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Tomatomania!: A Fresh Approach to Celebrating Tomatoes in the Garden and in the Kitchen
Every spring, thousands of self-described "'maniacs" gather for a series of multi-day garden events for the largest tomato seedling sale in the Tomatomania! CEOs and soccer moms, grandmothers and hipsters, hardcore gardeners and eager first-timers—folks from every walk of life unite to celebrate this energetic rite of spring and their shared love of tomatoes.
In this practical and fun guide, Tomatomania! owner Scott Daigre provides a peek into his Ojai, California, tomato patch and details a "reality gardening" approach to growing the world's favorite summer treat. Tomatomania! walks readers through every step of the tomato gardening process, from the earliest planning stages to those final satisfying kitchen table moments of the season.
Including 20 simple yet unique recipes and numerous kitchen tips to get the most out of your tomato harvest, this comprehensive guide to growing and cooking with tomatoes will turn you, too, into a proud 'maniac!
In this practical and fun guide, Tomatomania! owner Scott Daigre provides a peek into his Ojai, California, tomato patch and details a "reality gardening" approach to growing the world's favorite summer treat. Tomatomania! walks readers through every step of the tomato gardening process, from the earliest planning stages to those final satisfying kitchen table moments of the season.
Including 20 simple yet unique recipes and numerous kitchen tips to get the most out of your tomato harvest, this comprehensive guide to growing and cooking with tomatoes will turn you, too, into a proud 'maniac!
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2011
7 people are currently reading
392 people want to read
About the author
Scott Daigre
3 books2 followersScott Daigre, avid gardener, sometimes farmer and enthusiastic landscape designer, is happiest when showcasing rare and classic tomato varieties as owner and producer of Tomatomania, the world's largest tomato seedling sale.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 13, 2022
This is a helpful book about growing tomatoes with lots of bright and attractive pictures. In addition to the information of growing healthy tomatoes, there are also several recipes in the back of the book. Tomatomania is located in California and each spring they hold a large sale around the state. It's too bad it hasn't extended to the midwest, because it is something I would enjoy attending.
February 20, 2015
I loved this book! Even as an avid gardener, this was a good, quick read. The author discusses everything from proper planting, pinching suckers and the possibility of rooting them, to what to do for diseases. He covers a lot but does it in a nontechnical way so this works for the container gardener to the backyard gardener. The 2nd half of the book is recipes, from a basic sauce to even a "Black Martini", a section of terms and resources, and an index. A great read for anyone looking to start growing tomatoes or the amateur gardener with some experience.
***this book was won in a Goodreads Giveaway, from the publisher, St. Martin's Press.****
***this book was won in a Goodreads Giveaway, from the publisher, St. Martin's Press.****
March 15, 2015
Come for the tomato how to 101, stick around for the recipes. Lots of great info. I hope to someday put it to use. Yes, I read a book on how to grow tomatoes with no intention of growing any.
April 20, 2018
I’m a novice gardner and thought this book was very informative. I think even experienced gardeners could find a lot of useful information in this book about tomatoes. Not only that, but it was such a beautiful book! Endless glossy pages of beautiful tomatoes! For a tomato lover it was almost worth just paging through to see all the different varieties presented in such a lovely way. Filled with helpful tips, many different varieties of tomatoes listed and described, and ending with some mouthwatering recipes.
March 3, 2019
Everything you ever wanted to know about growing (and eating!) tomatoes is in this book, and then some. It is a wondrous plethora of information going all the way from which containers to use for growing your precious tomatoes to harvesting; recipes consist of the last third of the book and have gorgeous full page photos to accompany them. If you consider yourself someone who would like to grow some tomatoes this year, this book is worth a read to enlighten your tomato growing skills.
February 22, 2016
WOW!! I did not expect a finished copy of this book to arrive. I thought it would be an unfinished proof, however it's finished and it........is.......Gorgeous!! This is one I need to figure out how to post pictures in reviews for. This is a book that will take little time to read and give you a lifetime of delicious awesomeness and be the constant companion for all tomato lovers and this journey!! Seriously, tomatoes are one of the best fruits and best foods ever in my humble opinion.
