I’ve always wondered how vegetables get from the field to my table… and now I get to find out.

I’m heading to Minnesota to meet the folks that put the jolly in Jolly Green Giant.

As one of 24 bloggers invited on a Green Giant Valley Visit, I’m going to get a behind-the-scenes view of the Agriculture Research Center, Seed Vault, test plant, and corn fields.

They’ve even promised a ride on a tractor.

If you’ve followed my writing on WesternGardeners.com, you know that many companies send me free seeds, plants, books, and other gardening products to try in my own garden and then write about. I’ve tried many new things that I otherwise wouldn’t have known about and I’ve always shared my candid insights.

This trip is similar. General Mills and Green Giant are sponsoring the event hoping that I’ll share my experiences with you. I’m encouraged to express my honest opinions about any products or services they provide as part of the Valley Visit Program.

The truth about tomatoes is evident when tastefully arranged in a 1930s vintage glass bowl. “Scientifically speaking, a tomato is definitely a fruit.”

It’s the first of September and now that tomatoes are being eaten at every meal, it’s easy to say gardening here is just a bowl of cherry tomatoes.

The frustrations of a cold spring are a distant memory with such a bountiful harvest of tomatoes.

I planted 13 different kinds of tomatoes–and this fruit bowl is filled with 12 of them. The Giant Belgiums won’t be ready for a while.

On display here are Sungold, Crimson Carmello, Tomaccio, Sweet Treats, Supersweet 100, and Early Girl mixed together with heirloom tomato varieties Black Prince, Black Krim, Yellow Pear, Great White, Yellow Taxi, and Stupice.

It would be hard for me to choose a favorite from this bowl because all are delicious in their own way.