It's time to plant for June 8 'best tomato' competition
BY JOE DANIEL SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR

The 2007 Best Homegrown Tomato Contest will award $150 to the Cherokee County grower or gardener who enters the best plate of three tomatoes. Also, the individual entering the largest tomato will be awarded $150.

A prize of $100 will be awarded to the winner of each of three family entry categories. Family entry categories are: best plate of three tomatoes grown by a parent and child 12 years or under; best plate of three tomatoes grown by a grandparent and child 12 years or under; and best plate of three tomatoes grown by the family with the largest number of family members gardening together. Entries in the family categories must be accompanied by a photograph showing the family members working together on a tomato growing chore. Photos of planting, weeding, watering, staking or harvesting are some examples that might be used. Photos should be 5x7 or smaller. Entries and photos will be exhibited during TomatoFest in the Norman Activity Center.

Entries will be accepted from 9 a.m.-noon Friday, June 8, at the Capital One Bank Building lobby, 222 South Ragsdale in Jacksonville. Awards will be presented following the noon judging. For additional information, contact the Cherokee County Office of the Texas Cooperative Extension at (903) 683-5416 or the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce at (903) 586-2217. The Best Homegrown Tomato Contest is a part of the Jacksonville TomatoFest. All Cherokee County residents may submit entries. Entries must be grown within the boundaries of Cherokee County. Judges' decisions are final.

Young and old find rewards in gardening together. The flavor of garden fresh tomatoes cannot be beat. Diets of most young and older folks benefit from increased vegetables. The antioxidant effect of the tomato's lycopene shows additional health benefits.

Many view gardening as a delightful form of exercise. Perhaps the greatest reward of family gardening is learning that lasting joys often only come after weeks of effort.

Gratification will not always be instant and the joy of gardening can last a lifetime. Local residents are encouraged to plan to take part in the 2007 The Best Homegrown Tomato Contest.

Joe Daniel is the Cherokee County Extension Service horticulturist