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.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
YEAR ON THE FARMStories, recipes, and lessons learned on our farm and in community here in South Central Kentucky. Archives
December 2019
|