> Traverse Magazine May 2007 > Grow a PizzaGrow a Pizza
Plant a pizza garden in a pot with this kid-friendly backyard project.
Mar 4, 2008 Lynda Twardowski
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Fill the pot with an equal-parts mixture of potting soil, peat moss and vermiculite, plus the recommended amount of slow-release (14-14-14) fertilizer for your container size.
After the danger of frost has passed, plant a paste-worthy tomato plant: short, large-load varieties like Roma and Viva Italia tomatoes work well. At least 12 inches from the base of the tomato, plant basil, oregano and - if you have room - a few bulbs of garlic and green onions.
Encourage the kids to water regularly and teach them to pinch off tomato plant suckers (the skinny sprouts that grow between the main stem and branches). Basil and oregano leaves can be harvested throughout the summer - pinch from the top to encourage new growth and keep plants bushy and squat, not skinny and scraggly.
In about 80 days, depending on variety, the tomatoes will ripen. At harvest time, wash and dice them, use a potato masher to create a paste and let simmer with herbs, garlic and onion. Spread the homemade sauce on dough, add cheese and favorite toppings and enjoy!
Lynda Twardowski is assistant editor at Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine.
lmt@traversemagazine.com
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