden growing strong . . .
Whenever I get the urge to play around in my vegetable gardens . . .
but can't.
i work in my flower gardens.
thousands of seeds in potential . . .
Time to Start Collecting Flower Seeds
Now is the time to start collecting seeds from many of the plants that flowered early in your garden. I showed you pictures of my columbine plants back in may . . . .
now they are going to seed. you can tell this because the flowers have died off, and their pods are starting to brown.
the seeds inside will be dark black when they are ready.
although i don't have any photos yet, keep your eyes on your lupins & poppies. they should be ready now too!!
now they are going to seed. you can tell this because the flowers have died off, and their pods are starting to brown.
the seeds inside will be dark black when they are ready.
although i don't have any photos yet, keep your eyes on your lupins & poppies. they should be ready now too!!
Some early farming photos
Here are some photos of the early stages of my garden. Although the rain is putting a slight damper on the summer, it is treating the plants well. The plants have tripled in size since these pictures were taken . . . . more to follow soon
Me, happy & in my garden . . .
mini-squash plants . . . . we are fighting an on-going battle, constantly squashing the squash beetles.
a row of tomatoes. they are growing so big & strong. i am one proud momma . . . and can hardly wait to eat them . . .
These are the first tomatoes on the plants. They are 'Stupice' variety & will turn out to be beautiful red, round & hopefully prolific!
romanesco, the most beautiful & sexy vegetable in the world (my opinion). this is my first time growing them.
a row of climbing beans . . . these will get so big over the next month, you will not recognize them as these tiny things.
Me, happy & in my garden . . .
mini-squash plants . . . . we are fighting an on-going battle, constantly squashing the squash beetles.
a row of tomatoes. they are growing so big & strong. i am one proud momma . . . and can hardly wait to eat them . . .
These are the first tomatoes on the plants. They are 'Stupice' variety & will turn out to be beautiful red, round & hopefully prolific!
romanesco, the most beautiful & sexy vegetable in the world (my opinion). this is my first time growing them.
a row of climbing beans . . . these will get so big over the next month, you will not recognize them as these tiny things.
Tomatoes & Peppers - Getting Ready to be Planted
So my tomato & pepper plants are getting pretty big now. They have gone to market for a few weeks, and getting ready to go in the ground.
Sadly, there is frost warning for tonight- June 2nd!!! so they are going to have to wait a little longer . . . .
Here they are chilling on my front porch for now.
Columbine
i started these columbine beautiful plants from seed two years ago.
Last year they didn't do much, but this year they bloomed in their full multi-coloured glory.
i will have these seeds available for sale next spring.
the pollinators love them too. here is a little bee bum poking out of the purple flowers
Blue Tomato Window Display
Conartist & I put our plants & domestic wares on display in the blue tomato window. this fabulous local art shop has been home to our art for a few weeks. i love this photo. if you look closely you can see conboy taking it, & both of us in the window reflecction . . .
this is still a few weeks to go by and check it out if you haven't see it yet. buy some art from some of our many wonderful local artist while you are there . . . .
future flower seeds
Here are some recent photos from my flower garden. Over the past four years of living at this house, I have gradually turned a lot lawn into garden.
you can see the newest section that i just dug up here . . . . my whole front yard is almost gone. the rest has turned out to be a beautiful perennial garden.
this garden is where i collect all a good portion of my flower seeds from . . . . i also tend to collect a lot of pictures. i will post them all as the season progresses.
this is my favourite place to sit & watch my garden grow . . .
this lilac bush was transplanted a little twig two years ago . . . now it is flowering for the first time!!
Almost that Time
So many of you have started your seeds, taken care of them inside & are getting ready to plant the little seedlings out to grow into their full glory.
**** If didn't start your own seeds, and want some seedlings, come and find me at the market. I have lots . . . .paste, cherries, plums, and lots of big slicers.
HERE ARE SOME GUIDELINES FOR PLANTING OUT SEEDLINGS:
1. WAIT UNTIL AFTER JUNE 1st TO PUT THEM IN THE GROUND -
There was a frost warning the other night, which is why I always wait until after June 1st to plant.
