Early Problems withTomato Seedlings | 6 Common Issues
Signs of Nutritional Deficiencies in Heirloom Tomato Seedlings and solutions to help prevent a range of tomato diseases
Heirloom Tomatoes
Explore this category for:
- detailed how-to’s on planting, growing and harvesting heirloom tomatoes;
- distinguishing the flavors and colors of different varieties;
- 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”.
Best Seed Catalogs for Heirloom Tomatoes (2023)
These are the top 5 seed catalogs for heirloom tomatoes based on selections for flavor, growth habits and cost
LED vs Fluorescent Lights for Starting Seeds Indoors
There are very scientific, detailed studies available regarding indoor seed starting with LED lights. This post is a summary of my experience using both LED and fluorescent lights as grow lights for starting tomato and pepper seeds indoors. Jump to: LED vs Fluorescent | Cost Comparison | LED Impact on Seedlings | Troubleshooting | Video …
Best Heirloom Tomatoes for Sauces or Salads
Whether you want to use heirloom tomatoes for making a spaghetti sauce, a caprese salad, a tomato tartine or a simple BLT, it is important to choose the right tomato for your intended use. This roundup of heirloom tomatoes will help you decide the best variety to select at a farmers’ market or to grow …
Best Tasting Heirloom Tomatoes: (sweetest to most robust)
The color of heirloom tomatoes can often relate to a particular flavor profile. This post examines the most popular colors and flavors of heirloom tomatoes
How to Choose the Right Tomato or Pepper Variety
When you are ready to select the heirloom tomatoes or peppers you want to grow it is helpful to clarify your end use and select accordingly
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 VarietiesYellowBlackStripedPinkRedRoma typesCherry types What to …
Ukrainian Borscht with tomatoes and beets: (meatless)
Borscht is typically known as the Ukrainian soup made with beetroot as the main ingredient. In some Eastern and Central European countries however, borscht is made with tomatoes as the main ingredient with beetroot as a secondary ingredient. Apparently other non-beet varieties also exist (such as green borscht made with sorrel), but this recipe is …
Best Tomato Supports: Cages vs Staking vs Fencing
Many people who are new to growing heirloom tomatoes in the ground start with a tomato plant, a bag of fertilizer and a tomato “cage” purchased at a garden center. Here are some alternatives to typical tomato cages that will result in more tomatoes, a longer season for tomatoes and higher quality tomatoes. This support …
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 …
Preventing Cracking in Heirloom Tomatoes
Tips on preventing cracking or splitting of heirloom tomato skins – why they crack, how to avoid it & best varietites to choose.
Growing Tomatoes Upside Down in the Topsy Turvy Planters
How to grow Heirloom Tomatoes Upside Down in the Topsy Turvy Planters for growing edibles in city gardens
Blossom End Rot in Tomatoes: Prevention & Cures
Blossom end rot is a common disease that occurs in tomatoes, particularly if growing tomatoes in pots. Here are tips for prevention and cures
Tips on Buying Heirloom Tomato Plants: What to Look for (and Avoid)
Buying heirloom tomato plants can be confusing. Here are tips on what to look for in terms of health and growing conditions.
Tips to Harden off Tomato Seedlings Before Transplanting Outside
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 in your garden, particularly if you started your plants indoors. Jump to: Step by Step for Transplanting Seedlings OutdoorsPro TipsTroubleshootingVideo For me, hardening off young plants …