Green Zebras, Cherokee Purples, Black Krims, German Giants and other heirloom tomatoes will be showcased at Tomatomania on Saturday, April 12 and Sunday, April 13 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Cornerstone Place.
On that weekend, Sonoma Valley will be the center of the tomato universe, presenting a huge variety of heirlooms, as well as the best of modern hybrid seedlings for the 2008 growing season just getting underway.
For the uninitiated, heirlooms are not your average supermarket tomatoes. They’re the thoroughbreds of the garden – coveted as much for their wild shapes and vivid colors as their remarkable flavors. And their names are pretty cool too!
Beyond seedlings, this Tomatomania event, the world’s largest heirloom tomato seedling sale, will feature fertilizers, planting mixes, pots, stakes, trellis, ties and everything else necessary for growing the tastiest tomatoes on the block, including tips from the experts on the Tomatomania staff.
Scott Daigre, Tomatomania producer, is heading up this year’s event. For over a decade L.A.-based Daigre has been designing gardens, creating unique events and looking for unique tomatoes. He’s regularly featured in the national gardening media and has written a book and numerous articles on growing tomatoes in Southern California. In 2007 he designed Tomatomania!, the tomato garden at Cornerstone Place.
Both experienced gardeners and those who have just dreamed about establishing a tomato patch in their back yard will be able to get advice, share tips or just hang out with kindred souls.
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and event information to
foodandwine@sonomasun.com
