Growing Heirloom Tomatoes

If you want tomatoes that are packed with flavor then you want heirloom tomatoes. Heirloom tomatoes, unlike the kind you find in the supermarket, are tomato varieties that have been around for more than 50 years. They come in all different shapes and colors. If you happen to find heirloom tomatoes for sale in the supermarket be prepared to pay a hefty price. Consider growing them yourself by following these steps.

You can order heirloom seeds online from many different distributers. Be sure to order with plenty of time to get the seedlings started before the planting season. The seeds should be sown ¼ inch deep about 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Cover the container with plastic to hold in moisture and heat. Once the seedlings sprout, remove the plastic cover and place under a fluorescent light. Transplant the seedlings to larger pots if necessary.

After the last frost start hardening off the plants by gradually introducing them to outdoor weather and the sun. Place them outside for just a couple of hours at a time and gradually increase the time until they can handle being outside continuously. Once they are successfully hardened off, plant them in the ground. By burying the stem up to the bottom row of leaves you create a strong foundation because roots will grow off of the stem.

Place mulch around the plants to keep moisture contained and to prevent diseases. Water deeply and slowly. Provide good support for the vines. Pick the fruit before it is fully ripe, because it will continue to ripen off the vine. Don’t forget to save seeds from your heirloom tomatoes to plant next year.