By Elaine Pile, Nebraska Extension Master Gardener
To stem or not to stem, that is the question! Tomatoes should be exhibited at the fair without stems and should be displayed blossom end up. Vine crops such as squash, pumpkin, and watermelon should have stems left on and trimmed to the length recommended in the fair book and 4-H publication. Kale and chard should be exhibited with stems in a jar of cold water, as well as herbs like basil, oregano, parsley, and thyme. To stem or not depends on the crop!!Â