New to Gardening? Try tomatoes!
Polly Phillips
Garden Specialist
Cassie Cubilla
Health Educator
Is a tomato a fruit or a vegetable? Either way, here at the Poe Center we love tomatoes. They are a great option for new gardeners to grow because of the varying sizes, flavors, and types available to plant. We recommend planting a variety that appeals to your available garden space and supplies, schedule, and tastebuds. Our educators provide advice on what tomato is best for you and how to start growing. Unsure what to do with an abundance of tomatoes? Try out our refreshing summer gazpacho recipe.
Planting seasons may vary depending on your planting zone. Because the Poe Center is located in central North Carolina, we plant in Zone 8B. To find your planting zone, go to https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/
Want to learn more about planting tomatoes? Visit our partner NC State Cooperative Extension.
Gazpacho
Serves: 6-8
Equipment: Large bowl, knife, cutting board, food processor or blender, large spoon
Ingredients
4-5 fresh tomatoes, chopped
2-3 cucumbers, chopped
½ red onion, chopped
1 zucchini, chopped
1 yellow squash, chopped
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup red wine vinegar
¼ cup basil, chopped
1-2 cups cold water
3 cloves of garlic, minced
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, add chopped vegetables and cover with olive oil, vinegar, basil, red pepper flakes, and add salt and pepper.
- Mix ingredients together, stirring until coated evenly.
- Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let chill for at least 30 minutes, at most overnight.
- Blend ingredients together in a food processor or blender until smooth or consistent texture. Work in batches if you have a large quantity of veggies.
- Serve soup chilled.
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