Heirloom Tomatoes

I'm somewhat known for my heirloom tomatoes with their funny appearance and unique tastes.  While most people focus on the productive capability of the hybrid varieties such as Celebrity, there are some advantages in heirloom tomatoes including taste, interest, a longer production season and, of course, FUN!.  I include both in my garden to ensure a longer season and insurance against a bad Celebrity year like last year.  Heirloom tomatoes come in many colors, shapes, and tastes.  One key difference in heirlooms is that you can save your seeds.  That means no more relying on the seed companies.  Not all varieties of heirlooms do well in every location.  Some trial and error is required to determine which ones will grow in your area.  Some of my favorites for the Texas Hill Country include: Black Krim (a dark red tomato with fantastic flavor - produces early and grows up to a pound), Watermelon Beefsteak (my red with pink and yellow streaks, tastes good and my biggest tomato at 1 lb. 10 oz.!), Santiam and Orange Queen (early season tomatoes that can be producing early in June well before Celebrity), Evergreen (yes, its green with a mellow, sweet taste), and Garden Peach (a fuzzy tomato that looks like a peach!).  Other favorites include Brandywine, German Head, Arkansas Traveler, and Mortgage Lifter.  It's too late to start heirlooms from seed this year (seeds need to be planted in Jan. - Feb.) but many specialty nurseries will carry them.  Start small with just a few plants and be sure to use plenty of compost and natural fertilizer for best results.  Inadequate fertilizer will results in big beautiful plants and little or no fruit.  Have fun!