If you're anything like me, Memorial Day came and went, and you didn't plant any tomatoes. Then, when you finally got your act together to go buy some—like Sungolds, Cherokee Purples, and Brandywines—you realized that all the local farms already had their seedling sales weeks ago. And all the best heirloom varieties at the garden stores are probably sold out. And now the school garden—which always, ALWAYS has Sungold cherry tomatoes come hell or high water or blight—will be without them for the first time ever. All because of you.
But wait, all is not lost. If you live in the Boston area, you can still find beautiful organically grown heirloom seedlings at LexFarm, Lexington's new community farm on the site of the former Busa Farm. The lovely Farmer E, previously of Waltham Fields, still has an ample supply of gorgeous tomato plants for sale, thank goodness, including my precious Sungolds. And if those singles and six-packs should happen to run out, she has another orange variety called Sunsugar that tastes almost identical but is less prone to cracking after heavy rain. She has red cherry and grape tomatoes, green zebras, San Marzanos, and maybe a dozen other varieties. Other seedlings for sale include sweet and hot peppers, eggplant, tomatillo, cucumber, herbs, and flowers, all lush and healthy.
This weekend may be your last chance for the good stuff, people. Don't let time get away from you! Pick up some rhubarb, fresh eggs, and fat heads of lettuce while you're at it. Then pat yourself on the back because now you don't have to be fired from your volunteer job by your very vocal and unforgiving elementary school shareholders. Disaster averted.
Lexington Community Farm, 52 Lowell Street, Lexington, MA, 781-862-7247. Hours: M, T closed; W-F 11 am – 5 pm; SAT 9 am – 5 pm; SUN 10 am – 4 pm. Map here.