By Mindy McIntosh-Shetter

Every year, I see numerous suppliers pop up all over selling plants, especially during Mother’s Day.

I wonder how many of these darlings will unknowingly be sold to prospective owners who do not know how to harden them off.

While everyone expects that the plants they buy from the home improvement or garden center have been acclimated to the outdoor environment, as my dad says, never assume.

The process of hardening off the plant material is simple. It requires some time and shade. To begin the process, place your newly purchased tomato plants under a shade tree for a day or two.

After this time period, begin to Read the rest of this entry »

By Michelle Fabio

In a perfect world, we’d all have our choice of homegrown tomatoes from our own gardens every day. In the real world, though, sometimes we just have to go and buy tomatoes.

Indeed, Tomato Casual reader Renee has been faced with the challenge, and asks:

“I need to know how heirloom tomatoes are supposed to feel when I choose the ones to buy. I know that sounds strange, but all the ones I have found have been pretty squishy.”

Drop that tomato Renee!

OK, it’s better if you gently put it back where you found it, but under no circumstances should you buy a tomato that Read the rest of this entry »