From Seed to Sandwich, Garden Together with the MGPL Tomato Club

While I enjoy the results of gardening, I have never, ever had the desire to garden, let alone start a plant from seed. But this past year has many of us looking to new activities and hobbies. With this in mind, we here at MGPL are excited to start a Tomato Club!

What's a Tomato Club?

We were looking for library programs we could have outside, and gardening was an obvious choice. Once we settled on tomatoes as the best option for planting, I did the obligatory Google search and discovered that early 20th-century tomato clubs were created as a girl’s version of the boy’s corn clubs.

These clubs gave young girls experience in tending small gardens and instructed them in food preservation. They also served as a social activity and a way for girls to make money for themselves and their families.

With the MGPL Tomato Club, individuals and families will start out by attending one of our planting events (see below). Once you get started with your tomato seeds, check mgpl.org/tomato for additional resources and tomato-related programming to help you along the way.

We're excited for you to join us on this agricultural adventure!

Get involved

Here are some upcoming tomato-related events:

Tomato Planting (Front Lawn)
Monday, Apr. 5, 2-3:30 pm
Tuesday, Apr. 6, 10-11:30 am
Wednesday, Apr. 7, 5-6:30 pm
Get your hands dirty in the first step to growing your tomato plant. Call 847-965-4220 to reserve a 10-minute timeslot for planting.

From Seed to Garden (Online)
Tuesday, Apr. 13, 6-7 pm
Learn about the advantages of starting from seed, the tools you will need, and the process and care required to go from seed to garden.

Basics of Gardening (Online)
Tuesday, Apr. 20, 10-11 am
Learn the basics of planting in pots or in the ground, how much sunlight you really need, tips about weeding, and when to water.

The History of Tomato Clubs (Online)
Tuesday, Apr. 27, 10-11 am
Agricultural educator Gary Moore explores how Girl’s Tomato Clubs emerged in the early 20th century, how they operated, and their impact on participants and the community.

Melissa Mayberry is Adult Services Manager at Morton Grove Public Library.