All this rain sprinkling down on us makes the earth welcoming for Baristaville's green-thumbers. Since we're past the last frost, it's time to get our Jersey and heirloom tomatoes in the ground (don't forget the basil). Gary Ibsen of tomatofest.com says "There's nothin' finer in life than true love and a homegrown tomato."
If you want to venture into weird gardening, you could plant Black Beauty, the winner of this year's tomato Oscar for top tomato. The taste of "Black" tomatoes helped steal the show, says Ibsen. "Top 10" Heirloom Tomatoes for 2008, after the jump.
The "Top 10" favorite heirloom tomatoes:
Paul Robeson (purple/black), Cherokee Purple (purple/black), Brandywine (pink), Amana Orange (orange), Marvel Stripe (red/yellow striped), Julia Child (pink), Black Zebra (green/purple striped), Black Cherry (purple/black), Kellogg's Breakfast (orange), and Aussie (red).
Ibsen talked tomatoes with Baristanet: "Black" tomatoes, native to Southern Ukraine, are not really black. They can be deep purple, dusky deep brown, smoky mahogany with dark green shoulders, and bluish-brown. The depth of colors seems to be encouraged by a higher acid and mineral content in the soil. You can find these heirloom tomatoes in stores like Whole Foods, and on the summer menus of many restaurants." He likes eating them plucked off the vine, and they make a great marinara sauce.
And on another gardening note, today there are "Certifield Organic Garden Seedlings" for sale in Glen Ridge, 10 am -noon; 289 Washington Street, Glen Ridge, NJ (973) 429-0391. You'll find veggies, flowers, seeds, and yes, heirloom tomatoes.
Today's also the day to see Montclair's open organic gardens -- sponsored by Cornucopia -- starting at 56 Gordenhurst from 2 pm - 5 pm.