The tomato is one of the most popular vegetables grown in the home garden. They require little space and can produce 5 or more pounds of fruit per plant. They are low in calories and a great source of vitamins C and A. So what makes a great tomato? The best tomatoes are a matter of taste, looks and production. It’s really a personal opinion.

Listed are some of my favorites from different categories.

• · Early tomatoes – First Lady, Better Boy, Redstone
• · Mid season – Champion, Celebrity, Creole
• · Late summer or fall – Solar Set, Sun Leaper, Florida 91
• · Extra Large – Beefmaster, Ponderosa, Oxheart
• · Small (Cherry) – Elfin, Small Fry, Jolly
• · Heirloom – Cherokee Purple, Striped Germany, Brandywine
• · Paste – Classic, Roma, Rocky
• · Bi–color – Big Rainbow, Zebra, Tigerella, Hillbilly

All of these should do well in our area, although I haven’t planted all of them. They have all the traits of terrific tomatoes. At least, that’s my opinion!