Sunday, May 3, 2009

Converting the Boy

Obviously I am a severely addicted gardener. There is no questioning that. My boyfriend, however, not so much. Never really growing anything, he is a plant murderer so far. He killed the few plants I left him to take care of last summer.

I'm hoping to change all that. Slowly I am trying to convert him into a farmer. Someone who loves to live off the land. Who can grow things. Someone who cares about heirloom tomatoes and understands the beneficial insects in the garden. He must learn all these things otherwise I will have to trade him in! Well, I won't be that drastic but you know what I mean.

Today, we are going to get lots of soil and we are going to pot up three heirloom tomatoes for him to tend this summer. He will be growing Cherokee Purple, German Johnson and Black Cherry. He is already excited about the history and descriptions of these tomatoes so I am hoping that this little exercise in tomato care will get him into the spirit of farming a bit.

Hopefully this works so that I don't have to be the only plant nut in the house. It's fun to share gardening with others and even more fun when they don't mind spending hours looking at plants at shops and others gardens. Really, it's all part of my evil plan to get what I want!

These pots should be plenty big enough!

18 comments:

Gail said...

I do know what you mean! Mr I, my spouse, doesn't like gardening at all, but he must be diligent in caring for my plants while I am away...That's not a lot to ask!

Good luck with the summer training, I mean, project! His reward will be tomatoes and a happy Flowrgirl.

gail

Corner Gardener Sue said...

Watch out so he doesn't want to compete with you for garden space! I like it that my husband has certain plants he insists I grow, and he helps water some, but doesn't have the bug I do. Our yard is not big enough. ;o)

tina said...

It is so hard to convert non-gardeners. My husband is the same and I can never trust him with plants. Don't be too upset if these tomatoes don't survive, I am sure he will try his best.

Heather said...

I think this is the perfect way to develop a partner in crime. Couples who play in the dirt together, stay together. That is what I keep telling my husband. Now if he stops helping me, I will have to worry.

Frances said...

Hi Michelle, those pots do look big enough. Five gallon? Good luck with the boy, I do believe choosing food crops is the way to go to break him in. Most men like to eat. :-)
Frances

Katarina said...

I'm sure your boyfriend will learn to love gardening! You're probably inspiring him bit by bit! ; ) And the history behind old variety tomatoes is well worth keeping alive.
Katarina

Randy Emmitt said...

Good luck with him. I've had girlfriends in the past that tried gardening and just could not find the time to do it. The result dead plants from not watering them. Get bigger pots for those heirlooms. You might just ask my Meg. She converted her ex into an organic farmer 28 years ago, he still has the farm.

Aunt Debbi/kurts mom said...

I've been working on my man for 13 years. So far the only plants he likes are banana trees and caladeums, which does not help out in the garden at all. Maybe you will have better results.

Roses and Lilacs said...

Good luck! I never had any luck getting my husband interested in plants. But then I was never interested in cars so...
Marnie

forest said...

I wish that would work with my bf. He hates tomatoes.

TC said...

It helps if your beau loves eating fresh veggies! Surely he likes tomatoes, yes? And those three heirlooms (I've grown them) are delicious. I grow only heirloom tomatoes, you might enjoy 'Green Zebra' too. Keep your tomatoes well watered, add one Tum (the generic brand is fine) to the planting hole to help prevent blossom end rot, and plant a few French marigolds around the outside edge of each of those pots, they're great companion plants for tomatoes that help keep pests away. Also, here's a tip for healthier tomatoes - strip all the stems but those at the tip and plant your tomato deep to where the tip is just above the soil level. This produces roots all along the stem making the plant more vigorous and more productive. One other thing, I pinch out suckers that grow at the base of side branches, this also encourages fruit production.

Dirt Princess said...

If you convert him let me know. My husband could careless about gardening, granted I only grow flowers. I think if I grew veggies he would be more interested

Jennifer AKA keewee said...

My honey will build anything for me or move heavy stuff, but I don't let him near my precious plants. A fair trade off I think, if I want all my plants to survive, besides, he get to enjoy all the veggies from the raised beds he built for me.

Unknown said...

I guess I'm very fortunate to have a guy who likes gardening too. Not a crazy nut addicted gardener like I am but enough to help with everything and even walks around looking and enjoying them. When we went to Buchart Gardens he had the camera and I had the camcorder going non stop and he said there are just too many beautiful pictures here to get them all.
What can I say this guy does housework too and I've been the envy of every female that's ever met him. LOL

WiseAcre said...

One of the first signs of maturity in a man is when he takes the garden seriously. But some of us never do grow up even if we do garden.

Mo said...

Ha ha I'm sure he'll adapt

Laura Z said...

After he picks the first tomato he's grown himself, he should be hooked. I was.

I agree with WiseAcre, gardening is a sign of maturity in a man.

Ellie Mae's Cottage said...

So funny! Love your plan! My hubby loves his grass more than the garden. He'll tromp right through the perennial bed so he doesn't step on his newly seeded grass... jeez makes me nuts.