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| Minter's
Your Neighborhood Greenhouse & Nursery |
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 It seems tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) first came from the mountains of Peru about 500 BC. We know they were grown by the early Aztecs in southern Mexico where they were revered as "food of the Gods". In fact the word tomato comes from the Aztec word tomatl. Tomatoes were later taken to Europe by the early explorers in the 16th century and then about 1700 they first appeared in North America into the area that is now South Carolina. Today there may be over 4000 varieties worldwide.
Is it a Fruit or a Vegetable?
Botanically the tomato is classified as a fruit. But domestically, horticulturists call it a garden vegetable like cucumbers, zucchini and peppers. The US Supreme Court intervened in that argument by declaring it a vegetable in 1893, based on the fact it was generally served at dinner and not as a dessert. (It then became a taxable vegetable when imported and no longer a tax free fruit!)
Determinate or Indeterminate?
These two terms are often confusing. A determinate tomato vine slows or completely stops growing once the fruit is set. All the fruit is produced at one time. Many bush varieties are determinate plants. They are generally smaller plants and are great for containers and small areas. Indeterminate plants on the other hand keep producing shoots and blossoms throughout the growing season and only stop growing once the first frost comes. In warmer climates they may live up to 3 years. Most of these require some kind of staking or support.
What's an Heirloom Tomato?
The definition of an heirloom tomato is a bit vague, they are generally self-pollinators who have bred true for 40 years or more. Most are indeterminate and usually have much better flavor, but are sometimes less disease resistant, than hybrids.
Our 150+ Varieties:
We have an fantastic selection of tomatoes including big beefsteaks, plum or paste  tomatoes and the small bite size cherry and grape varieties. Colors from red to pink, yellow, black, and green (even the green striped Zebra). We have varieties from all over the world!
Our tomato signs, designed by Paul, have big and colorful pictures and detailed descriptions of all of our 150 tomatoes. So when you come to the nursery, and read the signs, finding that perfect tomato plant for your garden should be a breeze. Come early, since some varieties are only available in limited quantities.
For tasty tomatoes this year try our Fox Farms Organic Fertilizers.
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UPCOMING CLASSES:
Permaculture and Organic Gardening by Laura Sweany
Thursday, April 29th, at 4 PM Free This free class should be a fun and entertaining.You might ask what is permaculture? West Hill resident Laura Sweany describes it this way: "Permaculture, is a whole-system design approach to home and yard development, gives us easy,inexpensive tools and techniques to have a lovely, healthy yard that also functions as a food-producing cornucopia. We will discuss easy, practical, low-maintenance options to home food production, such as: guilds, polycultures, food forests, edible hedgerows, herb spirals, sheet mulching, and more".
Please call the nursery at 425-255-7744 to reserve your seat. For more information about Laura go to her web site at www.terraflorafarm.com
Moss Basket Classes by Paul Farrington
Saturday May 29th and Saturday June 5th at 10 AM
Pauls very popular and fun class will be held on two dates this year. Please call the nursery at 425-255-7744 to reserve your seat. These classes fill up quickly. Paul produces and grows in our greenhouses those georgeous hanging baskets you see all summer long at University Village.
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Hours
Monday through Saturday 10AM to 6PM
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Visit one of the oldest nurseries in the Northwest. Take a step back into time and just relax. We have a friendly and knowledgeable staff. Free coffee and tea and open 7 days a week. |
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13043 Renton Ave S
Seattle, Washington 98178
425-255-7744
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| Save 10% |
Preferred Customer Discount Card
10% Off All regular priced plants and dry goods, including our lines of natural and organic fertilizers. Clip this card, carry it with you and use it as many times as you wish until May31, 2010. This card must be presented to cashier prior to purchase. Not valid with any other offers or pre-orders.
Having trouble printing this coupon? Go to the top of the page,select trouble viewing, then print again. | | Offer Expires: May 31,2010 |
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