As I looked out my window  at the ever increasing snow accumulation and dropping temperatures I can only hope the cold frame holds.  So far the temp. is 36.  As long as it stays above freezing and the plastic holds we are OK.

Today was a day of transplanting tomatoes to even bigger pots.  After running out of paper pots during the transplant process the eve was spent  folding more of them and will finish the transplanting tomorrow.

On a brighter side let's look at some tomatoes.

Brandywine tomatoes are one of my favorites.  They are an heirloom which means I can save seed from year to year.  Unlike hybrids they will continue to reproduce from seed saved from last year.  I really love the flavor as it is the old fashioned tangy tomato taste I grew up with.  The taste is a good balance of acid and sweet. These tomatoes are large (up to 1 1/2 pounds of meaty tomato goodness) and so are the plants. This tomato is an indeterminate (does not stop growing in height until is dies off) so be prepared to stake them.  I have had them grow over 6' tall.  The leaves look more like potato leaves and are large than other tomato varieties and prevent sun scald.
FYI  Many nurseries are advertising grafted Brandywine tomatoes.  They sell for $12.99 each.  I got curious and did some research and have three successful (alive) grafted plants.  The purpose for grafting is to provide disease resistance to these great heirlooms.  The process requires a hybrid with disease resistance. Hybrids are not genetically modified.  Hybrids are a result of natural selection - continuing to selectively breed (through protected pollination) only those plants that naturally provide the results desired.  the hybrid is used as a root stock and the heirloom is grafted to the top thereby passing the disease resistance to the heirloom.  I will see how the grafted compare to the non-grafted Brandywine.  If there seems to be an improvement in quantity and quality of the tomatoes I will make them available next year.
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The Tomato Pole Beefsteak is another large meaty tomato often reaching 2 pounds.  It is a hybrid and has disease resistance.  Good old fashioned flavor.  Like the Brandywine this is also an indeterminate and will need staking or support of some kind.

Early girl is great if you want that first tomato in your neighborhood feeling. Provides great tasting tomatoes all summer.The plants are strong  and have large leaves so will help prevent sun scald.  this one is a Great Container plant.

One of the best tasting sauce tomatoes.  So if you like salsa or just good old fashioned spaghetti sauce with robust flavor this is one to consider.  The fruits vary from 3"-5" long and grow in clusters.This is a heavy producing tomato and need staking/supporting.  The tomatoes hold well on the vine so not much waste with fruits fall off before you get them picked. I really like this one.

I've got 2 kinds of cherry tomatoes.  Both are indeterminate so require support and will produce all summer. Taste seems to be much the same and both are hybrids so disease resistance is present

Rutgers is a great canning and freezing tomato.  They have a small seed cavity and make a thick rich past, or a tasty salsa.  this one is a determinate and Does Not Require Staking!!  Fruits are 7-8oz. and similar in size.  As a determinate the plants stop producing and growing, at about the same time, which makes them easy to work with when canning.

Crimson Cushion is another indeterminate (requires support).  A large tasty slicer great for burgers or salads.   Fruits can reach 2 lbs in weight.  It is an heirloom so does not have natural disease resistance.

Roma is another sauce tomato similar to the Olpalka.  It is a determinate so will stop growing and producing on it's won about August.  It Does Not Require Support!!  Great for sauce and salsa.  Thick, meaty and has few seeds.

Super Beefsteak is another large tomato often reaching 2lbs in size.  Solid meaty and heavy producer.  This one is a hybrid and has disease resistance built in.  Does require support.

Last but not least another of my favorites the Cherokee Purple.  Another heirloom so seed can be saved from year to year.  It is believed the seed comes from the Cherokee Nation.  Another indeterminate  so stake this one.  The fruit is flattened and weighs 10-12oz.  The flesh and skin is soft and easily damaged but what a sweet tasty treat.

If you are a salsa lover don't forget the tomatillo.  Looks like a little like a small green tomatoes but grows inside a paper like husk.  Fruits are 2-3".  Only a few of these available so let me know if your interested.

Wow finally done with the tomatoes.  After talking about making salsa. I'm thinking about doing the herbs next.  Maybe that's the most logical next post.  Until then.  Char