I know that it is tempting to get started early, but trust me, those little guys will grow very quickly, and bigger than you ever imagined in august . . . . . they have to survive this time of year first!
2. HARDEN-OFF THE PLANTS:
This helps them get used to all of the elements outside. Put them out during the day for a few hours at first, and then for longer. Make sure you take them inside at night when it's cold!! This is a good idea. It prevents the seedlings from getting frosted or sunburnt. these are two very serious concerns and realities. . . . .
This is what a sunburnt plant looks like . . . . .
3.FEED THE PLANTS:
When you go to plant your little seedlings outside, dig a hole and fill it with compost. This is what one of my friends refers to as "packing them a lunch". It will help them get started happily.
4. BURY YOUR TOMATOES:
This might sound funny, but hear me out . . .. Roots grow very easily out of the stem. When you go to plant the plants, you can just leave the top few sets of leaves out of the ground. This will make them stronger and thicker and healthier. Don't bury the entire plant please.
5.WATER THE ROOTS, NOT THE PLANT:
Especially in the early stages of it's time outside, the seedlings are trying to establish strong roots. Give them good regular soakings around the base of the plant to help them along. Try not to water the actual leaves, if the sun is strong, it can actually burn them. That being said, try to water in the morning or evening to avoid burning the plant all together.
. Watch them grow with pride, and let me know if you have any questions . . . . . Enjoy.
**** If didn't start your own seeds, and want some seedlings, come and find me at the market. I have lots . . . .paste, cherries, plums, and lots of big slicers.
HERE ARE SOME GUIDELINES FOR PLANTING OUT SEEDLINGS:
1. WAIT UNTIL AFTER JUNE 1st TO PUT THEM IN THE GROUND -
There was a frost warning the other night, which is why I always wait until after June 1st to plant.
I know that it is tempting to get started early, but trust me, those little guys will grow very quickly, and bigger than you ever imagined in august . . . . . they have to survive this time of year first!
2. HARDEN-OFF THE PLANTS:
This helps them get used to all of the elements outside. Put them out during the day for a few hours at first, and then for longer. Make sure you take them inside at night when it's cold!! This is a good idea. It prevents the seedlings from getting frosted or sunburnt. these are two very serious concerns and realities. . . . .
This is what a sunburnt plant looks like . . . . .
3.FEED THE PLANTS:
When you go to plant your little seedlings outside, dig a hole and fill it with compost. This is what one of my friends refers to as "packing them a lunch". It will help them get started happily.
4. BURY YOUR TOMATOES:
This might sound funny, but hear me out . . .. Roots grow very easily out of the stem. When you go to plant the plants, you can just leave the top few sets of leaves out of the ground. This will make them stronger and thicker and healthier. Don't bury the entire plant please.
5.WATER THE ROOTS, NOT THE PLANT:
Especially in the early stages of it's time outside, the seedlings are trying to establish strong roots. Give them good regular soakings around the base of the plant to help them along. Try not to water the actual leaves, if the sun is strong, it can actually burn them. That being said, try to water in the morning or evening to avoid burning the plant all together.
. Watch them grow with pride, and let me know if you have any questions . . . . . Enjoy.
How to Save Your Seeds Booklet
This is a booklet that I made while working for Seeds of Diversity. If you would like a hard copy, let me know. Otherwise feel free to read from here, and learn how to Save Y(our) Seeds. Have Fun . . .
They Grow So Quickly . . . . Romanesco to be
These are Romanesco (a beautiful type of broccolli) plants. These pictures were taken less then two weeks apart.
Greenhouse pictures- Finally
Hello Everybody,
I have been working hard in the greenhouse. seeding. watering. transplanting. The seedlings are growing very quickly and healthily. I am a proud parent once again.
Over the past few weeks, the plants have started to smell like tomatoes! One of my favourite times of year! Here are some photos of my little babies. More to come as they continue on their journey to the garden, food production, and seed saving~ so that I can start all over again!!
and here is a transplanted tomato plant (black krim) getting bigger day by day . . . .