The book is hefty in weight, meaning a high quality book, and hefty in information!! My mind is blown.........
by Scott DaigreThe pages are thick, glossy and illustrated on nearly every page. There are main paragraphs on every page and equally as many side note/tips in boxes, there are Amazing facts, do's and do nots, the authors personal thoughts both serious and fun throughout.....things I never knew, varieties I never knew of and a World of all the things about and what you can do with.......tomatoes.
This book is eye candy before it becomes belly candy from all the things you can make with them and my God!, they look delicious. The recipes in the back I want to eat right off the pages. This book is chock full of everything and it's so easily created for the readers with much love for not only tomatoes, but for the authors love of them and wanting to share that with the world. Incredible, I'm salivating and this is also a wonderful conversation starter book as its Beautiful enough for me to call it one of my favorite types of books and that's "coffee table books". But do not leave it on your coffee table. Read It. Follow it. Create with it. Eat your creations and enjoy every.......last......bite!!
Chapters:
1. All systems go
Considering your options and finding the perfect spot for your garden
2. Stripes, Lobes, Curves & Trusses
So many tomatoes, what's the perfect strategy for you and your garden
3. Let's Go Shopping
Tomato lingo and deciphering tomato lingo
4. Plant Me Already!
Plant, water, and feed your seedlings correctly to get a solid start
5. Support Your Local Tomato
Staking, tying, and the "Do I Pinch?" question
6. The Garden Doctor Is Out
Dealing with critters and other challengers in the tomato garden
7. You Didn't Just Pick That Tomato...Did You?
Waiting for the right moment to harvest your crop
8. Let's Eat
Recipes and kitchen tips
A few recipe examples
1. Green Tomato Verde with Braised Chicken and Green Tomato Salsa
2. 'Maters and Grits with Garden Vegetables and Poached Mozzarella
3. Sam's Tomato Sourdough
4. Tomato Potato Gratin
5. Tomato Cornbread
6. You're gonna have to buy the book to see the rest and it'll be TOTALLY worth it. What I will add is the recipes for tomato paste, sauce and gravy as well as recipes for drinks, OMG!!......I have to stop there before I give all away! Check it out and Feast your way to healthy deliciousness!!
9. Tomato-logue
Note from the Author followed by a mini tomato dictionary in the back of the book
10. Resources (self explanatory)
11. Acknowledgements (also self explanatory)
12. Index (even more self explanatory)
The last four chapters are full of awesome information at your hands to reference after you've taken the journey the Author has given you.
In celebration of the incredible, versatile and delicious tomato......this book is one full of information, beauty, love and food for the stomach and soul. Eat up and Enjoy!!
I was provided a copy of this incredible book through Goodreads First Reads Program, St. Martin's Griffin Publishing, and the Author Scott Daigre for honest review and as I 'always' say, regardless of how I received a book, you will 'always' get full honesty in my thoughts! Thank you so much to the three above who gave me the opportunity to read and enjoy this wonderful book!
Amazon print format purchase link:
http://www.amazon.com/Tomatomania-App...
~*This is a Treasure*~
February 17, 2015
Given To Me For An Honest Review
Tomatomania!: A Fresh Approach by Scott Daigre is a book that should be in everyone's kitchen. With this book you'll be able to have the best and most delicious tomatoes to eat and share with your family and friends. This book has many facts about tomatoes with many do's and dont's. It also has the different varieties that tomatoes can be found in. In the back you will find some recipes. I have tried some and all I can say is YUMMY! The illustrations are beautiful and colorful. This would make a great coffee table book but don't put it there. Put it where you will know it will be used .... in your kitchen. I gave this book 5 stars but wish I could give it more. It would make a great gift and would look good with your other kitchen cookbooks. I highly recommend this book to everyone. Whether you are a new at tomato gardening or an experienced one this book is for you. I look for more from Scott Daigre.
Tomatomania!: A Fresh Approach by Scott Daigre is a book that should be in everyone's kitchen. With this book you'll be able to have the best and most delicious tomatoes to eat and share with your family and friends. This book has many facts about tomatoes with many do's and dont's. It also has the different varieties that tomatoes can be found in. In the back you will find some recipes. I have tried some and all I can say is YUMMY! The illustrations are beautiful and colorful. This would make a great coffee table book but don't put it there. Put it where you will know it will be used .... in your kitchen. I gave this book 5 stars but wish I could give it more. It would make a great gift and would look good with your other kitchen cookbooks. I highly recommend this book to everyone. Whether you are a new at tomato gardening or an experienced one this book is for you. I look for more from Scott Daigre.
