Tribulations

The air and soil were so dry and compacted in June 2008 that the rototiller simply bounced off the ground and refused to break the surface. A shovel was equally challenged to penetrate the rock harden earth in an effort to make a hole sufficient for planting the young heirloom tomato seedlings. The bare field looked more like a giant over baked chocolate cake then an area prepped for the planting of heirloom tomatoes. The entire surface was cracked and resembled clay tile more than rich organic matter. The Farmer looked towards the blue cloudless super heated sky wishing for a few precious drops to soften the shell. It was not to be and the back breaking work of planting the thousand plus tomato plants grown from seed continued unabated.

The precious tender young heirloom tomato plants withered under the oppressive heat and the scorching sun. The weakest succumbed and were reduced to tiny masses of dry leaves and crisp stems. The stronger were able to hang on and utilize the tiny ration of water the farmer was able to douse them with by hand. The farmer vigilantly hand carried and watered the delicate plants knowing the farm had invested heavily in the crop for late summer and fall harvest. The success of the crop held the key to the entire year’s investment in planting. Failure at this early juncture was not an option as the consequence held far greater implications for the farmer’s family. The farmer continued the daily routine and hoped for a bit of relief from above.

A change in atmospheric conditions began in early July as rain finally began to replace the farmer in nurturing the young Heirloom tomatoes. The tiny plants began to show signs of appreciation and grew quickly to a much hardier and robust plant capable of withstanding the heat and dry. A week of this weather and the plants were developing into mature tomato plants ready to blossom. A second week and the plants developed into large plants with some blossoming activity. A third week the rain continued the farmer became concerned that the conditions of June had done a 180 and now the plants were drowning. The fourth week the plants were able to take advantage of a couple rainless days and showed appreciation and began to blossom and show signs of setting fruit. For the duration of the month the almost daily rain continued, the huge leafy plants continued to grow, the green fruit remained green critical - sunshine seemed to have taken a sabbatical from its habitual June schedule.

The Schoolhouse farmer sets up the farm stand daily with a vibrant display of colorful beans; purple, yellow, mottled and green. Multiple bouquets of bright irresistible Sun flowers accent the saucer shaped squash, zucchini and freshly dug pink, red and blue potatoes. The stand is stunning in all its summer colors. The enthusiastic shoppers eagerly scoop up the offerings all with the same question wondering about the absent main event, the Heirloom Tomatoes. The farmer trying desperately not to show outward signs of concerns says simply “soon! I hope”. The question is repeated often as the daily deluge from above continues. The worry lines are starting to get longer and deeper.

We have begun to realize over the years that the raising of heirloom tomatoes requires an extra dose of patience most people lack. It was this lack of patience that contributed to the development of tomatoes grown commercially for the masses. These flavor lacking card board textured, thick skinned varieties require very little from Mother Nature. They are grown very quickly harvested green and then gassed to produce a red color. We at Schoolhouse Farms remain optimistic that our crop will come in. We just can’t say when! In the mean time we really appreciate your support of our family endeavor and thank you for your patience.

Great flavor always takes a little more time.

Richard Malcom
The Schoolhouse Farmer