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Tomatoes Are Ripe For The Picking

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By JOHN CEBALLOS, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 1, 2007

SUN CITY - Overcrowded supermarkets are far from the only incentive many South Shore residents have for visiting a pick-your-own tomato patch in Sun City.

"These tomatoes are just a thousand times better than anything you can get in a store's produce department," said Sara Herring of Apollo Beach. "I come out here about once a month."
Herring and other discerning tomato lovers have been visiting the field this year - at U.S. 41 South and Universal Drive - since it opened for the season Oct. 20.

The patch is owned by Artesian Farms, a Ruskin-based business that has grown tomatoes in the spot for two years.

There are two tomato growing seasons - the first began in mid-October and will continue until the end of the year.

"We keep the field open until December or January or whenever it gets too cold and the vines freeze," said Linda Badgerow, office manager for Artesian Farms.

The second season starts in mid-April and continues through June.

The tomatoes are sold for 90 cents per pound or, the more popular option among customers, $10 for a five-gallon bucket.

According to Badgerow, because they are purchased in such large quantities, a lot of people prefer to can most of the tomatoes they buy to preserve them.

"It's been pretty popular with residents in the area, particularly Ruskin and Sun City Center," Badgerow said. "I think for a lot of them - going out there and picking their own tomatoes and canning them - it reminds them of their youth."
Earlene Melton, who collects money from customers at the patch several times a week, said the busiest time of day is generally in the early morning or late afternoon. The field is open every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

"I grew up in a farm in Alabama," Herring said. "I absolutely love this stuff."

Reporter John Ceballos can be reached at (813) 865-1555 or jceballos@tampatrib.com.

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