Gabriel Chiappetta, an 87-year-old resident of North Brunswick, received San Marzano tomato seeds from his cousin, Antonio Chiappetta, who lives in Canada, which have grown into six 13-foot tall vines. Chiappetta had to build an extension on his existing garden, since the vines outgrew the enclosure. He expects 35-40 quarts of sauce from his garden this year, which he has been tending to for the past 30 years. He also grows broccoli, savoy cabbage, red cabbage, bok choy, arugula, Swiss chard, kale, white eggplant, purple eggplant, hot peppers, zucchini, cucumbers, escarole, scallions, basil and figs. He learned his gardening skills from his parents, who farmed in Calabria, Italy. He is assisted by Francisco Hernandez. Chiappetta and his wife Rosaria will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Sept 15.
