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Explore this category for:

  1.  detailed how-to’s on planting, growing and harvesting heirloom tomatoes;
  2. distinguishing the flavors and colors of different varieties;
  3. freezing, drying and cooking with heirloom tomatoes.

Gardeners, foodies and cooks all crave the tender, rich, juicy tomatoes that their grandparents grew.  Heirloom tomato varieties offer that taste memory, and it is the holy grail to grow your own.

Hybrid tomatoes are perhaps “easier” to grow as they are bred to be smooth, round, red orbs with no cracks or green shoulders, etc. If your goal is high yields, or longer storage and no unsightly attributes, then a hybrid variety might be for you. While they typically don’t have the old-fashioned taste qualities, there are some that are quite good.

This category covers the bases of growing, cooking and selecting the best plant for the intended use.

** Note: To help with tomato growing and cooking tips check out our facebook group where we share all things cooking and gardening that will help you grow your own food. Search facebook for this group. It is called “Growing (and Cooking) Your Own Food”.

14 Best Tomato Varieties Italian Kitchen Gardens

Cooks who love Italian cuisine can be very picky about their tomatoes, as a good tomato is indispensable to Italian cooking. The best Italian tomato varieties are not always available in US grocery stores however, and many a cook will therefore opt to grow their own tomatoes, whether that be in a pot on the …

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Protect Your Tomatoes from Frost for a Long Harvest

In many zones the tomato season is all too short. There are some tried and true ways to extend the tomato season however, whether it be protecting them from frost or making the best use of an early harvest. Here are some simple ways to get the most from your tomatoes, especially if you live …

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12 Best Tomatoes for Sandwiches: + Prosciutto Caprese Sandwich Recipe

Summer picnics or beach outings often involves packing up hearty sandwiches, and the last thing you want is a tomato that makes your sandwiches soggy when you unwrap your carefully made sandwich. The key to not having soggy sandwiches is to choose the right tomato, one that is meaty instead of juicy. These 11 heirloom …

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Best Heirloom Tomato Varieties by Color

This is a summary of the flavor, growth performance and unique qualities of what I consider to be the best heirloom tomato varieties in each color category. I have been growing, tasting and testing heirloom tomatoes since 1997 and this guide is based on that cumulative experience. Jump to: Orange Varieties | Yellow | Black …

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Best Tomato Supports: Cages vs Staking vs Fencing

If you are wanting to get the most tomatoes from your plant, over the longest season, and ensure that they are the highest quality, you need to consider how you will trellis them. Tomatoes are vining plants and different trellis support systems offer different benefits. Find out the the pros and cons to each method …

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How to Get the Earliest Tomatoes: Heirloom or Hybrid

When I sell the tomato plants at the Farmers’ markets in early spring, customers are always curious about which tomato varieties are the earliest to produce and what they can do to hurry it along. Here are some tips that will lead to an early harvest of tomatoes, whether they be heirlooms or hybrids. Jump …

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How to Transplant Seedlings Started Indoors to the Outdoor Garden.

Hardening off young tender plants so they can withstand the heat, wind, rain and cold swings of Spring is the most important thing you can do before transplanting seedlings to your outdoor garden, particularly if you started your plants indoors. Jump to: Step by Step for Transplanting Seedlings Outdoors | Pro Tips | Troubleshooting | …

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Sun-Dried Tomato Butter and Tomato Spreads

Using sun-dried tomatoes in a butter or a spread is the perfect way to get concentrated tomato flavor in the depths of Winter. Dry your own tomatoes with a dehydrator or use store-bought. For a tomato butter just mince the sun-dried tomatoes and stir them into softened butter. Easy and delish! Jump to: RECIPE | …

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