Spring Plant Swap

With great anticipation CHOPTAG members came from as far as Columbus to swap tomato plants and tomato know how and to just enjoy the company of some great folks. I didn't count varieties but something in the neighborhood of 50+ varieties were available for trade or just the taking. Generally group members start agonizing during early winter deciding what tomato varieties will occupy their precious garden space in the upcoming growing season. All sorts of discussions are held on GardenWeb trying to determine the merits of various varieties. When final selections are made and sowing day finally comes all of us start more seeds than needed to guarantee an adequate number of plants for the garden. We make our leftovers or extras available to friends and family. Personally, I try to find a good home for all of my plants. I brought home a Neves Azorean Red (thanks Tom), Ernie's Plump (thanks Tom), and Blue Ridge (thanks Ray) from the swap and am looking forward to growing each. Earl was kind enough to send many of us home with other goodies. I left with Chinese Celery, onion sets, and green garlic. Earl also provided me with an extra Aunt Ruby and Kelloggs Breakfast tomato for a friend who was hoping to grow each. I also lugged home a few additional pepper varieties from Marty.

Earl's offerings

Jerry's offerings

Ken's offerings

Mark's offerings

Marty practicing paper pot making

Ray, Tom, Mark eating some of Ray's excellent tortellini salad.


Earl demonstrating the fine art of paper pot making. He is the master! We really need to get a video to truly demonstrate the technique.