When I think of the time and effort that I put into growing 'stuff' I find myself asking at the end of the season 'Is it worth it?'
I planted my tomato and chilli seeds on the 23rd of March, that's 6 months ago! I nurtured them in my new heated propagator and then potted them on when they grew big enough.
I gave some to friends and planted the strongest ones in my polytunnel. Then I fractured my ankle and needed my son to check them regularly so they didn't die in my absence.
Luckily they survived and I spent my whole summer holiday nurturing them as they were the only things that survived the neglect and the wet months of May and June.
There are still a few tomatoes ripening on the windowsill but so far I've processed enough in various ways to fill 11 of these containers and freeze them. Each one is equivalent to a can of tomatoes currently costing 28p in my supermarket. But surely they taste better for being home grown and organic? Honestly, there's no difference in taste once it's made into a sauce!
But those 6 months gave me a reason for going to my favourite place even when the weather was awful. Even when I didn't feel like leaving the house. Maybe when I pull out a frozen tub of tomato sauce in the middle of Winter it will make me smile and start my plans for next year. 🍅
Making or growing things is *always* worth it - no question about it. As I've said ad nauseum over the years regarding many, many things - it's not always about the money. It's about the sense of achievement, the process, the enjoyment, the learning, the perceived failures, the disappointments, the renewal of optimism and yes, the sense of empowerment even with a tomato. But you knew I'd say all this, didn't you? Lol Well done on the tomato front, but I would say a sauce with your own tomatoes definitely does taste better than any made with tinned :)
ReplyDeleteLol!! Yes I knew you'd say that! Maybe my tomato choice needs work! I couldn't get the heirloom seeds of my choice this year.
DeleteIt's a rhetorical question really as the benefits totally outweigh the cons. I'm just a bit disappointed that my efforts this year hasn't brought the bounteous crops I'd hoped. But I've learned loads and am adding more knowledge to my WTSHTF efforts!! ;-)
There's a lot of folks' tomato crops not doing well this year - just one of those years I suppose. Next year will be better!
DeleteNothing tastes like a home grown tomato warm off the vine, it is worth it.
ReplyDeleteI was looking back on your blog for pics of your new kitchen, we're having a new bathroom starting tomorrow.
Good luck with your bathroom!! My kitchen is still an ongoing process with all the 'snagging' items still waiting to be fixed!
DeleteYes - but not necessarily for the piles of produce (which unless you have an allotment and specialise in gluts!) but more for the satisfaction (just don't factor in cost/time/emotional breakdown when the cat lies on the seedlings/stress - when 'some-one' forgets to water then over waters ... I could go on - so yes - definitely worth it!
ReplyDeleteLol @ emotional breakdown!!! Had a few of those when asking my son to water my precious plants when I was immobile!!!
DeleteDefinitely worth it for the additional benefits, not necessarily the amounts produced!
I think it's worth it though its not necesarily the most economical thing in the world at times. I think you also need to be prepared to 'process' your excess stuff which other than freezing I'm not great at. I went through a phase of 'canning' stuff but somehow I don't trust it for the long term. I have to say my tomatoes did brilliantly this year but I only got 4 cobs of corn and my cucumbers were awful. They grew ok but were horrible and bitter :( Need to investigate a new type for next year. I think you'll really appreciate your sauce in the coming months when you remember its all your own work!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely not economical unless you use heirloom seeds and then save your own seed the following years. I know that's what Vivi does. Like you I'm not keen on 'canning' but that's maybe lack of experience. Freezing, pickling, dehydrating and making jam/chutneys are my preferred method. And yes, I'm sure I'll be grateful of my tomato sauces during the Winter months :-)
DeleteI agree about the feeling of wellbeing from growing your own. I am sad to say that my tomato plants mostly got blight but I am glad I have managed to get a few tomatoes out of them. It's a reason to keep us with plants and getting out and touching them. I have had some really successful crops and others that haven't been so good but the feeling of joy over them is what I love! You will taste sunshine in your frozen tomato sauces over the winter and you will be joyful!
ReplyDeleteI lost a few to blight but still managed to get a decent amount. You're so right about the feeling of well being just working with plants. I'm already a bit worried about how I'll last the Winter without my regular plot visits. I might just go to sit on my bench with my travel mug of coffee!!
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