Aunt Ruby's German Green, Sundrop Cherry, Purple Russian, Green Zebra, & Speckled Roman Tomatoes: just part of last season's harvest.
My three favorite days of the year are:
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas
- The day we eat the first tomato straight off the vine in the garden
This weekend is when the journey to #3 begins! #3 is the day when all of your hard work pays off, and you suddenly understand what all this gardening nonsense is all about.
Garden tomatoes are absolutely delicious–they will make you never want to eat store bought again. (For a great post about just this subject, check out: $25 a pound for tomatoes — bargain or foolishness? | Views and Mews by Coffee Kat (also some good tips there about critters in the garden)).
Keep in mind that each tomato plant will need about 4 square feet of space in your garden. (Actually a tomato plant needs a circle 2 feet in diameter, the area of which is Pi square feet. Coincidence that a pizza pie is covered with tomato sauce?)
While it’s tempting to plant 10 different varieties (which I do), first figure out how much space you actually have to plant your tomatoes when you move them into the garden, then decide what to plant. I usually suggest getting a variety of types of tomatoes:
- Globe tomatoes: The all-purpose tomato. These are usually 3-5 inches in diameter. Can be diced or cut into wedges for salads, or sliced for sandwiches.
- Beefsteak tomatoes: Bigger varieties. These are perfect if you want a big fat slice to top your burger.
- Plum tomatoes: Great for everything from salads to salsas to sauces.
- Cherry and grape tomatoes: Perfect for salads. They are also a fantastic snack when you are out there weeding. Just pluck straight off the vine and pop them into your mouth.
If you haven’t read my post on planning your garden, start there, then go plant those tomato seeds!
Additional Resources:
Lesson #3: The Plan
Lesson #4: Planting the Seed
$25 a pound for tomatoes — bargain or foolishness? | Views and Mews by Coffee Kat
Raising the Root 