Early Frost & Seed Saving Status

Average first fall frost here is 20 October, this one was more than 3 weeks early.  Prediction was 40°F.  Official low was 42°, but 42 won’t do this kind of damage!  The main plot is in a low-lying area near the Jordan River, but > 10° colder??  Fortunately, I managed to cover most of the tomatoes, peppers and other cold-sensitive plants.  But the cucurbits are finished for the year.

From mid-September to mid-November, seed saving efforts (not to mention harvesting and marketing) consume much time and energy.  I’m attempting to save seeds from nearly 1,200 total varieties, including >800 tomato varieties.  I’m maybe 25% done with the task.  With more frost likely later this week, it’s pedal to the metal more than ever.  Regrettably, this leaves less time for seed orders; so for this period, orders will likely take 1-2 weeks instead of the usual 1-2 days.

Not ideal, but that’s the nature of the business.

Tomatoes for Time

NOTE:
This blog entry is intended only for people living in the Greater Salt Lake City (Wasatch Front) area.

Love heirloom tomatoes? I’ve got LOTS of ’em, of hundreds of the best varieties from around the world.

I’m beyond overwhelmed, trying to get tomatoes to market and seeds saved for next year. I simply don’t have enough time or energy to keep up.

These tomatoes sell for $3-5 per pound, but you can get them “FREE” in trade:

Here’s the deal:
One hour of your time helping me pick, etc. in exchange for 10 lbs. of tomatoes.  Two hours = 20 lbs., etc. I’m not a slave driver, but I need some dedicated, focused time, adults only. This is a great opportunity if you’re short on funds but have a couple of hours to devote to a good cause.

The tomato patch is on property leased from Salt Lake County (part of the Urban Farming Program), located at 3150 S. 1100 W., right next to the entrance to the Oxbow County Jail. Please don’t just show up, however. I’ve got 4 different places I work, deliveries to make, and lots going on.

Here is my schedule over the next few days when I plan to be working on this huge project at the Oxbow Plot:
Friday, September 13th, 1:00-5:30 p.m.
Saturday, 14th, 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Monday, 15th, 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, 16th, 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Please call or text me (Dale) at 801-651-5953, or email dale@gianttomatoseeds.com – note that you probably won’t get a response until late evening, as I don’t have Internet access on my cell phone. Please let me know in advance when you are coming. I have harvesting supplies, but it would be very helpful if you brought your own boxes/bags/buckets.

Thanks, and hopefully you’ll discover some new favorite varieties over the next few weeks!