Posted by: Tony Koski, CSU Extension Turf Specialist Hi. My name is Tony (all of you …”Hi Tony”). Yes, I have an addiction…a peculiar, seasonal, horticultural addiction. I compulsively order vegetable seeds…in almost obscene numbers. I’m not sure when it began, as I’ve been a veggie gardener since I was about 6 years-old. Last year I grew over 40 varieties of tomatoes. In 2011 it was another 40+. Problem is, there were only a couple of repeats from 2011 to 2012. Last year I planted more than 10 varieties of watermelon. I think those plants maybe yielded 5 fruit…total…tiny, pitiful, miniature watermelons. Sad. Damn dumb, as Alison would say. Oh, yes, she DID say. And there were the 8 varieties of carrots…20+ peppers…5 or 6 cukes…hmmm. And squash. So many squash. Too many squash. Maybe 10? OK, maybe 15? What was I thinking? Well, it sounded like a good idea in January. I go online…I click and add (and add…and add) to my shopping cart. I have 53 items in my cart? Impossible!?!? I haven’t even gotten through peppers yet...or peeked at peas or kohlrabi! How could this be? And some of these I wouldn't eat if they DO produce…okra? Ewww! Confession: I was seduced by the flirtatious Joan rutabaga! Yes, seduced - by her “smooth and pleasing shape” and flesh “having a delicate and sweet flavor”. Seriously, who needs 50 Shades of Grey? Check Joan out…http://rareseeds.com/vegetables-p-z/rutabagas/joan-rutabaga.html. Here's the problem: the catalogs are too tempting, the descriptions of the plants too enticing, the glossy photos too alluring. My friend and fellow blogger, Carol, calls it veggie porn. Really? Have you never immersed yourself in the Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds catalog? If so…you totally understand my, ahem, “problem”. Before you laugh, check out the Purple of Sicily cauliflower centerfold on page 28 of their 2013 catalog…OMG! I don’t care for cauliflower, but I could fall for her without even meeting. Burpee’s PG-rated catalog (www.burpee.com), while very nice, will never compete for my affections as long as Baker Creek publishes its X-rated glossy yumminess. So…please excuse me while I log on to Baker Creek’s website and begin my 2013 order. I could be awhile... so....while you’re waiting for me to return… share a horticultural addiction you might have…if you dare. Garden gnomes… plant swapping… compulsive weeding… deadheading... don't be shy!?
