Tomatoes

[bluebuckeye]

This past spring we planted a few different varieties of tomatoes. I plant tomatoes almost solely to turn them into sauce or salsa, while Mike loves fresh tomatoes on sandwiches, salads, and tacos. Because of this we had to plant kinds that would suit both of our needs. We picked an heirloom variety that looked promising, some romas, and an all

Comments

[bluebuckeye]

That would be frustrating. Maybe your circumstances will change sometime in the future so you can grow tomatoes too!

[mountain_hiker]

Garlic and tomatoes -- a combination made in heaven! :D

[bluebuckeye]

Utterly delicious, yes. :)

[spicycurvydiva]

I will be getting my canning together in the next few days. Do you use a canner or just a big pot or what? Any tips for a beginner?

[bluebuckeye]

Yay, another canner!

My "canner" is a big pot specifically made for canning. It looks just like this but was gifted to me from my mother and was purchased by her at least 20 years ago. You could use any big pot for hot water canning that was taller than your jars and has a lid.

Wash and sterilize more jars than you think you will need. On numerous occasions I've started canning only to realize I didn't have enough jars and had to either go out and buy more mid-canning or wash and sterilize more. It's a pain.

Clear out a big space on your counter lay out some towels. Once you sanitize your jars, you're going to want a place to set them and on a towel will keep them from touching you cool countertops which may cause them to crack.

If you don't have it already get a kit like this. The tongs are essential as is the funnel. The rest is just nice to have