I am not a professional gardener, but in the past I have had a hand at planting/maintaining/harvesting gardens of different sizes, from one with several rows of various vegetables including tomatoes to my current garden, three clay pots near my home for easy watering.  My present garden consists of the following: one bell pepper, one cucumber and 2 tomato plants all near the end of their productivity.  Probably I have invested about $35 total not counting the pots so the likelihood of my getting back my money in produce stretches credibility. But making a profit is not the point.  I could easily and with far less trouble shop locally and buy all the vegetables I need and more for $35 and have money left to get me a watermelon or two. So what is the point?  Self satisfaction.
I say I grew up on a farm by one definition of the word, I did although the farm was not where our home was located but the environment was farm like.  We had all kinds of animals and my mother (of 9 children) had an impressive garden which, except for the initial plowing, she maintained herself, in her spare time. Her only help was to have someone wash the clothes in the outdoor wash pot on Mondays.  She did all the ironing, cooking, cleaning plus ‘herding’ 6 boys and 3 girls. My father did his traditional share: providing.
I read with interest recent HERALD articles about the tomato contest held annually in the county. Apparently the contest has created widespread interest since a number of people, men and women, young and old, amateur and professionals participate in the spirited competition. There have been different winners over the past years but the competition this year once again named its winner, the Tiger Woods of the tomato contest, one who seemingly dominates the field.  Is that fair?
This perennial winner who enjoys the annual tomato growing contest, is very competitive by nature, but he is also one who is generous with this advice to those who would-be foes in the contest.  He shares willingly his growing strategies and freely offers his advice for those who dream of being the county tomato champion.  But he is a fierce competitor; he is the one to beat in the contest and defends his mantle accordingly.
Fair warning: Anyone who is considering entering the contest should first visit in Latta with the Great Grower and witness firsthand what he/she must overcome in order to win the crown.  It is formidable.
I have visited with and made purchases from this tomato specialist and am awed by his tomato productivity and its quality.  My own two plants (@$12.50 bought in pots with vestiges of tomato fruit already showing) are pitiful by comparisons.  It is no stretch to say that his plants are reminiscent of the childhood story of Jack and the Beanstalk.  Yes, almost that high and loaded (to the top) with the prized vegetable (or fruit if you care to use its alternate designation).
Some might be intimidated by the master’s tomato growing  prowess but other relish the challenge.  After all, would the prize be worthy if, say, you were only competing with a featherweight like me?
There is a saying that beauty is only skin deep.  This applies also to tomatoes.  If you judged a tomato only by its skin surface, most store bought (plastic) tomatoes would be competitive, but should you care to consume the product, that is a completely different matter.
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Bill Lee
PO Box 128
Hamer, SC 29547