SO. MANY. TOMATOES.

What Are We Going To Do With All These Tomatoes?

Oh no, we did it again! We grew too many tomatoes. (We didn’t really, because you can never have too many tomatoes). At Sweet Farm, this year we grew 50 types of tomatoes. And now our Pay-What-You-Can Farm Cart is bursting with delicious, colorful options. We’ve given tomatoes to all our friends. And we still have more! If you’re like us, you need some ideas of what to do with all this abundance.

Here’s a few of our favorite surplus tomato ideas:

• Roast tomatoes with garlic and herbs as a side dish or sauce base.

• Prepare homemade tomato sauce for pasta or pizza.

• Slice tomatoes for sandwiches, burgers, or salads.

• Create a classic Caprese salad with tomatoes, plant based mozzarella, basil, and balsamic glaze.

• Make tomato soup or gazpacho for a refreshing cold option.

• Dry tomatoes in the oven or dehydrator to make sun-dried tomatoes.

• Stuff tomatoes with rice, plant based cheese, and herbs for a baked dish.

• Blend tomatoes into a Bloody Mary cocktail.

• Make tomato chutney or jam for a savory spread.

With tomatoes, you can’t go wrong with whatever you do with them. If you didn’t grow them yourself this year. Then you get get your fill over at Sweet Farm Provisions, with our Girl Meets Dirt Tomato Jam, Chili Lime Tomato Shrub, and our favorite Tomato Candle to set the mood.

Get Ready for Mushroom Mania

We don’t feel like we talk about mushrooms enough in our gardening newsletter. And we should, because MUSHROOMS ARE AWESOME! And as fall approaches, we can’t wait to be back out on our foraging trails looking for mushrooms.

Mushrooms offer a wide range of benefits, including being rich sources of essential nutrients such as vitamins B and D, minerals like selenium and potassium, and antioxidants that help protect cells from damage. They support immune system health through beta-glucans, which enhance the body's defense mechanisms. Additionally, mushrooms contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory and potential anticancer properties. Their low calorie and fat content make them an excellent choice for meals, while their fiber supports digestive health. Mushrooms also contribute to heart health by helping to lower cholesterol and regulate blood pressure. The list of amazing things about mushrooms is endless!

Here at Sweet Farm, we work with an incredible nearby mushroom farm called Hawk Meadow Farm. They’ve helped us get over 400 mushroom logs into our forest so that we’re always bursting at the seams with fresh mushrooms. They also make amazing health tinctures, which we sell over at Sweet Farm Provisions.

How to Make a Mushroom Log

Materials Needed (We recommend North Spore for your supplies!):

• Fresh hardwood logs (oak, maple, or beech, about 3–6 inches in diameter and 3–4 feet long)

• Mushroom spawn (plug spawn or sawdust spawn of your preferred edible mushroom variety)

• Drill with a 5/16-inch drill bit (if using plug spawn)

• Wax (cheese wax or beeswax)

• Hammer or mallet (if using plug spawn)

• Brush or small paintbrush

• Wax melting pot or double boiler

• Plastic bags or tarp

• Spray bottle with water

Steps:

1. Choose and Prepare the Log:
   Select a freshly cut hardwood log. Cut it within 2 weeks of removal from the tree to ensure the wood is still moist enough for fungal growth. Avoid logs exposed to direct sunlight or extreme dryness.

2. Drill the Log:
   If using plug spawn, drill holes about 1 inch deep, spaced 4-6 inches apart along the length of the log, in a diamond pattern around the circumference. Make the holes about 6 inches apart vertically.

3. Inoculate the Log:
   Insert plug spawn into each hole using a hammer or mallet, or fill holes with sawdust spawn using a small scoop or your fingers. Ensure the spawn is well embedded.

4. Seal the Holes:
   Melt the wax and use a brush or small paintbrush to seal each inoculation hole. This helps retain moisture and protects the spawn from contamination.

5. Incubate the Log:
   Place the log in a shaded, humid area, leaning it slightly off the ground to allow air circulation. Cover loosely with a tarp or plastic to maintain humidity but avoid sealing it completely to prevent overheating.

6. Maintain Moisture:
   Check the log regularly and mist with water if it feels dry. The log should maintain moisture similar to a wrung-out sponge.

7. Wait for Fruiting:
   Depending on the mushroom species and environmental conditions, mushrooms may begin to fruit in 6 to 12 months. Once fruiting begins, harvest the mushrooms when caps open but before the gills release spores.

8. Repeat Fruiting:
   Continue to water and care for the log. Mushroom logs can produce fruit for several years depending on the type of mushroom and log condition.

BEGINNER GARDENING SPOTLIGHT: Mushroom Blocks

OYSTER MUSHROOM GROW KIT

Don’t want to mess with logs and spawn at home? Dive into the world of tropical mushroom cultivation with a Pink Oyster Mushroom fruiting block. Each block is meticulously colonized and ready to produce. You’ll have homegrown mushrooms in no time!