Which Tomato Plants Should I Buy?

Choosing the right tomato plants for your garden can be a daunting task. With so many varieties to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the most popular tomato plants and help you decide which ones are right for your garden.

1. Determinate vs. Indeterminate

The first decision you'll need to make is whether you want determinate or indeterminate tomato plants. Determinate varieties grow to a certain height and then stop, producing all their fruit at once. Indeterminate varieties keep growing and producing fruit throughout the season.

Determinate varieties are good for small gardens and containers, as they don't take up as much space. They're also a good choice if you want to harvest all your tomatoes at once for canning or freezing. Indeterminate varieties are better for larger gardens, as they can grow quite tall and need more room. They're also a good choice if you want fresh tomatoes throughout the season.

2. Hybrid vs. Heirloom

The next decision you'll need to make is whether you want hybrid or heirloom tomato plants. Hybrid varieties are bred for specific traits, such as disease resistance or high yield. Heirloom varieties are open-pollinated and have been grown for generations. They often have unique flavors and are prized for their history and rarity.

Hybrid varieties are a good choice if you want a reliable crop and aren't as concerned with the history of the plant. Heirloom varieties are a good choice if you want to grow something with a unique flavor and a connection to the past.

3. Cherry Tomatoes

If you want to grow tomatoes for snacking or salads, cherry tomatoes are a great choice. They come in both determinate and indeterminate varieties and are easy to grow. Some popular cherry tomato varieties include Sweet 100, Sungold, and Chocolate Cherry.

4. Beefsteak Tomatoes

If you want to grow big, juicy tomatoes for sandwiches or slicing, beefsteak tomatoes are the way to go. They're usually indeterminate and take longer to mature than other varieties, but the payoff is worth it. Some popular beefsteak tomato varieties include Brandywine, Cherokee Purple, and Mortgage Lifter.

5. Roma Tomatoes

If you want to grow tomatoes for canning or making sauce, Roma tomatoes are the best choice. They're a determinate variety that produces a lot of fruit all at once, making them perfect for large batches of sauce or salsa. Some popular Roma tomato varieties include San Marzano and Amish Paste.

6. Container Tomatoes

If you don't have a lot of space or want to grow tomatoes on your balcony, container tomatoes are a great choice. Most cherry tomato varieties and some determinate varieties are good for containers, as long as the pots are large enough. Make sure the containers have drainage holes and are filled with a good quality potting mix.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right tomato plants for your garden depends on a variety of factors, including space, taste preference, and intended use. Whether you choose determinate or indeterminate, hybrid or heirloom, cherry or beefsteak, or plants for containers or the ground, the most important thing is to enjoy the process and savor the delicious fruits of your labor.