What are beginner-friendly heirloom tomato varieties?

For beginners, successful heirloom tomato varieties are resistant to typical growth difficulties. These good first types have disease tolerance and easy-going growth habits. Arkansas Traveler holds up to humidity while Green Zebra withstands cooler temperatures. Each will provide reliable harvests and require much less care than challenging heirlooms.

The overall growing techniques are very similar across the varieties, although they differ slightly in some aspects. All are very easy to grow. The Arkansas Traveler is very low-maintenance, other than watering, like with all varieties. Green Zebra requires 4-5 hours of afternoon shade in hotter climates. Yellow Pear will leach out its own vines, decreasing maintenance time. They all tolerate a small amount of watering mistakes without interference.

Preparing the soil provides a great start for beginner plants. Mix in compost at the time of planting in the planting hole. Use a balanced fertilizer at planting time, and then apply it monthly as needed. Mulch around the plants to keep moisture and limit weeds. These simple procedures will help the plants develop healthily without the need for advanced methods.

The timing of the harvest may vary, but it remains straightforward for these varieties. The Arkansas Traveler is ready when it is fully pink, and no green shoulders are apparent. The Green Zebra is prepared when the dark green stripes have turned a bright, greenish-yellow. The Yellow Pear can be harvested when the clusters begin to turn a golden color. You will have the pleasure of enjoying some of your first homegrown heirloom tomatoes within 10 to 12 weeks after planting.

Read the full article: Top 10 Heirloom Tomato Varieties for Your Garden