Heirloom Tomatoes Versus Hybrid Tomatoes

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on heirloom tomatoes versus hybrid tomatoes.  First, there’s nothing better than home grown tomatoes. Although my preference is  heirloom tomatoes, I also grow hybrid tomatoes.  Are you wondering what the difference is between heirloom tomatoes versus hybrid tomatoes?  Personally, I prefer heirlooms because they have a larger selection, they are more flavorful and are great for seed saving.

Since gardening season is around the corner, it’s time to decide what tomatoes you want to grow.  You can grow them them on your patio or in your home garden.  I’ve put together a list of heirloom tomatoes that I’ve grown over the years.  But, do your homework and than choose a few varieties that interest you to grow in your garden.  Some tomatoes are great for slicing, some for salads, some for sauces and some for paste.  What do you want to do with your homegrown tomatoes?  Ask yourself this question before you choose.

Next, here’s a list of my favorite heirloom tomatoes:

• Paul Robeson
• Brandywine – Pink and Red
• Cherokee Purple
• Paul Robeson
• German Johnson
• Beefsteak
• Black Krim
• Hillbilly
• Mortgage Lifter
• Amish Paste – Meaty and great for sauce and salsa.
• Boxcar Willie
• Kellogg’s Breakfast
• Delicious
• Homestead
• Roma

My favorite hybrid tomatoes are:

• Celebrity
• Early Girl
• Better Boy
• Sweet 100 – My favorite in salads.
• Big Boy

Additionally, the difference between a hybrid and heirloom tomatoes is that hybrids are a cross between two genetically different tomato varieties.  The plant produced next season could be from one or the other parent.  Heirlooms will produce the same result year after year.  As a result, I don’t save hybrid seeds.  I like to know exactly what I will be growing in my backyard vegetable garden.

There are a few disadvantages to growing heirloom tomatoes:

• They must be heavily staked and/or caged.  The vines are vigorous and will grow wildly if not contained.
• They are also known to crack easy and they are tender.
• They are also not the prettiest in shape, but the colors are beautiful.
• It takes longer to produce fruit.
• You don’t find them on grocery store shelves.

Last, although there are disadvantages, heirloom tomatoes still win out in my backyard.

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