If you've ever grown tomatoes in your home garden, you know it's not as simple as picking out a tomato plant and popping it in the ground. In fact, there are tons of factors to consider-and the very first is which varietal is best for you and your garden.
With this in mind, we turned to the experts to ask for their advice, and here's what they had to say.
Cherry Tomatoes
If you're looking for something sweet and perfect for snacking, then Nikhil Arora of Back to the Roots says cherry tomatoes are it.
"Their abundance of clusters during the growing season is ideal for someone who loves to have fresh tomatoes around," says Arora.
Care Tips
Arora says to focus on regular water to maintain soil moisture, as well as mulch around the base of your plant for moisture retention.
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"Harvest ripe fruits regularly," Arora says. "If space is limited, consider a windowsill planter for optimal growth."
Sungold
According to Cullen Boudreaux of American Meadows, it's not just any cherry tomato for her. Sungold cherry tomatoes are her personal pick for taste.
"Sungolds are like candy, popping off the vine with perfect bite-size fruit and a sweet, flavorful tang," she says.
Care Tips
"With a trellis or tomato cage, Sungolds are great to have growing near the patio for quick snacks during a barbeque," she says.
Best of all, this type of tomato promises a long harvest.
"The plants are always so productive," says Boudreaux. "Flushes of ripe Sungolds keep me in tomato heaven all summer long."
Beefsteak
While veggie platters and snacking tomatoes are one thing, Arora notes that beefsteak tomatoes serve a much different need.
"Beefsteak tomatoes are perfect for their thick flesh when grilled, roasted, or used in a sauce, adding depth of flavors to sandwiches or burgers," he says.
