From time to time, I get asked the question: “why grow tomatoes when you can buy them in a shop?”
The question is usually asked by someone who has never done any gardening and prompted when they find out how much time and money I spend!
Well, firstly it’s not just a hobby but a passion – even an obsession!
The remark that follows is something like … “you must like tomatoes an awful lot!”
That’s true, but the main reason I grow tomatoes, and why I think a lot of us do, is because we are interested in growing and tending the plants.
Watching the seeds germinate into seedlings, seeing them develop their first true leaves and become strong young plants. Then finally, their first flowers and fruit – it’s almost like being a parent.
At this point some of you may think I’m slightly mad, while others will think it’s better than being a parent!
Whichever way we look at it, from a seed to a mature plant, followed by a bowl full of tomatoes, is an emotional experience for many of us. It makes all the time, effort and money very worthwhile – it’s our hobby after all!
Some people spend thousands on their hobbies, so a packet of seeds and a few grow bags is quite a modest investment for a season of pleasure. A greenhouse or pollytunnel would be quite nice too – I’d better stop there!