Wiscasset Middle High School science classes planted seeds of 18 varieties of heirloom tomato plants in early April for the annual Morris Farm Community Plant Sale. By May 2 the seedlings were large enough to transplant into the 4-inch pots that will hold them until the sale set for 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, May 19, at the Morris Farm, 156 Gardiner Road in Wiscasset.
Several adult volunteers from Morris Farm assisted the students in the project under the guidance of biology teacher Ralph Keyes. Morris Farm Co-President Merry Fossel, who spearheaded this long-term collaboration with the school, talked to the students about the Morris Farm’s programs and thanked them for helping with the tomato project, according to a news release from the farm.
Students learned how to transplant the plants without damaging the roots and how to nurture the seedlings. They also learned about heirloom tomatoes — naturally pollinated (or self-fertilized) tomatoes whose seeds have often been handed down for many generations.
Nearly 500 seedlings will be available for sale. The array of plants include slicing, paste and cherry tomatoes that are red, yellow, orange, purple, green and a deep red that is called black.
The sale also will include hardy Maine-grown perennials and herbs from local gardens, along with a few annual flower and vegetable seedlings.
For more information, visit www.morrisfarm.org, email info@morrisfarm.org or call 882-4080.
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