Grow your own

You know you’ve been married a long time when your mum buys you tomato plants as a wedding anniversary present! Three tiny plants including grow bag and pot were excitedly presented to me on my return from a hectic Saturday at French Living.
“Hmm, very nice, thank you” I remember spluttering, not at all sure what to think or what to do with these vulnerable baby objects.
Stephane’s Uncle in Corsica has rows of tomato plants in his vegetable garden and I have devoured his home-grown beauties unashamedly, but I have never shown any interest in his gardening techniques. I thought about giving him a call but Mum stepped in with a few preliminary instructions.
“Don’t forget to start feeding them when the flowers appear”
Help! What a responsibility - another mouth to feed!
Thank goodness for children.
“Have you watered the tomato plants, Mum?” asks Nina on her return from school.
“Mum” she then yells at the top of her voice, horrified and dismayed, “the tomato plants are drooping all over the floor”
The children monitor their progress every morning, examining and caressing them, amazed at the speed of growth. They are huge, taking over the conservatory, looking rather like triffids, about to jump out of their pot and reprimand me for letting them gasp with thirst. The first green buds of fruit have appeared, to the absolute amazement and joy of the children. They are completely tomato motivated now - feeding, watering and trimming – determined to nurture the ripest and most delicious tomatoes.
They are planning tomato-based dishes – home-made pizza is a favourite or simply sliced tomatoes, with basil and vinaigrette dressing, or grilled tomatoes topped with a blend of breadcrumbs, garlic, chopped fresh herbs and olive oil, or a French favourite of mine and one loved by children is a dish called piperade. This is a delicious mix of pepper, tomato and eggs, halfway between an omelette and scrambled eggs.
I’m astounded at how many children dislike tomatoes. Maybe growing your own might help. These plants have certainly inspired a true love of the tomato for my children. So much so I’m not sure if they will be able to eat them once ripe! There’s still a while to go before ripening is complete and soon we’ll be off on our annual summer excursion to Corsica. So, it’ll be back over to you Mum.

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