Garden Detective

Now that you've enjoyed beautiful heirloom tomatoes all summer long, why not save some seeds for next year?

Here's the proper way to collect and save tomato seeds:

Select the most desirable tomato from the strongest, healthiest plants. Slice tomato in half and scoop out seeds. They be encased in a gelatinous liquid. Drop the seeds and goop into a glass jar and cover with water.

Cover the jar with a paper towel and secure it with a rubber band. This will allow air in and keep fruit flies and other airborne particles out. Place it in a warm spot. On top of the refrigerator is nice and cozy.

After a few days, fermentation will begin. Fermentation breaks down the germination-stalling gell that surrounds each seed. You'll notice mold forming on the surface, and the seeds separating from the pulp, which will float to the top. You might also notice some seeds floating on the surface; they're duds. Good, viable seeds will sink. When this has happened, pour off the liquid, mold, pulp and floating seeds, and spread the wet seeds from the bottom of the jar onto a paper plate to dry. Shake up the plate every day to promote even drying and prevent sticking. Store dry seeds in a paper envelope in the refrigerator.

Now that I've shared the right way, here's how I do it:

Click photo to learn how.

Nassau County will conduct aerial spraying for West Nile mosquito control in Glen Head and Woodmere after dusk tonight and again tomorrow night.

While the county assures us the pesticide being used, Scourge, isn't a danger to humans, be sure to stay indoors, set your air conditioner to use recirculated air (if you're running it), keep windows closed and avoid the use of window fans during the spraying. Bring toys and pet dishes, etc., indoors before the spraying. We're told there's no need to clean playground sets or patio furniture afterwards.

Though there's no way to protect an entire community with them, here are some plants that will repel mosquitoes from individuals, naturally:

Click photo to learn how.

>>Details on the spraying

Reader Augusta Marrapodi of Smithtown writes:

I wrote this poem about my garden...you probably can relate.

Yes, I can, Augusta. Your ode is proof that gardeners are creative souls.

MY GARDEN

This spring I set aside some land
I smoothed it out 'til it looked grand

I threw out the rocks and I pulled all the weeds
I built a wire fence, then came the seeds.

I gave my garden water, God gave my garden sun
I never knew that working hard could ever be this fun.

Then came the summer, fresh veggies in every meal
When I look at my garden, it's a lot of joy, I feel.

I laugh at the cucumbers, that multiply each day
I can't find enough recipes, I can't even give them away!!

Sometimes working in the garden is hard on the knees
But at night when I lay my head down, I go to sleep with ease.

Now it's September and I feel a little sad
But if the summer lingers, it shouldn't be that bad.

And in the winter, when the ice starts to harden
I'll simply smile and think about my garden.

I don't think they grow their own, but the Baldinos of Oyster Bay have it going on: