[Image: Tomatoes]The LSU AgCenter will hold a “Tomato Field Day” on Wednesday, June 11 at 5:00 PM at the Waterproof Ridge Farm located on 3719 Bayou Black Drive in Houma. Registration will begin at 4:00 PM and the program will begin at 5:00 PM and conclude by 7:00 PM. This educational program is free and open to the public.
LSU AgCenter experts will discuss traditional tomato varieties as well as those that are more disease resistant, using plastic mulch and drip irrigation, tomato disease prevention, and what variety of tomato tastes the best. According to Area Extension Agent Bobby Fletcher, Jr., a largest vine ripened tomato contest will be held in conjunction with this field day so residents can bring in their largest vine ripened tomato to be weighed between 4:00 and 5:00 PM. This is open to anyone and we are really trying to involve school students from the area plus adults as we have in the past.
The Largest Tomato contest will have three categories: youth (13 years and under); teen (14-18 years); and adult (over 19). The tomatoes for this contest must be vine ripened to be entered. Fletcher said there will be other contests for all ages to enjoy.
- The Most Perfect Tomato contest: the tomato must be vine ripened.
- The Smallest Tomato contest: the tomato must be vine ripened.
- The Ugliest Tomato contest: any ugly tomato can be entered.
- Best Decorated Tomato: children ages 13 and under and 14 to 18 are encouraged to decorate a tomato and bring it to the event to be judged for creativity.
Residents can also join in a tomato variety “taste test” to help the LSU AgCenter determine which variety being tested tastes the best. In addition, Debbie Melvin with the LSU AgCenter will be discussing the nutritional value of fruits and vegetables plus the importance of a healthy lifestyle. LSU AgCenter plant pathologist, Dr. Don Ferrin will also be discussing major tomato diseases and what you can do to prevent them in your garden.
Fletcher also states, “Residents will also have the opportunity to view peach, plum and fig trees planted on raised rows with a trickle irrigation system in place.” Over 20 varieties of figs are in this demonstration plot.
Directions to the farm: From the downtown Houma area, travel to the Barrow Street and Bayou Black Drive intersection and turn right onto Bayou Black Drive and continue 4.7 miles, turn left and go one mile. From the Thibodaux area, travel Hwy 311 until the Savanne Road intersection and turn right, go to the end of Savanne Road, cross the bayou and turn left on Bayou Black Drive, travel 1.6 miles and turn right and go one mile.
If you have a disability that requires special attention for you to be able to participate in this educational program, call 985-446-1316 at least 48 hours prior to the event. Contact information: 985-446-1316 or bhfletcher@agcenter.lsu.edu or dmelvin@agcenter.lsu.edu.