April 10, 2015
I received this book for free as a Goodreads First Read.
I really did love this book, it has so much to offer. Some things Daigre said really resonated with me, I also grew up planting tomatoes with my Grandaddy, what a great memory that was brought up, it also made me chuckle how he said his Grandfather also used tons of pesticides, hey! didn't they all?!
I have not only planted tomatoes with my Grandaddy growing up, I have also planted tons of tomatoes in my own garden over the years. I get very excited about the different types and tastes...tomato nerd! :) This book really did teach me a lot I didn't know, and ways to improve the things I already know. It has everything from planning, to pests, to cooking. I am so excited to get my garden started this year and use this wealth of information!
I really did love this book, it has so much to offer. Some things Daigre said really resonated with me, I also grew up planting tomatoes with my Grandaddy, what a great memory that was brought up, it also made me chuckle how he said his Grandfather also used tons of pesticides, hey! didn't they all?!
I have not only planted tomatoes with my Grandaddy growing up, I have also planted tons of tomatoes in my own garden over the years. I get very excited about the different types and tastes...tomato nerd! :) This book really did teach me a lot I didn't know, and ways to improve the things I already know. It has everything from planning, to pests, to cooking. I am so excited to get my garden started this year and use this wealth of information!
February 24, 2015
As someone who loves to garden but is still far from the expert I looked forward to learning more about improving my tomato harvest. Reading this book I was pleasantly surprised to find so much more than mere planting guidelines.
The information in Tomatomania was not only helpful but interesting and in depth. I loved the wide variety of recipes included and can't wait to try them out. The pictures in the book are exceptional. My only complaint is that I would have liked more detailed information on growing tomatoes in colder climates with shorter growing seasons.
note- I did receive this book for review, which is 100% my own. (Had I not gotten a copy for review it is still one I would have been happy to purchase!)
The information in Tomatomania was not only helpful but interesting and in depth. I loved the wide variety of recipes included and can't wait to try them out. The pictures in the book are exceptional. My only complaint is that I would have liked more detailed information on growing tomatoes in colder climates with shorter growing seasons.
note- I did receive this book for review, which is 100% my own. (Had I not gotten a copy for review it is still one I would have been happy to purchase!)
February 5, 2015
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads Giveaway.
This book arrived yesterday morning. I spent my lunch break and evening reading it. It is informative, professional and well written.
The book is written in a very friendly format and the writer speaks directly to the reader in an easy to understand style. I felt as if the writer was a long time neighbor, who is an expert gardener, explaining to me how to grow healthy and tasty tomatoes.
The book is colorful. The pictures are excellent, filled with vivid colors.
The informative is plentiful, useful and easy to understand. The author and photographer did an amazing job. I highly recommend this book.
This book arrived yesterday morning. I spent my lunch break and evening reading it. It is informative, professional and well written.
The book is written in a very friendly format and the writer speaks directly to the reader in an easy to understand style. I felt as if the writer was a long time neighbor, who is an expert gardener, explaining to me how to grow healthy and tasty tomatoes.
The book is colorful. The pictures are excellent, filled with vivid colors.
The informative is plentiful, useful and easy to understand. The author and photographer did an amazing job. I highly recommend this book.
February 9, 2015
We have been growing tomatoes in our home vegetable garden for over 30 years and can honestly say that I have learned so much already from Tomatomania!. The book arrived yesterday and I have hardly put it down.
First of all, the photographs are gorgeous and the recipes at the end of the book mouth-watering! But more importantly, it is packed with valuable information about tomato growing that will prove incredibly useful this summer. I can't wait for our gardening season to begin.
I highly recommend this book. It is already one of my favorite First-Read wins. (Thank you!!!)
First of all, the photographs are gorgeous and the recipes at the end of the book mouth-watering! But more importantly, it is packed with valuable information about tomato growing that will prove incredibly useful this summer. I can't wait for our gardening season to begin.
