A tomato growing seminar at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 17 will set the stage for not only a robust tomato harvest but also the fourth annual Lowndes County Tomato Battle. The friendly competition to see who can grow the biggest tomato is sponsored by the Lowndes County Extension Service, Lowndes Farm Supply and Palmer Home Greenhouses.
Stanley Wise, owner of Wise Family Farms in Ecru, will discuss tomato-growing topics at the seminar open to the public at the Lowndes County Extension Office at 485 Tom Rose Road.
“Mr. Wise, a retired county agent in Union County and owner of a huge farm and agritourism operation in Northeast Mississippi, is going to speak on all of the things he has tried over the years that have been successful,” said Extension Agent Reid Nevins.
Those interested in joining the “battle” can pay a $5 entry fee and take home two improved variety tomato plants supplied by the county agent.
“Then bring your biggest tomato to the Extension Service Office in Columbus during the weeks of July 1-15 for weigh-in,” Nevins instructed. A prize and bragging rights go to the winner, as well as second- and third-place entrants.
Several counties will host tomato battles. The good-natured competitions help introduce growers to varieties that are more disease-resistant than many grown by earlier generations.
For more information about the seminar or contest, contact the Lowndes Extension Office, 662-328-2111.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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