Signs of life ... and a question

As promised, here’s an update on the Parsons’ Family Farm (well, the four raised vegetable beds in my front yard). The squash and the melons have poked through and are doing well, as are about half of the bean seeds I planted at the same time. The beans seem to be a little slower to germinate than the cucurbits. (I planted them all April 13.)

I’ve also planted three tomato plants I bought last week from Barbara Spencer at Windrose Farm. Two of them are old favorites: Cherokee Purple and Brandywine Pink. The third is something called Double Rich Red, which I’ve never tried but Spencer says is “high-acid,” which fits my palate perfectly.

The question is this: I’ve still got one tomato spot left. What should I plant? Cherokee and Brandywine are beefsteak-types. Double Rich Red looks to be more of a slicer. I’m tempted to put in a cherry, or maybe a paste. I’m a couple of miles inland, but the early summer months still tend to be foggy and cool (this last weekend notwithstanding!). So maybe something very reliable like a Sweet 100 or even Early Girl (not a cherry, I know) would be a smart bet. What do you think?

-- Russ Parsons

(Photo by Russ Parsons)

Comments

[Rob]

How about Sun Gold? It's a yellow/orange cherry. Always a favorite at tastings.

[John]

Stupice is hands down my favorite for all the best stuff.

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[Luisa]

Early Girl, Early Girl! Only because I have no garden of which to speak of and my balcony doesn't get enough light for tomatoes and I've always wanted to try those Early Girls, so I have to live vicariously through someone who gardens and don't you want it to be you? :)

[Tracy Flinders]

Another vote for Stupice, which did well last year in Venice. Or those lovely grape-shaped toms.

[MAry Kulick Almas]

Russ, I have had the opportunity to taste many tomatoes at the TomatoFest in Carmel several years running, where they have over 450 varieties of heirlooms tomatoes available for sampling. I fell in love with a variety called "Julia Child" which was developed in her honor. I also liked a deep, rich purple one called " Paul Robeson" which originated in Russia. (also one named Black Prince)

According to the TomatoFest Guru, there's a variety called San Francisco Fog that does well in cool mornings that are overcast.

Good Luck with your garden.
Mary

Good

[Diana Foss]

Stupice is my favorite variety. It is early, indeterminate, heavy-yielding and tastes great.
(It's pronounced stoo-PEECH-ka, not STOOP-pice, as in "Hey, stupice!")

It's a wonderful thing that heirloom varieties like Stupice can now be found at the local nursery rather than only at the Master Gardeners' plant sale.