Rot and renew: Turning mouldy tomatoes into garden gains
Mouldy tomatoes need to be discarded. It's well-known that even if mould traces are small, they are no longer safe to eat. However, if you have a garden, you can sometimes make good use of them. This method will help strengthen your plants for the winter. It's a tried-and-true approach from my grandfather.
10 November 2024 18:32
Tomatoes spoil very quickly because they are extremely delicate. Although we may not buy them in large quantities like in the summer, it's important to store even a single tomato properly. And if mold appears, it's useful to know my grandfather's method.
How to harvest seeds from a rotten tomato?
Spoiled vegetables can still be useful in the garden. If mold appears only on the skin, their seeds can still be used for planting, and you'll be able to enjoy the taste of fresh vegetables next season. Here are two methods from my grandfather:
- First, extract the seeds from the mouldy tomato and discard the rest.
- Next, place the seeds in a jar, cover them with water, and set aside for a few days. This will start the fermentation process that removes the gelatinous coating, which can hinder germination.
- After about 3 to 5 days, the seeds should be ready. Rinse them thoroughly and dry them completely. Then store them in a safe place until spring.
A rotten tomato can strengthen other plants
This vegetable is also perfect for making fertilizer. Throw the mouldy tomatoes onto the compost, and soon, combined with other plant scraps, they will create a natural nutrient. In this case, you must follow strict composting rules to avoid spreading mould to other components of the fertilizer. Make sure to thoroughly shred the waste, ensure proper air circulation, and regularly dust the compost with lime or dolomite.
How to store tomatoes so they don't mould?
It's better not to store tomatoes in the refrigerator, as the humidity can accelerate mold growth. Keeping them on the kitchen counter or in an open bowl allows them to ripen evenly, keeping them fresh for a few days. That's why ventilated containers work well. Mesh baskets or ceramic bowls with holes are ideal solutions as they prevent moisture buildup, which causes rotting. Another way to extend the freshness of tomatoes is to store them with their stems, as this helps maintain their good condition and delays the wilting process.
