| Dear Reader,
Whenever I let on that I'm the editor of The Old Farmer's Almanac, it's not long before I'm asked, "How do your tomatoes grow?" Thankfully, I am always ready to talk tomatoes! Like many a gardener, I've had my ups and downs with tomatoes over the years, from hornworms and blight to overproduction. It's a versatile vegetable, one that's much tastier homegrown; yet, given the vagaries of soil and sun, a tomato never feels like a sure thing until you are plucking it off the vine.
In other words, we here at the Almanac share and appreciate your tomato obsession! It's not the only thing we talk about, yet we understand the urge to pop a perfectly ripe cherry tomato into your mouth while you survey the rest of your farm, be that on a windowsill or along a windrow! Depending on your situation, there's quite a lot to know about tomatoes—who can keep it all straight? I feel like a tomato beginner every year I set out into the garden, and I'm always open to new ideas and techniques, as well as heirloom varieties, to which I'm particularly drawn. |
| Photo Credit: Shutterstock |
| If, like me, you need an on-the-fly reminder about the difference between indeterminate and determinate varieties, pull up Almanac.com. If you want to know this year's top-performing tomato varieties for every use, from salsa to Sunday sauce, see the 2024 Garden Guide. If you want to know the history of how our round, red friends went from "odious and repelling smelling berries" in 1834 to a health craze less than a decade later, how we have Galapagos turtles to thank for the invention of canned tomatoes, plus the time-honored tomato growing tips, see The 2025 Old Farmer's Almanac. Better yet, become a club member and make the Almanac the yearlong secret sauce to your tomato success and enjoyment, from seed saving to canning to growing canniness. At The Old Farmer's Almanac, we believe every person has an inalienable right to enjoy perfect tomatoes—plucked from their windowsill, kitchen counter, market garden, or neighbor's yard! They are healthful, delightful, and come in colors like no other. We believe the many benefits of having fresh tomatoes in one's life (as well as nature, folklore, sky-watching, history, amusements, and weather wisdom while we're at it) belong to everyone. That's why our team of editors researches and curates information that's fun and relatable—especially useful facts about growing tomatoes indoors and out, and a host of other plant pals—because nurturing is our favorite subject. |
| Photo Credit: Shutterstock |
| We started the Gardening Club to put our latest and best information and inspiration into the garden-gloved hands of kindred spirits first, before everyone else. As a club member, you'll receive The Old Farmer's Almanac, our latest Garden Guide magazine, and our gorgeous, best-selling Gardening Calendar—useful resources packed with weather predictions, planting tips, and insights from seasoned gardeners. With these publications arriving throughout the year as your indispensable guides, you'll always know when to plant, water, and harvest for the best results. We'll introduce you to passionate experts and novices who share their advice and experiences to help you become a better gardener. We'll keep in touch with you throughout the year, too, with podcasts, publications, videos, and emails.
Back to tomatoes—I planted mine later than ever this year, which may be why I avoided blight in a moisture-filled growing season. Sometimes late-bloomers—plants and people—do better on different timelines! Let The Old Farmer's Almanac Gardening Club help you grow no matter where you are on your journey. |
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