If you’ve ever dreamed of growing the largest, most luscious summer tomato on the block, Oktibbeha County Master Gardeners organization has a deal for you.
“We will launch the Great Tomato Battle on Monday, May 13, and the competition is open to all citizens in the county,” said Jim McKell, chairman of the event. “The only requirement to enter is to attend one of two short educational sessions on Monday and pay the $5 entry fee which entitles them to two tomato plants.”
McKell said the plants selected for the competition this year are an indeterminate variety knows as Park’s Whopper.
“This tomato is big in every away. Fruit ranges from 13 to 19 ounces,” McKell said. “It offers big flavor, big juicy fruit, exceptional disease resistance and vigorous plants that produce full-size tomatoes right up to frost.”
Contestants must bring their best and largest specimen to the Oktibbeha County Extension Service on July 30 for judging. Cash winners and bragging rights will be awarded in two categories: the largest and the grower who produces the largest harvest.
For more information, stop by the Master Gardeners booth at the Starkville Community Market and Plant Sale Saturday from 7:30-10:30 a.m., or call the Oktibbeha County Extension Service at 662-323-5916.
Oktibbeha County Master Gardeners is part of a nationwide network for home horticulturists and hobby gardeners who are committed to improving the appearance of public places and providing educational opportunities for young and old at all levels of the gardening spectrum.
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