No, this isn’t a post about the beloved Fortnite pizzeria of Chug Jug fame. We’re talking about the original Tomato Town – Toronto.
Did you know Bloor Street was once known as the “Fertile Belt”? It earned that name because of the large number of market gardens and farms that were located along it in the late 1800s. The first ever shipment of Ontario-grown tomatoes was sent to New York City from a farm on Bloor Street in 1893. The success of that shipment helped to establish Ontario as a major player in the juicy red tomato racket and in 1914 Heinz famously set up shop in Leamington.
Fortnite’s Tomato Town
Folks, we are living in Tomato Town IRL! And we should all celebrate that fact by planting some tomatoes. there’s nothing like picking your own sun ripened tomato fresh off the vine. Whether on a balcony, a deck, or in a backyard garden, here are some tips to ensure you get the absolute best results:
- Provide support for tomato plants by using stakes, cages, or trellises. This helps keep the plants upright and ensures better airflow, reducing the risk of disease.
- Water consistently, aiming for about 1-1.5 inches of water per week. Ensure the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot.
- Mulch around the tomato plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Use organic mulch like straw or wood chips.
- Fertilize regularly with a balanced organic tomato fertilizer, following the package instructions. Avoid over-fertilization, as it can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of fruit production.
- Prune indeterminate tomato plants by removing suckers (the small shoots that grow in the leaf axils) to promote better airflow and focus the plant’s energy on fruit production.
- Monitor for common tomato pests and diseases such as aphids, tomato hornworms, or fungal infections. Promptly address any issues using organic pest control methods or appropriate treatments.
- Harvest tomatoes when they are fully ripe but still firm. Pick them regularly to encourage continued fruit production.
And then, once you have perfect tomatoes, you can celebrate living in Tomato Town by making a PERFECT tomato sandwich. In this case the simplest treatment is the best. We like this one from Food 52, pictured up top. Do not add cheese, or a scattering of basil leaves or even a smidge of mustard. Restrain yourself! Stick to the bare bones and let that beautiful tomato shine.