Old Jim - My Trusty Galvanized Watering Can

A few weeks ago I was in the garden tending to my tomatoes when my son in law and my daughter arrived for a visit, I was delighted because they're such a lovely couple. He's a fine son, a computer specialist, a real techno geek and he loves his gadgets as much as he loves my daughter. And as he walked across the yard toward me I popped down my favourite garden tool, an old galvanised watering can which I'd named Old Jim, and walked over to shake his hand. We shook and he asked me what I'd been doing.

"Oh just watering the toms" I replied and waved toward the fine harvest that was almost ready to pick.

"Wow that's amazing Steve, there's enough tomatoes there to feed the whole city, what's your secret" he asked.

"Well you got to tend to them properly Jack, lots of food and plenty of water, every day. And of course my secret weapon!" I replied with a smile, glancing toward the can.

"What do you mean, that old metal watering can? What's secret about that?"

"Well I've had her for years and every single year I've had a better crop of toms and flowers than any of my buddies. I never use any special feed, I never use any special soil or water, just my trusty old galvanized watering can" I laughed and Jack laughed too.

"You really think that a watering can make all that difference, that's an amazing crop that you've got there" Jack was flabbergasted.

"Well I've got a theory if you'd like to hear it" I went on without waiting for a reply "I think that a metal watering can releases minerals into the water which nourishes the plants and make them grow strong. Hey I'm no scientist and it's just my theory but you can see the results right?" I pointed toward the tomato plants and smiled at the watering can.

"If I hadn't seen the evidence I wouldn't have believed a word of it. Maybe I actually believe you, I'm a geek right and I have to believe in the evidence that I see with my very own eyes"

"Ha, the logical approach, always the same Jack" I teased and we laughed again.

"You certainly convinced me Dad, and believe me I want to grow tomatoes just like those. In fact I think I may have to pop out and do an errand after we've eaten some of those wonderful tomatoes of your Steve"

"What's that Jack?"

"I'm going to go out and get myself a galvanized watering can Steve, and this time next year I'll have a crop as big as yours. Hey maybe we could go into business together?"

We laughed together and then retired to the kitchen for some great tomato salad, courtesy of Old Jim, my trusty galvanised watering can!

Steve is a very keen gardener and can often be seen tending his tomatoes. For more information visit galvanized watering can and watering cans