April 06, 2015
Lee Reich/AP
This is a photo of tomato seedlings in small containers being prepared for transplant. Tomatoes are the most rewarding and easiest vegetable to grow as transplants.
With spring underway, now is the time to begin a vegetable garden in preparation for a summer of fresh produce. While you're at it, why not grow your own Bloody Mary station for a summer of boozy fun in the sun.
Eating Well Magazine shares a zesty homegrown Bloody Mary recipe that starts with seeds and soil, sans the vodka.
"Most store-bought Bloody Mary mix is a little thick and sodium-heavy. Nothing preserved can rival the luminous color and taste of just squeezed heirloom tomatoes," writes Serious Eats author Anna Dunn, who had the same idea.
You can begin with a garden plot (directions below) or use a one-potted plan. (Note: These are meant to be salsa gardens, but tomato/tomahto!)
Area 1 – Cilantro and Onions: 4 cilantro, 22 red onions and 10 white onions.
Area 2 – Peppers: 1 Jalapeno pepper (with cage or trellis,) 1 Red Bell pepper (with cage or trellis)
Area 3 – Tomatoes or Tomatillos. Choose either tomatoes or tomatillos. You must have two tomatillo plants for cross-pollination. 2 large red tomatoes (such as Celebrity or Amelia, with cage or trellis.) 2 Tomatillos (with cage or trellis)
