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Nov 5, 2010
Prepare for the year of the tomato
Burpee  Edible Gardening Team Members

Each year the National Garden Bureau chooses one vegetable and one flower to showcase throughout the entire season. The crops are chosen because of their popularity, but also because they are easy-to-grow, widely adaptable, genetically diverse, and versatile.

Then it should be no wonder that the NGB chose 2011 as “The Year Of The Tomato”.

There are hundreds of types of this fruit (yes, it is a fruit). Tomatoes are reported to be the world’s most popular fruit, with more than 60 million tons produced every year.

Tomatoes are categorized in many ways: from maturity date, to color, and even their use in cooking recipes. They are also distinguished by their growth habits, which are “determinate” or “indeterminate”.

  • Determinate tomatoes are relatively compact, and reach a predetermined height or number of fruit clusters. These tomatoes will ripen all at once, and harvest is concentrated to a few weeks. Then, that’s it.
  • Indeterminate tomato plants grow, blossom and produce tomatoes throughout the growing season until frost. You’ll find them reaching up to 12 feet tall, and producing many main stems. On each of these stems is the chance to produce flowers and fruit.

Tomatoes are also versatile for many types of garden spaces. From large and sunny soil beds, to small patio containers – even those upside-down contraptions – anyone can try their hand at growing!

We’re excited for what this choice means for new and seasoned gardeners in 2011. The purpose of the National Garden Bureau is “to educate, to inspire and motivate consumers to increase their use of plants in homes, gardens and workplaces,” so find the tomato that’s right for your garden, and plant-away! Celebrate “The Year Of The Tomato” with pride!

Reader Comments (2)
The Big Rainbow plant that I got from Burpee this year is my new favorite tomato! It is soooo sweet and delicious!
Friday, November 5, 2010 | Lisa Finch
My Early Girl tomatoes this year produced baskets full! They really liked the mushroom compost I mixed into the soil. However they quickly overgrew my decorative staking. I'll have to offer more structure next time.
Monday, November 8, 2010 | Kate
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