March 17--So you forgot to save seeds from last year's yummy Cherokee Purple heirloom tomato plant and there just wasn't time to sow Yellow Brandywine seeds on your window sill?
No problem. Tomatomania! -- the annual spring pop-up sale of hundreds of tomato seedlings -- returns to Tapia Brothers Farm Stand in Encino starting Friday.
The largest event in the traveling series will feature nearly 300 heirloom and hybrid tomato varieties as well as accessories for a successful harvest such as pots -- ceramic and plastic containers are not the best choice for growing tomatoes -- fertilizer and plant stakes.
Last year's event at Tapia Brothers sold out but don't let that discourage you. Organizer Scott Daigre said they are preparing for a big crowd and will receive multiple deliveries throughout each day. "That way you don't all have to be there at 9 a.m.," he said.
If you want to take your time and explore the different plant varieties, Daigre recommends an early afternoon arrival after all the hysteria dies down. That way, backyard gardeners can "take their time to look through the selection and talk intently with the tomatomaniacs on staff. It's hard to do that at the busiest time," Daigre said.
Tomatomania! plant sales
March 18-20: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, rain or shine. Tapia Brothers Farm Stand, 5251 Hayvenhurst Ave., Encino. Wear your Tomatomania! t-shirt and get 10% off your purchase.
March 30: Surfas Culinary District: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., 8777 West Washington Blvd., Culver City.
April 1-3: Descanso Gardens: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1418 Descanso Drive, La Ca Flintridge. General admission $9. Seniors 65 and older/Students $6. Children (5 to 12) $4. Children under 5 free.
April 2: Ojai Valley School: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 723 El Paseo Road, Ojai.
April 6: Los Angeles Arboretum class and sale: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia.
April 8-9: Otto Sons: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 1835 E. Guiberson Road, Fillmore.
April 9: Encinitas Union School District Farm Lab: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 441 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas.
April 23-24: CornerStone Gardens: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 23570 Arnold Drive, Sonoma.
April 30: Trione Vineyards and Winery: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 19550 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville.
lisa.boone@latimes.com
Twitter: lisaboone19
