Oh, Those Tomatoes!

 When will I ever learn?  Every year when I start to sow seeds for the garden (early spring), I have dozens of folks claim, "Oh, I would love a few plants for my garden!"  So....I sow.  I plant far too many seeds and, when the time comes, I cannot pawn the plants off on anyone!   Well, two of my sisters-in-law, took a few plants but, other than that, the others made excuses.  I heard..."I cannot dig my garden plot." to "Gardening seemed like fun but now it is too hot."  Yeah, well, what am I to do with a bajillion tomato plants?  I plant...and plant...and plant.  The garden plot has nothing but tomatoes this year.  Then, there are those that are dotted in the flower beds and any other available spot.  Thankfully, Mark made a ton of garden boxes this spring so the cucumbers, squash, peppers and green beans all have their own space...but, oh, those tomatoes.

  The plants grew to unheard of heights and started plopping over onto each other.  Each was crated but they soon outgrew the crates and decided to hug each other.  I hated to try staking simply because each plant was loaded with tiny fruit...seriously...loaded!  For the past week or so, those tomatoes have started ripening.  Usually, they are allowed to fully ripen on the plant as that gives them the sweetest flavor.  Even the cardinals that also occupy the Small Gardens decided that the fruit were delectable.  Before I knew it, five large tomatoes were half pecked to pieces by the male cardinal as he toted tidbits back to his ladylove on the nest.  While this is awfully heartwarming, the critter was ruining my plans of harvesting ALL of the tomatoes.  (I am also positive that he ate his share, as well.)  There was nothing to do but pick the ripest tomatoes. 

  While I understand the cardinal's plight of finding food, I have difficulty seeing the positive side of people's desire for my ripened tomatoes.  Sorry, folks.  If you cannot make the least bit of an effort to care for a plant after it is offered to you, do not assume that you can raid my garden.  Yep, I am that way.  I will give and give to those in need, the elderly and any who lift a helping hand but not those that come across as lazy and greedy.  It appears that the "Little Red Hen Syndrome" is spreading.  (If you are not familiar with the term..look it up.  It is a real thing...just based on a children's book from back in the day.  It says volumes even though it is a short, lighthearted tale.)  Folks, my advice is this...if you wish to reap the rewards, lend a helping hand.  I will give "til the cows come home" but not to those who will not help themselves.  But...in the meantime, oh, those tomatoes!  Those beautiful, ripe tomatoes that will soon be tasty sauce for the pantry shelf!

Round Two...The Little Red Hen Syndrome

  Back a couple of months ago, I had dozens of small tomato plants in the greenhouse.  These were just the right size to plant out in the garden so I offered several folks a few plants for their home gardens.  I had no takers except for Darling Daughter.  She took 16 plants home to put in planter boxes.  To that, she added a dozen pepper plants and is waiting on a few eggplants.  She is the only one who took the effort of planting a small garden.  Other folks all made the comment that they "did not have the time" or it is a "lot of work for a few tomatoes/peppers/eggplants, that I can get at the store."   That said, I planted...and planted.  My garden plot grew in size just as the plants did.  Soon, the entire east side of the yard became a vegetable garden. Not only did I plant in rows in the ground but I also utilized planter boxes, flower pots, old shrimp baskets and stuck vegetable plants in the flower gardens. The plants did well and soon set all sorts of blooms.  Now, fast forward two months and I am harvesting healthy meals from the back yard.  Darling Daughter is doing the same.  

  Now that I have fresh vegetables and fruits for our meals, folks are coming out of the woodwork to say "Oh, I will take a few tomatoes!  We love fresh squash! You have far too many peppers and onions."  Keep in mind, these are the same folks who turned down my offer of plants just a couple of months ago. While I am all for sharing the wealth, I am not all for those who take advantage of others' hard work.  Nope, I do not have far too many of any vegetables or fruit.  What we do not eat fresh will be canned for later.  Some jars will make it all the way to Georgia (son, daughter-in-law and grandlittles!), some will go to Darling Daughter and her hubby's place. A lot of fruit, berries and vegetables will be doled out to our elderly friends.  Why, I will not even hesitate to give a couple of these or a few of those, if someone asks but do not demand! I will share but not with those who are ablebodied but too lazy!  The "Little Red Hen Syndrome" strikes again.  Some folks just take, take, take and never wish to lift a pinky finger to help.  

  There is a wise saying that folks can only take advantage of you if you let them.  Although it is hard for me to do, I have learned to say no and stick with it.  Only those who shared in the work shall share the bounty. I am willing to share plants and seeds and I am eager to teach folks the art of home-canning, dehydrating and freezing fruit, herbs and vegetables.  Do not, however, expect me to do all of the work then come demanding the fruits of my labor. It ain't happenin', folks, it ain't happenin'!

"The Little Red Hen" Syndrome

There once was a little red hen that lived on a farm with all of the other farm animals. One day, she found some grain and decided to plant the seeds. She knew she could make bread if she grew the grain. "Who will help me plant the grain?" she asked..all she heard was.."Not I" from each of the other animals.... To shorten this grand old tale a bit, nary a one of the other farm animals offered to help her one iota! She planted, watered, harvested and ground the grain by herself. Later she baked the bread and when she got the warm loaf from the oven she asked who would help her eat the bread. "I WILL!" each of the other lazy bums chimed. They all wanted to be handed a piece of nice bread. This ruffled her feathers a bit! She gave them an earful! "No! My little chicks and I shall eat the bread!" Smart little hen! The other animals all wanted to sit back and let her do the work..but she outwitted them all! It is quite sad how true this little tale is.

The "Little Red Hen" syndrome is hitting pretty close to home lately. I have had more than a few people come in, eye the well-stocked shelves of preserves, vegetables, jams and jellies and then expect handouts. Well, that ruffles MY feathers a bit! This "Little Red Hen" is going on strike! I refuse to hand out jars of preserves as if I was a food bank! It all boils down to one thing..if you want something from my kitchen, try helping a bit. Lend a hand planting, weeding, picking and preserving..then perhaps you can take some peach jam and fresh made bread home with you!

There is an old proverb that states.."Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.".....For the past few years, I have been telling folks that they need to keep a few supplies on hand for emergencies. Here on the Coast it is more probable than just possible that a hurricane will hit our shores. A well-stocked pantry is a must..not a luxury. To me it is a "no-brainer" concept..at least keep a few basics on hand. Do not wait until a crisis occurs to gather supplies. I will teach anyone who asks..the technique to home-can or preserve fruit and vegetables. I will show those who ask..the methods of drying their own herbs and other garden goodies. I will even go so far as to share plants, cuttings and seeds from my stash. Just don't expect and demand! Yes, I do have hundreds of jars of food on the shelves and three freezers full of meals-in-the-making. It is all there because I have worked long and hard. Don't ruffle my feathers..don't make me go "Little Red Hen" on you!

Speaking of little, red hens, the incredible pictures of these were taken by my cousin Rebecca. I so envy her! She has the prettiest red hens! Some day..some day, I will get a chicken house built and be able to have some fat hens running around in the yard..but until then, I will just have to admire Rebecca's! Thank you, Rebecca, for allowing me to use the pictures of your little, red hens!