NBindy_3.3.23 | Page 4

4 newportbeachindy . com MARCH 3 , 2023

LOCAL FOCUS

Tomatomania ! Returns to Roger ’ s Gardens March 3-12

By NB Indy Staff
Are you crazy about tomatoes ? If so , Roger ’ s Gardens is the place to be in March when Tomatomania ! – billed as “ the world ’ s largest ( and most fun ) tomato plant sale ” – returns for the 12th year March 3 through 12 .
Scott Daigre , owner of Powerplant Garden Design based in Ojai , and his staff of Tomatomaniacs offer an astonishing selection of over 250 varieties of heirloom and hybrid tomato plants , including new varieties for 2023 .
Tomatomania ! events are each unique , with the largest and longest running California sale welcoming thousands of tomato lovers to an extravaganza showcasing heirloom and hybrid tomato varieties . Featuring everything from pots and fertilizer to stakes and enthusiastic expert advice , these events are the one-stop shop for growing great-tasting tomatoes in your own backyard . It ’ s a crazy celebration of America ’ s favorite garden vegetable .
Connect with other tomato enthusiasts and immerse yourself in videos and live streams that will make you want to learn more about these special plants . Experts will answer any questions to ensure a successful tomato season .
During the event , Tomatomania ! and Roger ’ s Gardens will be introducing the Tomato of the Year : Dwarf Melanie ’ s Ballet , a beautiful , robust pink , plum shaped , 3-5 oz . dwarf tomato . This new , early , prolific producing tomato offers a solid tomato taste . It is great for most uses , but since it ’ s meaty it can be best used as a sauce tomato . This little tomato packs a big punch of flavor , making it the perfect choice for gardeners and tomato enthusiasts alike .
One of the things that sets Dwarf Melanie ’ s Ballet apart is the plants ’ size . While some gardeners might be hesitant to grow a small tomato , its size is actually its superpower . Dwarf Melanie ’ s Ballet is perfect for gardeners who grow in containers or raised beds , as it takes up less space than larger varieties . This also means you can plant more tomatoes per square foot , which will increase your harvest potential . And with an early harvest , even the most impatient gardener will be satisfied .
This tomato is a true multi- purpose variety , perfect for slicing and eating on its own , in salads , roasted , or used in any sauce preparation . Its meaty texture makes it ideal for any recipe you can dream up , and since it produces so well , you can even freeze some for later in the year .
For more information on Tomatomania ! including tips on selecting , planting , growing and cooking tomatoes , visit https :// www . rogersgardens . com / pages / tomatoes-peppers .

Staff

EDITORIAL
EDITOR Christopher Trela christopher @ newportbeachindy . com
DESIGN / PRODUCTION
CREATIVE & MARKETING DIRECTOR Tracy Powell
JUNIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ashley Littlefield
SALES
ADVERTISING SALES TEAM Julie Coleman , Carol Josepher , Chris Mattingley
PRODUCTION MANAGER Tina Leydecker tina @ firebrandmediainc . com
SALES / MEDIA PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Taryn Metkovich
ADVERTISING & CIRCULATION : Tel : 949-715-4100 | Fax : 949-715-4106
PUBLISHER EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Steve Zepezauer
CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER / PUBLISHER Scott Sanchez
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Tiffany Thompson
MAILING ADDRESS : 900 Glenneyre Street , Suite B , Laguna Beach , CA 92651 | Tel : 949-715-4100 | Fax : 949-715-4106 | www . newportbeachindy . com
HOW TO CONTACT THE CITY COUNCIL
* indicates term limit
INDY LETTER POLICY
Please limit topics to local concerns , and try to keep to 500 words or less . Letters may be edited for clarity , length , or appropriateness ; we reserve the right to not run a letter . Please supply name and contact info , although only name and city will be printed . Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Firebrand Media or its employees .
District 1 Joe Stapleton ( 2026 ) Councilmember jstapleton @ newportbeachca . gov
District 2 Brad Avery ( 2024 ) Councilmember
BAvery @ NewportBeachCa . gov
District 3 Eric Weigand ( 2026 ) Councilmember eweigand @ newportbeachca . gov
District 4 Robyn Grant ( 2026 ) Councilmember rgrant @ newportbeachca . gov
District 5 Noah Blom ( 2024 ) Mayor nblom @ newportbeachca . gov
District 6 Lauren Kleiman ( 2026 ) Councilmember lkleiman @ newportbeachca . gov
District 7 Will O ’ Neill ( 2024 ) Mayor Pro Tem woneill @ newportbeachca . gov