A Different Route to Rooting

Summer days proved themselves, once again, labile. One day it would be overcast, the next we would hit miserable 100+ temps across the Southland. We're hanging on to the last bits of summer-like weather.  And my tomato plants have all but vanished. Though leaving the watering task to my neighbor's kid while I went on vacation may have been part of the issue, I think the weather's unpredictability coupled with my suboptimal soil could have largely contributed to the problem.  I say that because despite the tomato's demise, my cucumber plants continued to flower and blossom with same quality soil. Ideally, composting would be the way to go. But at this time it remains the impractical option.

With soil being my ongoing point of contention, a peculiar discovery reminded me of nature's sweet surprises amidst disappointing outcomes.  I was watering my veggie plants yesterday morning,  and as I walked back to the water source, just behind the coiled hose, I noticed for the first time a random tomato plant, all by itself had taken root.  And in sandy soil for that matter!   Very strange.  So I thought it either cross pollinated, or somehow, I, with my less than perfect seed-sowing skills, must have inadvertently dropped a seed near that spot.  What a delight. I tugged a bit, in disbelief,  and it looks solidly planted underground.  So, will see how this little guy turns out, and what kind of variety will emerge :)