I was wondering if Newsday is going to have another Great Long Island Tomato Challenge this year. If I have a contender, where and when should I bring it? -- Harold Politano, Deer Park
I've gotten nearly a dozen e-mails just like yours, Harold, and I don't even have flowers on my tomato plants yet. So, yes, back by reader demand, the second annual Garden Detective Great Long Island Tomato Challenge will take place at 7 p.m. Aug. 22.
Give your plants lots of TLC over the summer and bring your heaviest fruit to Newsday headquarters (235 Pinelawn Rd. in Melville) for an official weigh-in. I'll be on hand to weigh each tomato personally, a photographer will capture the moment, and light refreshments will be served.
Winner gets a handshake, my admiration and their story and picture in an upcoming issue of Newsday and here on the Garden Detective blog - oh, and the satisfaction of being crowned Tomato King or Queen.
In the meantime, keep your stories, tomato-growing strategies and photos coming to me at jessica.damiano@newsday.com.
