Tomato season is here! (And no, we’re not joking)

Yes, it’s been crazy cold and wet these last few weeks, but it’ll soon be spring in Southern California, folks, so it’s got to warm up and dry out sometime. Founder Scott Daigre will also introduce his tomato of the year: Pigletwillie’s French Black, “a very dark red with chocolate shoulders, juicy flesh and an intense, full-bodied meaty taste.” Daigre, who literally wrote the book on tomatoes, also peppers his shows with lots of “Tomato Blasts,” i.e. And no, even though the temps have been dipping below 40 in many parts of Southern California, Daigre says it’s not insane to be talking about tomatoes now. For most parts of Southern California, though, it’s fine to start planting after March 1, Daigre said. When: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day, March 1 through 10 Where: Roger’s Gardens, 2301 San Joaquin Hills Road, Corona Del Mar Cost: Free Other upcoming locations: March 9-10, the Water Conservation Garden, 12122 Cuyamaca College Drive W., El Cajon; March 15-17, Tapia Brothers Farm Stand, 5251 Hayvenhurst Ave., Encino; and March 22-23 Otto and Sons Nursery, 1835 E. Guiberson Road, Fillmore Info: rogersgardens.com, tomatomania.com/ [email protected] @jmarantos