Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Tomatoes

• In Italy, sow seeds indoors in late winter, transplanting outdoors after the last frost in spring.
• Plant in full sun in rich, well-drained soil and provide sturdy stakes or cages for support.
• Water consistently, especially during fruit set, to prevent blossom end rot and fruit splitting.

Onion

• Plant onion sets or seeds in early spring in a sunny spot with well-drained, fertile soil.
• Ensure consistent moisture during the growing season, but reduce watering as bulbs mature.
• Space plants 4-6 inches apart to allow bulbs to grow to full size.

Garlic

• Plant individual cloves, pointed end up, 2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart in autumn for a summer harvest.
• Choose a sunny location with rich, well-drained soil and keep the area weed-free.
• Water regularly, especially during dry spells, until the bulbs begin to swell.

Parsley

• Sow seeds in spring or early autumn in a location with partial shade and consistently moist soil.
• Parsley can be slow to germinate; soaking seeds overnight before planting can help.
• It grows well in containers, making it easy to bring indoors during colder months.

Oregano

• Plant oregano in full sun and well-drained soil; it thrives in Mediterranean-like conditions.
• It is drought-tolerant once established and can be grown from seed, cuttings, or small plants.
• Grow in pots to control its spread, as it can be quite vigorous in the garden.

• Hand-pick tomato hornworms from tomato plants and drop them into soapy water.

• Spray aphids off parsley and oregano with a strong jet of water or use neem oil for persistent infestations.

• Use floating row covers over young onion plants to protect them from onion thrips.

• Plant marigolds near tomatoes and garlic as a companion plant to deter various pests.

Tomatoes

• Pick tomatoes when they are fully colored, firm, and easily detach from the vine.
• Harvest regularly to encourage more fruit production throughout the season.

Onion

• Harvest when the onion tops turn yellow and fall over naturally.
• Loosen the soil around the bulbs and allow them to cure in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area for several weeks before storing.

Garlic

• Harvest garlic when the bottom third to half of the leaves have turned yellow, but several green leaves remain.
• Gently loosen the soil and pull up the bulbs, then cure them in a dry, shady, well-ventilated spot for a few weeks.

Parsley

• Snip outer stems close to the base as needed, allowing inner leaves to continue growing (cut-and-come-again).
• Harvest before the plant flowers, as the leaves can become bitter afterwards.

Oregano

• Snip sprigs of oregano as needed, preferably in the morning after the dew has dried.
• For drying, harvest just before the plant flowers, when the essential oil content is highest.