Vol 2-4
We all know the sweet satisfying crunch of biting into watermelon on a hot summer day. There is ancient evidence of watermelon cultivation. In Egypt, there were watermelons depicted in King Tut's tomb. In Libya, watermelon seeds were found in a 5000 year old settlement. They are mentioned in ancient Greek and Hebrew texts. But these ancient melons were not the delicious and sweet fruit we know today. Ancient watermelons were cultivated for just that: water. They were bitter or bland, but were juicy. They could be stored until the dry season for nourishment.
After centuries of cultivation, there is evidence that sweetness was selectively cultivated. Proof of the sweetening of the watermelon can be found in a Hebrew text from 200 A.D. accounting of tithings. Watermelons are listed with other sweet fruits such as pomegranate, fig, and grapes. Early watermelons were yellow, orange, and later red. The red gene is paired with the sugar gene. By the 14th century, Italians were commissioning lavish paintings of the sweet pink fruit. Renaissance paintings continued to show the variation in the development of the fruit we know today. Watermelon evolved from a mode of hydration to a dessert.
After centuries of cultivation, there is evidence that sweetness was selectively cultivated. Proof of the sweetening of the watermelon can be found in a Hebrew text from 200 A.D. accounting of tithings. Watermelons are listed with other sweet fruits such as pomegranate, fig, and grapes. Early watermelons were yellow, orange, and later red. The red gene is paired with the sugar gene. By the 14th century, Italians were commissioning lavish paintings of the sweet pink fruit. Renaissance paintings continued to show the variation in the development of the fruit we know today. Watermelon evolved from a mode of hydration to a dessert.
Today the watermelon is a cultural staple; Harry Styles, the boy band heartthrob, croons "Watermelon Sugar", their seeds fuel childhood folklore (recall Tommy Pickels on a mission to save Chuckie Finster), a signature of Gallagher's iconic Sledge-o-Matic comedy bit, Baby's lucky charm in Dirty Dancing ("I carried a watermelon" anyone?), lunch for a Very Hungry Caterpillar, the exploding star of a fruit stand demolition in a blockbuster car chase, a symbol of summer, and a historic symbol freedom after emancipation. The watermelon is inherently social, they're meant to be shared.
Watermelon are a diverse ingredient. One could add some tomato, peppers, garlic, herbs, and vinegar, now you have gazpacho. It can be served with feta and mint in a salad. Blend it with tequila and lime for a sweet margarita. Simple wedges of watermelon are a classic side for any summer cookout. Drill a hole in a watermelon and add vodka, now you have a party.
In our garden, growing an award-winning watermelon may be just out of reach. These giant berries grow on vines that can grow up to 20 feet long. With great care, growing a watermelon in your plot is certainly possible, and what a prize it would be.
Fresh from the Garden Recipes -
Watermelon Feta Salad
Ingredients
1/2 of a seedless watermelon
4 oz of crumbled feta
1/2 cup basil or mint leaves
2-4 Tbsps balsamic glaze
1/2 cup pistachios
Directions
Cut the watermelon into cubes. Place onto a platter or into a serving bowl.
Spread the pistachios over the watermelon.
Sprinkle the crumbled feta on top.
Chiffonade the herb leaves and distribute over the watermelon. (See how to chiffonade here)
Drizzle the balsamic glaze decoratively over the top.
Gardener Spotlight
April Joy Roberts
Plot #14
Tell us about your family:
I was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I am the youngest of three siblings.
hat is your favorite restaurant in Chicago?: Boka
What do you enjoy most about Lake Michigan?:
Fond memories of boating with my Aunt and Uncle in Ludington, Michigan. I also love riding my bike along the lakefront.
Did you garden as a child?:
Yes, I observed while my grandparents, parents and extended family gardened at their homes and farms.
Who gardens with you now?:
Francis is my next door neighbor and garden buddy. We both have a garden at ITCG and Clarendon Park and meet up throughout the week to tend to our gardens together.
What inspired you to join the community garden?:
Gardening is relaxing, meditative and a creative outlet for me. I also love the produce and the community that ITCG creates.
What has been your most successful foray in gardening?:
The first year of ITCG I was surprised to see several very small watermelon grow.
I also love that it produces a bounty of some of my favorites like herbs, cherry tomatoes, green beans and collard greens.
What are you most excited to grow in your plot this year?:
I am excited to grow some of my favorites each year such as green beans, turnips and collard greens.
What do you wish you had space to grow?:
Sweet potatoes, watermelon, spaghetti squash
Any plans for garden decor (seasonal or not)?:
I always add Michigan flair. Go Blue!
Jim Rozich
Plot #30
Tell us about your family:
I am a lifelong Chicagoean, growing up here and in Oak Park. Now I live here with my wife Vicky. Before that we were in Phoenix AZ for 15 years raising our kids.
What is your favorite restaurant in Chicago?: My favorite restaurant in Chicago is Bar Roma because they have a wonderful gnocchi with scallops.
Sox or Cubs?: Cubs
What do you enjoy most about Lake Michigan?: the beach vibe
Do you prefer the smell of rain, fresh cut grass, or fall leaves?: rain
What is your favorite flower?: Roses
Who gardens with you now?: My wife Vicky
What has been your most successful foray in gardening?:
not having killed anything
What are you most excited to grow in your plot this year?: flowers
What is your favorite thing to cook or cocktail to mix?:
to drink margaritas and to cook shrimp pad thai
Any plans for garden decor (seasonal or not)?: Yes and our gnome is in there
Good News
Our video submission is in. The collective effort to submit photos and videos made this project really shine. We hope you all enjoy the video highlighting community garden and all of your effort in making it beautiful.
Check out the Chicago Excellence in Gardening Awards YouTube channel and vote!
Please share with friends and family to rally votes before August 15th when the contest ends.
Ask Rose
Dear Rose,
I think my tomatoes might be sick. How did this happen and how do I fix it?
From,
Sad Tomatoes
Dear Sad Tomatoes,
Your tomatoes might have blight. Blight is a family of diseases caused by fungus-like organisms that can affect tomatoes at any point in the growing season. Your tomato leaves may start turning yellow before turning a dark brown. It's best to address this before it spreads to the fruits themselves. Cut off all affected leaves. Spread mulch around the base of the plant to prevent the spread of spores. The fungus spores are usually spread by splashing water, so avoid watering late in the day so the water can evaporate. Try to water the ground instead of the leaves themselves. For a natural fungicide, the USDA recommends using a heaping tablespoon of baking soda, a teaspoon of vegetable oil, and a small amount of mild soap to a gallon of water and spraying the tomato plants with this solution. This needs to be reapplied regularly to maintain its efficiency. Although caring for tomatoes can be a little complicated, nothing compares to an sun-ripened, in season, juicy red fruit.
Your Blight-Busting Buddy,
Rose
Rose
Find more helpful hints for opening your garden on our Resources page.
Comments