Make the Most of Tomato Season This Thursday

Broadcast Premiere Thursday, June 11 at 8 PM

“That’s when you know it’s good, when the mayo gets all over your beard,” Garden Party host Trace Barnett says after taste testing the tomato sandwich he put together in his garden. That classic taste of summer is what he worked all spring for.

Director/Producer Jess Lingle said the thought behind this episode was accessibility. A recipe for all skill and energy levels.

“Have [tomatoes] three different ways,” she said. “Have them the whole season in a more complicated dish or a really simple, classic sandwich.”

In the finale, Trace closes out the sun-kissed 4th season with summer’s ultimate treasure, a tomato sandwich. He also walks through how to build his delicious Fried Green Tomato Stacks. But a tomato episode wouldn’t be complete without a trip over to Wildflower Cafe in Mentone, Alabama to try their famous tomato pie.

Trace Barnett (left) and Moon (Wildflower Cafe owner)

A Southern Delicacy

Mentone’s Wildflower Cafe is located on Lookout Mountain. For over 20 years, the cafe has been serving up soulful, southern bites inside a cozy 120-year-old house. The owner, Moon, said the kitchen goes through 75-100 pounds of Roma tomatoes a week, primarily for their famous tomato pie. During the episode, Trace learns the story of how the tomato pie recipe came to be during an intimate conversation with Moon on the front porch.

Everything A Southerner Loves

Get ready to add this to your summer shindig menu! Trace elevates fried green tomatoes with his golden Fried Green Tomato Pimento Cheese Stack recipe, topped with smoky bacon, creamy homemade pimento cheese, and a tangy drizzle of Alabama white barbecue sauce.

“If this doesn’t encompass everything a southerner loves, I don’t know what does,” Trace notes.

What’s In Store Next Season?

The next season, airing in Fall 2026, will take advantage of the autumn bounty, like apples and pumpkins, and show viewers how to preserve their hard work in the garden for the winter months.

“It’s building off of season one with a combination of garden and homemaking tips, plus really celebrating specialties of the season,” Lingle said.

In the second half of season 5, holiday dishes, traditional recipes and entertaining tips will take centerstage.

“The winter episodes are really, really heavy on party snacks and special holiday dishes, and very southern, traditional recipes,” she explained. “That’s kind of the big theme for winter, entertaining and traditional southern recipes. So for the fall, you’re enjoying what you’ve been growing all summer and then in the winter, it’s about leaning more into those southern traditions.”

Watch the Garden Party season 4 finale Thursday, June 11 at 8 p.m. on APT Broadcast or the PBS app. Catch up on all of Trace’s travels this season here.