Tomato, seed catalog question

[tvillemom]

I've heard so much about heirloom tomatoes....why are they so popular, and are they actually called "heirloom tomatoes"??

How do I get seed catalogs to help plan next year...but wait, I've NEVER been successful in starting seeds, so should I do this?? (start from seed) I think I would be better at finding different varieties that ya'll talk about, if I order from seed....is that right??? I can't find the great varieties in the garden store.

Help..newbie gardener, and not real great at it YET, BUT I'll keep plugging, if I keep getting help.

Thanks, future terrific gardener here!!

[Lady Green Jeans]

Wendi,

Heirloom I believe means not hybridized. Tastes like a delicous old-time tomato flavor. They aren't the prettiest on the block but they sure are the tastiest.

Starting from seed is actually kind of fun to see them sprout up and then you get to gently plant them in the ground when it's time. I'm going to order the pink variety as the seed company advised that those should do well in my climate. Even if I only end up putting in a couple plants this coming year--I know they'll be worth the effort.

Get your green thumb ready!

[juliebove]

Tomatoes are one of the hardest plants to grow from seed because they take so long to grow. I guess it depends on your growing season and how whether or not you have a greenhouse or other place where you can start the seeds early indoors.

Some mail order nurseries do sell more exotic varieties from plants, but they can be difficult to get. Two years ago I was so excited to find some other varities of actual plants in a catalog. I ordered them, but alas I didn't get them. They had bad weather in their area and the plants didn't survive.

One good thing... Seeds are cheap! You could try growing them and if they don't come along like you want, then you could always plant whatever varieties you do get at your nursery.

I plant some things from seed. Just not tomatoes. I've had no luck with vegetables growing them indoors and then transplanting. I do have a small greenhouse and a greenhouse window in my kitchen. And last year my plants didn't even do well because I bought them young. For me, the best way to get tomatoes is to get a mature plant with a few green fruits already on there. I shall have to try to remember that for next year. When Spring comes I always get too excited and want to put in anything and everything I can get my hands on right away.

[FloridaPatty]

I've always found tomatoes easy to grow from seed. They seem to grow fairly fast. As someone pointed out, heirloom are know for their taste. You would get the same taste that the tomato had in the 1700's, 1800's, or 1900's. But they are not disease resistant. There are also hundreds of varieties to choose from. If you get plants, you only have a couple of varieties.

[Lady Green Jeans]

Wendi,

I will try to find my notes on the online company that was so kind to forward me recommendations for my area. Didn't have the time/energy/desire to plant a garden last year, but seem to be more gung-ho these days.

I use peat pots (the pellet looking things you soak in water and they super-expand). Easy to pop your seed into one of these and water appropriately--tomato plants here we come! Really am trying to branch out which means trying things and risking failure but having fun and learning lots--even if I'm fearful, I move ahead and do it.

Kathy

[tvillemom]

Thanks for the tips!

Those of you who start from seed.....do you start indoors? Do you use grow lights? I'm trying to find out why my seeds get really lanky...long and then flop over and die. I do not want to waste my time or money trying to grow heirlooms....and have no fruit or veggies come from it.

I really want a great garden next year, and I know it's time to start planning NOW!!!

Thanks

[FloridaPatty]

As for your lanky tomatoes - they didn't get enough sunlight. When they get a couple of inches tall, they need to be moved to a larger container or put outside. Then plant them all the way up to just below the top leaves. And make sure they have at least 6 hours of sunlight.

[tvillemom]

I bet my seeds didn't get enough sunlight!! I bet they got just a few hours of light. Thanks for the tip!