Last summer, the tomato plants on my patio were invaded by ugly green monsters that ate away at stems, leaves and fruit.
Tomato hornworms.
It was deeply discouraging to see healthy plants stripped in the night of their worth by the greedy, insatiable creatures.
By autumn, after weeks of plucking off and tossing away the invaders, I vowed never again to plant tomatoes.
In the spring, my garden seemed incomplete without the usual potted plant with its promise of sweet red fruit.
Yet, I couldn't shake the bad memories.
I was anything but anxious to try again.
It was later in the season than usual, when I finally relented.
While I shopped for petunias at the garden center, a healthy young tomato plant ,bearing bright yellow blossoms, caught my attention.
Oh, how could I face a summer without homegrown tomatoes!
It would be different, this year, I reasoned.
Now, I'd know how to keep watch for signs of the innocent looking hummingbird moths that become the dreadful worms.
Last year's unfortunate history need not repeat itself.
After all, hadn't I known many prior, worm free years raising juicy tomatoes?
With a smile on my face, I paid the cashier and tucked the plant into my trunk.
The new tomato plant took its place in the garden, and to this day, has not shown any signs of infestation. Plump green tomatos are growng right on schedule.
Soon, we'll be enjoying rosy red slices on our sandwiches and salads, as the memories of last year fade away.
I'm examining my life for past encounters with worms.
What other bad experiences are keeping me from trying again?
Tomato hornworms.
It was deeply discouraging to see healthy plants stripped in the night of their worth by the greedy, insatiable creatures.
By autumn, after weeks of plucking off and tossing away the invaders, I vowed never again to plant tomatoes.
In the spring, my garden seemed incomplete without the usual potted plant with its promise of sweet red fruit.
Yet, I couldn't shake the bad memories.
I was anything but anxious to try again.
It was later in the season than usual, when I finally relented.
While I shopped for petunias at the garden center, a healthy young tomato plant ,bearing bright yellow blossoms, caught my attention.
Oh, how could I face a summer without homegrown tomatoes!
It would be different, this year, I reasoned.
Now, I'd know how to keep watch for signs of the innocent looking hummingbird moths that become the dreadful worms.
Last year's unfortunate history need not repeat itself.
After all, hadn't I known many prior, worm free years raising juicy tomatoes?
With a smile on my face, I paid the cashier and tucked the plant into my trunk.
The new tomato plant took its place in the garden, and to this day, has not shown any signs of infestation. Plump green tomatos are growng right on schedule.
Soon, we'll be enjoying rosy red slices on our sandwiches and salads, as the memories of last year fade away.
I'm examining my life for past encounters with worms.
What other bad experiences are keeping me from trying again?
