June {Heirlooms}

heir·loom: an old, non-hybrid type of plant that is still available
because individual people have continued to grow it for many years.

When I became a work-at-home mom, Nathan and I needed a
way to help make ends meet. He had become very passionate
about heirloom tomatoes, and there wasn't anyone growing
them locally at the time. Taking our first farming risk, he ordered
seeds, prepared the beds, sowed the plants and waited. Our
first crop was beautiful. Dozens of varieties of vibrantly colored,
interestingly named, misshapen tomatoes. He received mixed
reviews in that first year, and the consensus was that they were
some “ugly tomatoes,” but he would encourage people just to
try them.

They quickly became a favorite, and Nathan became known
as the heirloom tomato man, (You know you've made it once
the customers and other market vendors call you by what you
sell!). Our beautiful logo obviously depicts the importance of the
heirloom tomato in our early success as farmers. During summer
months, every meal includes at least a slice of these flavorful
tomatoes. The vitamin C and potassium we get from tomatoes
help keep our hearts healthy and our blood pressure low.

Nathan's Favorite varieties:
Black From Tula, Black Krim, Brandywine, Favorite, Cherokee
Purple, Chocolate Stripe, Delicious, Dixie Gold, German
Johnson, Indische Fleisch, Israel, Marianna's Peace, Mexico,
Old German, Pineapple, Potato Leaf White, Prudence Purple,
Richardson, St. Ivy, Super Choice, Tidwell

Heirloom Tomato Growing tips:
-We plant tomatoes, along with other summer crops, the first full
week in May. Seeds are started 10 weeks before in a greenhouse.
-The number one growing issue for tomatoes is blight. Selecting
seeds and varieties from a reputable source is important. A hot
water bath for seeds can help, as well. A natural fungicide, like
copper, can be used as needed, just make certain to apply during
cooler evenings to prevent burning.
-We follow our May planting with a second June crop in order to extend the season.