Tomato BlissHeirloom tomatoes are grown from seeds handed down through generations. In the 1950's hybridization began and people were less likely to take the time to save the seeds of their successful crops for the next year. When you are at a market they are usually the most interesting to look at. They offer a rainbow of size, shape and color and perfection in their distortions. They give a depth and interest to recipes, hearkening back to a time when people took the opportunity to enjoy their food. These tomatoes will give an heirloom quality to your kitchen.
Tomatoes are one of the healthiest crops you can plant in your garden. The lycopene in them makes creates an anti oxident powerhouse. It helps to fight cancerous cell formation and is beneficial in fighting other types of diseases.
Local Garden Centers and Farmer's Markets offer any number of the hundreds of varieties of these plants for the home gardener to purchase. After a season of nourishing their growth, the fruit of your labor will make you appreciate why our forefathers chose to pass such seeds along. 
Heirloom tomatoes are more prown to disease than hybrids. They tend to need more space as well. Consider the size of your garden when you are choosing the best tomatoes and their companions for you. Steer clear of plants with yellowing leaves.
Tomatoes grow roots all the way up their stems. When you plant them, plant them up to the leaves. This will create stronger roots and is said to help them absorb water in the solid and resist disease. When watering, plan your schedule around keeping the root zone wet.
If you are learning more about growing heirlooms consider visiting Red Fire Farm this coming Saturday, May 22nd. Ryan Voiland, award winning tomato grower will be giving a workshop on the subject, starting at 11am, details follow. After a winter of tasteless one size fits all tomatoes, grown somewhere far away, summer offers a bountiful luxury for tomato lovers.
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Heirloom tomatoes for the home gardener workshop
May 22, saturday, 11am:
"With 20-year tomato farmer Ryan Voiland. We'll be gathering in the barn in Granby to go over how to grow really good tomatoes in your garden. So many flavors and options! Get tips for choosing tomato varieties that fit your eating interests. Then we'll do a tomato planting demo and talk about best growing conditions.
Our farm has been growing heirlooms for many years and we have our latest list of favorites to share with you. Many of these specialty tomato varieties are also for sale at our farmstands, so you can pick some up when you come for the workshop. Directions to the farm."
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Photo Credit: Masslive.com and Whiteflowerfarm.com
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