Growing Heirloom Tomatoes
Growing heirloom tomatoes is an
art in itself, with a myriad of colors, shapes and flavors that different heirloom varieties have to offer. By choosing to
grow heirlooms, you will be taking part in a long lasting pastime that has been passed down through the generations.
Why Grow Heirloom Tomatoes?
The most appealing feature of heirloom tomatoes is their complex flavor, which
hybrid varieties tend to lack. Because the point of growing tomatoes is to eat them in the end, many gardeners value the highly
prized taste of heirlooms over their shortcomings (as when compared to hybrids.
Transplanting into the Garden
Before transplanting heirloom tomato plants into the garden, remove all but the top two sets
of leaves. Dig a deep hole for the plant and pad the interior with compost and if you want, add a few tablespoons of Osmocote
or a similar slow-release fertilizer. Set the plant in and bury the stem all the way up to the top two sets of leaves. This
practice encourages root formation from the stem, resulting in a better root system that can take in additional nutrients.
Fertilization
Fertilize regularly (every 2-3 weeks), but do not overdo it.
Organic fertilizers are preferred because they tend to bring out the best of heirloom tomatoes’ rich flavors. Most growers
agree that the natural ingredients in organic fertilizers improve flavor more than chemical fertilizers, and flavor is what
we’re looking for when growing heirlooms.
Watering
Watering plants
should be best done in the morning when it’s cool. Hold the hose low and water the ground so as not to splash mud on
leaves. An automated drip irrigator is a terrific watering system.
Pruning
Pruning the plants maybe something you should consider when growing heirloom tomatoes. Pruning off suckers is a tradeoff
between decreased overall fruit production and increased fruit size and quality. Because flavor is such an important part
of heirlooms, pruning might be worth it, especially for big-sized tomatoes. If you’re not satisfied with the fruit size
or want to hasten fruit formation, then you should prune.
Saving Heirloom Tomato Seeds
If you want to save heirloom tomato seeds for next year from this year’s fruits, then different tomato
varieties should be separated as far as possible to minimize cross-breeding, which can produce unexpected results.
And alas, heirloom tomatoes are best eaten vine-ripened and fresh
for their full, savory flavors. Enjoy!
