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Tomatoes, tomatoes!  It's hot here here the Central Valley of California and it's time for these red gems to get picked! Did you know there are many different types of tomatoes, and they don't only come in red? Heirloom tomatoes can be green, yellow,  orange,purple, striped and some with an almost black interior. Then you have different varieties such as Roma tomatoes which are smaller, elongated and used mostly for Italian dishes or beefsteak tomatoes which are fabulous on a sandwich or burger. Cherry tomatoes are small, and are about the size of well...a cherry. They can be red or yellow, but personally, I prefer neither color! They are perfect size for a salad, but I prefer Roma, beefsteak, or hot house tomatoes. Each color and variety has a different flavor though, you just have to experiement to find which one is right for your tastebuds! 

Right off the vine tomatoes can't be beat for flavor. And growing them is pretty easy. Your soil should be fertile and well-drained. Tomatoes need nutrients but all you need is some good compost, organic preferred, to give your crop what it needs. Keep the ground moist but not dry or too wet or you'll ruin your crop! If the ground is too wet, it'll cause mold, and if it's too dry, your tomatoes will crack. Drip irrigation is perfect and can be controlled so that the soil will get just the right amount of moisture. 

The picture shows some beautiful red ripe tomatoes straight from the garden! Unfortunately, they're not mine, but from a friend's garden. I hope she and her husband are thoroughly enjoying the fruits of their labor!  

What do you do with your tomatoes? Personally, my favorite thing to do is make a fresh salsa. the recipe is simple and you'll find it under Recipe Roundup. Enjoy these hot days with cool, ripe, and juicy vegetables. See you next time!