Chocolate Peppers in March
I have had my chocolate peppers sitting on my radiator growing over the winter. Now, they have started to ripen & I can eat fresh heirloom vegetables in March! Plus i'll have a whole other crop of seeds from these delicious sweet peppers!!
Seedy Saturday Peterborough - Seeds of Diversity Table
The Seeds of Diversity table is always a highlight of the event. Shelley Baptie brings an incredibly diverse selection of seeds that are hard to find anywhere else. She spends countless hours packaging and labelling these seeds to be given away on donation or trade. You can see the attention and excitement in the faces of the visitors.
These envelopes are full of the potential for tonnes of beautiful and diverse produce. There were cucumbers, peppers, beans, greens, flowers, tomatoes and more.
People were really soaking in the diversity, dreaming of these beauties taking root and producing fruit in their gardens to come.
Here is Shelley sharing her vast knowledge of heirloom vegetables and flowers.
This table along with the Seed Exchange Area and a raffle raised over $20o for Seeds of Diversity in donations. Thanks everybody.
Seedy Saturday Peterborough Seed Exchange Area
We decided to place the Seed Exchange Area in the middle of the room. It worked well as a centre piece for the event. There was plenty of traffic milling about, trading and talking heirloom seed
Since there was a lot of resources available, and space to sit and package bulk seed, many people got to chatting about farming and gardening. I hope that many people were able to make connections that will enhance their upcoming season.
Seedy Saturday- Peterborough - Photos of Vendors
Rochelle talking to folks about Food not Bombs and Garden 379
The Peterborough City and County Health Unit had plenty of information about community kitchens (Come Cook with Us), community gardens, eating healthy, and information about emergency and long-term community access to healthy food.
Local farmer Les Bowser of Cedar Grove Farms brought lots of great heirloom potatoes, garlic, corn, peas and other seeds.
Seedy Saturday- General Photos
i don't know what i think is so funny, but it is a good shot of the crowd
This was the view of the room from my booth.
Peterborough Seedy Saturday - urbantomato booth
Here are some photos of people checking out my urbantomato booth, and some of the wares that I had to offer. People are generally excited about getting their tomatoes started, and learning about the many heirloom varieties.
Starting Your Seeds
For many of you who just purchased seeds from me over the last few weeks, you may be wondering about how to go about starting your seeds.
To start your own seeds, you will need to ensure you have three things:
LIGHT. SOIL. WATER
LIGHT
If you are wanting to grow some of the lovely heirloom tomatoes and peppers, it is almost time to get them started. The proper starting time depends on the amount of light that you have. If you are using a greenhouse, or an indoor light set-up, then you can start the seed in mid-March. If you are using a bright window in your house, I would wait until mid-April. Try to find a place with the most light possible.
SOIL
You want to use what is called a 'soilless medium' to start with. This soil contains minerals and is lighter to allow your seedlings space and the freedom to grow. You can usually find this at your local gardening or hardware store. You can also make up your own mixes. (I will post some suggestions soon). When you first start your seeds, they do not need a lot of extra nutrients. Later, when the plants are established, you can use compost tea, or some richer soil to make them healthier.
WATER
It is important that your new little plants remain moist, but not too wet. Be careful not to drown your new seedlings. They can get moldy if there is too much water. If it is a really sunny day, they can also dry out quickly. You will have to pay close attention to them at this stage.
CONTAINERS
You plant your seeds in cell packs (plastic planting containers found at gardening or hardware stores). Some people use egg cartons, or other things they have around the house. Make sure that the containers have drainage at the bottom, so that the plants have air to breathe, and do not rot in water.
**I am starting my seeds next week, I will post pictures of them as they grow up. Below is a picture of my seeds from last year when they were just a week old . . . .
Toronto Seedy Saturday. February 28th. 2-6pm. Wychwood Barn #3.
go to www.tcgn.ca or http://seedsavereducator.blogspot.com for more information
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