10 Best Tomatoes to Grow

Introduction

Tomatoes are a staple in many American households. They are versatile, delicious, and easy to grow. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a beginner, there is a tomato variety for everyone. In this article, I’ll share with you the 10 best tomatoes to grow in the US, based on my personal experience and research.

Before we dive into the list, here are some interesting facts about tomatoes:

• Tomatoes are actually a fruit, not a vegetable.
• The scientific name for tomato is Solanum lycopersicum.
• Tomatoes are native to South America and were first cultivated by the Aztecs in Mexico.
• Tomatoes come in many different colors, including red, yellow, orange, pink, purple, and green.

10 Best Tomatoes to Grow

Without further ado, here are the 10 best tomatoes to grow in the US:

1. Cherokee Purple

   This heirloom tomato has a rich, sweet flavor and a purple-black color. It is known for its large size and meaty texture, making it perfect for slicing and adding to sandwiches or salads.

   My experience: I grew Cherokee Purple tomatoes in my garden last year and they were a hit with my family. They have a unique flavor that you won’t find in store-bought tomatoes.

2. Roma

   Roma tomatoes are a popular choice for making sauces and canning. They have a firm texture and a low water content, which makes them perfect for cooking.

   My experience: I always make a big batch of tomato sauce with Roma tomatoes at the end of the summer. It’s a great way to use up all the tomatoes from my garden.

3. Beefsteak

   As the name suggests, beefsteak tomatoes are large and meaty. They are perfect for slicing and adding to sandwiches or burgers.

   My experience: Beefsteak tomatoes are a favorite in my house. They are perfect for making BLTs.

4. Sweet 100

   These cherry tomatoes are known for their sweet, juicy flavor. They are perfect for snacking on or adding to salads.

   My experience: I always plant a few Sweet 100 tomato plants in my garden. They are great for snacking on while I’m working in the garden.

5. San Marzano

   San Marzano tomatoes are a popular choice for making Italian sauces. They have a sweet, rich flavor and a firm texture.

   My experience: I love making homemade pizza sauce with San Marzano tomatoes. It gives the pizza a delicious, authentic flavor.

6. Brandywine

   This heirloom tomato has a sweet, complex flavor and a pinkish-red color. It is known for its large size and meaty texture, making it perfect for slicing and adding to sandwiches or salads.

   My experience: Brandywine tomatoes are a little harder to grow than some of the other varieties on this list, but they are worth the effort. They have a unique flavor that you won’t find in store-bought tomatoes.

7. Yellow Pear

   These small, yellow tomatoes have a sweet, mild flavor. They are perfect for snacking on or adding to salads.

   My experience: Yellow Pear tomatoes are a favorite in my house. They add a pop of color to salads and are great for snacking on while I’m working in the garden.

8. Green Zebra

   This unique tomato has a tangy, sweet flavor and a green striped skin. It is perfect for adding to salads or using as a garnish.

   My experience: Green Zebra tomatoes are a little harder to find than some of the other varieties on this list, but they are worth seeking out. They add a unique flavor to salads.

9. Black Krim

   This heirloom tomato has a rich, smoky flavor and a purple-black color. It is perfect for slicing and adding to sandwiches or salads.

   My experience: Black Krim tomatoes are one of my favorites. They have a unique flavor that you won’t find in store-bought tomatoes.

10. Early Girl

    As the name suggests, Early Girl tomatoes are an early-ripening variety. They have a sweet, juicy flavor and are perfect for slicing and adding to sandwiches or salads.

    My experience: Early Girl tomatoes are a staple in my garden. They are one of the first tomatoes to ripen, which means I get to enjoy fresh tomatoes earlier in the season.

FAQs

What is the best time to plant tomatoes?

The best time to plant tomatoes is in the spring, after the last frost date in your area. This will give the plants plenty of time to grow and produce fruit before the first frost in the fall.

How often should I water my tomato plants?

Tomato plants need regular watering, especially during hot, dry weather. Aim to water them deeply once a week, rather than giving them a shallow watering every day.

What is the best way to fertilize tomato plants?

Tomato plants need plenty of nutrients to grow and produce fruit. You can fertilize them with a balanced fertilizer, or use organic methods like compost or aged manure.

How do I prevent pests and diseases from attacking my tomato plants?

There are several ways to prevent pests and diseases from attacking your tomato plants. One of the best ways is to practice good garden hygiene, such as removing dead plant material and keeping the garden free of weeds. You can also use natural pest control methods, like companion planting and introducing beneficial insects.