I highly recommend this book. It is already one of my favorite First-Read wins. (Thank you!!!)
February 13, 2015
I love tomatoes and was excited when I won this as a Good Reads give away and I wasn't disappointed.
The book has beautiful pictures of tomatoes. Some detailed information about how best to grow tomatoes and some unusual tomato recipes that I haven't seen in other cookbooks. I'm looking forward to growing a bumper crop of tomatoes this year.
The book has beautiful pictures of tomatoes. Some detailed information about how best to grow tomatoes and some unusual tomato recipes that I haven't seen in other cookbooks. I'm looking forward to growing a bumper crop of tomatoes this year.
September 5, 2015
I received this book by way of a Goodreads giveaway and was pleased with the segments helping with growning and maintaining the tomato plants and the best time to harvest the tomatoes as well. As an added bonus the end of the book is dedicated to tomato recipes to make the best advantage of your growing efforts.
May 27, 2015
I recieved this book as a Goodreads giveaway. I found this book an easy read on everything tomatoes 101. From seeds,planting, caring for, to table, Scott Daigres book will teach you everything you need to know about growing tomtoes. Even for those of us in the Az heat! There are some wonderful recipes, and I was excited to see one for tomato gravy, something my grandma use to make :)
February 8, 2015
I was so impressed with this beautifully laid out and well written book. It is a quick read but made me feel like I am now a tomato expert! It covers everything from how to plan your garden, dealing with pests and problems and cooking and eating them. I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads Giveaway.
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May 24, 2015Disclaimer: I received the book through GoodReads First Read. My opinion is not influenced by this.
This is a really well rounded book. The pictures are great. There is plenty of information on gardening tomatoes, and there are a few recipes at the end. I'm looking forward to trying the recipes and maybe finally successfully growing some tomatoes!
This is a really well rounded book. The pictures are great. There is plenty of information on gardening tomatoes, and there are a few recipes at the end. I'm looking forward to trying the recipes and maybe finally successfully growing some tomatoes!
February 8, 2016
Wow !! This books covers Tomato's from roots to recycling. From the garden to your table it is all detailed in understandable language with lots of illustrations.
Now is the time to get this before before planting season starts. Yummy.
Now is the time to get this before before planting season starts. Yummy.
July 7, 2015
Great information, especially for a beginning gardener, gorgeous photos, and reads like a novel. A no-nonsense guide to easily growing tomatoes, while celebrating the vast options of tomato varieties. The recipes at the end are fabulous, especially the drinks.
March 1, 2015
Very informative book. this information is well organized and provides useful tips and info for the novice grower to the expert. Great pictures easy and fun to read
February 7, 2015
Just received this book in the mail and it has a lot of interesting things in it. I would recommend this book to anyone.
February 5, 2016
Won it recently. Looks like a great book, especially for gardeners who want to grow homegrown tomatoes. Very informative, with some recipes at the end.
December 11, 2015
Very readable, informational, and entertaining insights about all things tomatoes; even a few recipes.
March 13, 2016
Really well done, both in photos and wording. Conversational and upbeat. I can't wait to try the recipes! The only thing missing is a recipe for tomato pie.
May 20, 2016
I love this book almost as much as I love tomatoes, I can't wait for summer!!!
February 14, 2015
Great book for beginners or long time gardeners.
July 11, 2017
Reviewed by Holly Scudero for San Diego Book Review
The humble tomato just might be one of the most beloved plants in the quintessential summer garden. And with so many varieties out there, sometimes it’s hard to choose what kind to grow! A good old paste tomato, for sauces and such? A hearty beefsteak, to adorn burgers and salads? One of those unusually-colored and lumpy heirloom varieties?
You can read this entire review and others like it at San Diego Book Review.
The humble tomato just might be one of the most beloved plants in the quintessential summer garden. And with so many varieties out there, sometimes it’s hard to choose what kind to grow! A good old paste tomato, for sauces and such? A hearty beefsteak, to adorn burgers and salads? One of those unusually-colored and lumpy heirloom varieties?
You can read this entire review and others like it at San Diego Book Review.
May 5, 2018
Didn’t learn anything in particular about tomatoes but the pictures are pretty
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews