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I'm not sure what the author of the $64 tomato intented to convey... he spent $16k out of the gate on a new hobby, then calculated that his tomatoes cost $64 ea

I'm not sure what the author of the $64 tomato intented to convey... he spent $16k out of the gate on a new hobby, then calculated that his tomatoes cost $64 each. Wanna know how much my tomatoes cost in my first garden? 1 food-grade plastic bucket, with holes drilled in the bottom: $5 ($60 or so if you include the drill and drill bit. I already owned a drill. I could have used a screwdriver and a hammer, or a nail and a rock, but whatever) 1 gallon of soil ($10 if you count the entire bag. I used the rest for other things, but we'll count the entire bag here) Chicken wire to protect it ($30 if you count the entire roll. I used a few feet. I used the rest in other places.) Some bamboo to use as a trellis (I don't remember. $5? $3? Lets say $5) soo... $110, including a drill and a bunch of extras. I'm on my third year with this setup. First year, I got about 20 tomatoes? Next year, none (whoops. It happens). This year, looking like I'll get another 20. 20/110=$5 each 40/110=$2.75 each but, that's just one plant. I have three, so, it's really closer to 60+0(I goofed last year)+60 120/110=$1. Hey, we're cheaper than the store here, and it'll be better next year. If we leave out the drill and only calculate the costs per plant, and include the rest of the garden, I came out ahead in the first year. Just... don't buy friggin cedar posts, wraught iron gates, spend $8k on design (!?! what're you doing ?!?!)... and your garden will make more sense than this guy's Instagram-worthy waste of money.

staycoolboy 6y ago
Good for you! You win the tomato grower prize! The story is about an obsession that is also a backstory for a larger narrative about consumerism. If that doesn't interest you, fine, just admit it. You clearly didn't read the book, so why bother commenting how good you are at growing tomatos? And, lol, this book took place two decades before Instagram but it was largely anticipating it, but you didn't read the book so the irony is lost.
- notASmartGuy12 6y ago
  take a drink man, relax. It makes more sense when you say there's a backstory about consumerism in there. Because saying "Hey, we have $64 tomatoes," on a blog entry that doesn't mention the rest of the book's focus on consumerism, with the scant details on the blog, comes off as "don't bother gardening, it costs a lot more than the store." And no, I haven't read the book, but now that I know what it's about, it doesn't seem necessary. People buying unnecessary stuff to look good led to an unnecessarily expensive outcome.

staycoolboy 6y ago

Good for you! You win the tomato grower prize! The story is about an obsession that is also a backstory for a larger narrative about consumerism. If that doesn't interest you, fine, just admit it. You clearly didn't read the book, so why bother commenting how good you are at growing tomatos? And, lol, this book took place two decades before Instagram but it was largely anticipating it, but you didn't read the book so the irony is lost.

notASmartGuy12 6y ago
take a drink man, relax. It makes more sense when you say there's a backstory about consumerism in there. Because saying "Hey, we have $64 tomatoes," on a blog entry that doesn't mention the rest of the book's focus on consumerism, with the scant details on the blog, comes off as "don't bother gardening, it costs a lot more than the store." And no, I haven't read the book, but now that I know what it's about, it doesn't seem necessary. People buying unnecessary stuff to look good led to an unnecessarily expensive outcome.