The Treasure Valley Food Coalition is turning its attention to all things tomato, aiming to end "the tyranny of tasteless tomatoes."
Edwards Greenhouse sponsors a meeting, 2 to 4 p.m., Jan. 12 at Edwards Greenhouse, 4106 Sand Creek St. in Boise.
They'll discuss tomatoes in the Treasure Valley and how growing more of them locally can help the economy, health, and the environment.
Look for these and other events in 2013:
• In February, free tomato seed starting classes at four local nurseries, including Edwards Greenhouse, FarWest Nursery, Franz Witte Nursery, and North End Organic Nursery. Participants will learn how to grow tomatoes and take home planted seeds. RSVP required.
• February seed swap in collaboration with Idaho Botanical Garden and Treasure Valley Seed Savers. The public is invited to share all kinds of seeds they have saved or would like to try.
• Fall lecture by Barry Estabrook, author of Tomatoland: How Modern Agriculture Destroyed Our Most Alluring Fruit
“Everyone can participate in the Tomato Independence Project in small, but important ways,” says board member Amy Hutchinson. “Resolve to grow tomatoes in your garden or patio, ask your favorite restaurant to serve only local tomatoes when in season, teach others how to grow and cook with tomatoes, or proudly wear a tomato independence t-shirt and declare your intent to end the tyranny of tasteless tomatoes.”
For details on the Tomato Independence Project, seed starting classes, growing tips, recipes and general tomato talk, visit www.treasurevalleyfoodcoalition.org.
