The tomato….it is the king of the vegetable garden. It is something we eat year round, but when we eat one fresh from the garden each year, we are reminded that what we have been eating all winter just isn’t the same.

Tomatoes are the one plant we are more likely to plant in the garden ahead of time in hopes to get fruit a little sooner. But how do you choose which variety of tomato to grow in your garden?

Choosing a tomato variety depends on a few factors – function, forum, flavor, and resistance.

For function, think about how you are going to use the tomato fruit. Do you want a large tomato to make slices for your sandwich or burger such as ‘Big Beef’ or ‘Brandywine’, or do you want small cherry tomatoes that you can nibble on in the garden or add to a salad such as ‘Sungold’ or ‘Super Sweet 100’? Keep in mind though these smaller tomatoes are going to require more picking but are also great if you like to snack in the garden. There are also tomatoes such as Milano and Roma that are better suited if you intend to make tomato paste.

Next consider the forum or location you plan to grow these tomatoes. Perhaps you want something that will stay small, one that will be perfect for a whiskey barrel or patio garden. In this case, you want to make sure you are getting a tomato that is a determinate tomato or a bush tomato. This means the size of the plant will stay relatively smaller and in check. However, it also means they have a set harvest period and will eventually quit producing fruit. ‘Celebrity’ is a determinate, slicing tomato.

Indeterminate tomatoes are plants that appear to be more of a vine as they continue to grow throughout the season. These often require staking or some form of trellis support. However, they will continue to produce for you as long as they are in a favorable environment. ‘Better Boy’ would be an example of one that is a vining, indeterminate tomato.

If you read seed catalogue descriptions about various tomatoes, you may think you are reading wine description and it is true each tomato has its own unique flavor and only you can determine which you like. If you are looking to find your favorite, you might try adding a new type to garden this year, or you might visit your local farmers market to check out the varieties and reap the rewards of their hard work.