Hence my exhaustion....all that talking runs the batteries of even this self-professed extrovert down to where a few days of relative, restorative silence is needed. So it is out to unpack the car and truck, re-alphabetize things and take stock of where things are. Hence a jump to item three - next weekend. I am undecided....do we call it quits for this season at the market, or embark on one more Friday/Saturday instance? It is a complicated decision that includes the prospect of getting a space (that is not up in the Craft area.....that is just asking for a very quiet couple of days that isn't worth the time), the condition of the replants, and the interest level. I will decide as the week wears on.
Now on to a topic that some of you asked me about....grafted tomato plants - the advantages, and whether I will ever carry them. Grafted tomato plants are essentially the physical combination of a specific variety "top" combined with a disease resistant "bottom", or rootstock. They need to be carried out individually; the root stock variety must be grown out, then the top removed, and the desired variety grafted on, and the hope that the graft "takes". The premise is that, since many tomato diseases enter through the root system from infected soil (particularly the fungal diseases such as Fusarium and the tiny worm that imparts Nematode damage), a root stock that has genetic resistance prevents infection of the plant, thus helping to promote a better chance at healthy growth throughout the season, which of course means a better harvest.
The reason I've not offered (or carried out) grafts is simply due to the size of our operation - meaning, me! I've not the time to add that to my repertoire, especially since the labor (time) effort significantly increases. Which varieties would I choose to graft? It would make things far more complex. The other factor that comes to mind is the chance of entry of disease from the top of the plant from infected critters chewing or infected soil splashing. The grafted plant would have no advantage at all over ungrafted plants in those cases, which is very common around here.
Hope that helps!
Quite a few of you had a special request or to - to replace a damaged plant, or to supply a variety I didn't have with me. Be sure to email me so we can work those out. Also, I have PLENTY of most things remaining, so keep those orders coming, because home pickup here at our N Raleigh house works very well for us!
Have a wonderful Sunday, everyone, and thanks again for your support and friendship. Sue and I (and Sara and Caitlin) value each and every one of you!