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Six Sentence Story: Where There's a Will. . .

The word "impossible" isn't in my family's dictionary, and I am proud of the examples I have of loved ones who have tackled difficult tasks.  Today's Six Sentence Story is one of those examples that really impressed me as a child, and still impresses me.  This week's prompt:  Will.

Everyone knows that homegrown tomatoes are superior to what you can find in the store, but what can you do when you live in Sisters, Oregon, where the growing season is short?  

Grandpa knew just what to do; he went out to the backyard and started digging a hole deep enough for a man to stand up in, and long enough and wide enough to plant more than enough tomatoes for himself and Grandma.  

Some naysayers might have questioned his plan, but the garden bunker gradually took shape.  The transparent roof went on, the watering system was installed, the beds were ready to plant.  That year, Grandpa spent a lot of time underground, and his efforts paid off in a spectacular fashion. 

Thanks to the insulating earth, the warmth inside that underground greenhouse extended the growing season significantly, and homegrown tomatoes became a nearly year-round crop for Grandpa and Grandma.  

Photo:  Grandpa stands next to a massive tomato plant which is growing in his underground greenhouse.

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Thanks for hardworking, innovative relatives.

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  1. You are right. There is nothing as delicious as homegrown tomatoes. I long for the Jersey ones that come in the summer. They taste life sunshine and sugar. The underground greenhouse is an amazing idea.

    1. I think he took a page out of my dad's book, because my dad built an earth-sheltered home at about that same time. :-)

  2. The underground greenhouse is exactly what the Benson Institute teaches South Americans who live at high altitudes to do to be able to grow fresh vegetables for their families. It's a heartwarming story of teaching people self-reliance.

    1. Wow--who knew? (Well, obviously, you did.) I guess my grandpa was ahead of the times!

    2. I mis-remembered; Although I believe it began with the Benson Institute, it is now run by LDS Charities and the church. Here's another video.

    3. Very cool! Thanks for sharing!

  3. Now they call them heirloom tomatoes. Fancy for home grkwn.

  4. That's just awesome!! What a clever idea, and look how well it worked! I bet he took a lot of teasing about his underground garden that first season! :-) That expression is one I heard often growing up, and I absolutely believe it's true.

  5. There is nothing better than fresh tomatoes in season. And nothing worse than the tasteless out of season ones. :( I love your story and I am now very excited for summer tomato time!

  6. How wonderful! Sounds your your grandfather was up for a challenge.

  7. very cool
    (It is always something to see examples of very intelligent people at work solving a problem, particularly when they just work it out, as opposed to (I'm assuming studying and consulting experts).

  8. What a wonderful account of your grandfather's creativity. Amazing ....


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