Epic Tomatoes

December 1, 2014

LeHoullier (aka NCTomatoMan) has turned his passion for all things tomato into a book that is sure to excite every tomato-growing gardener. The author discusses the many aspects of tomato growing from seed sprouting and staking to when to pick for peak ripeness and seed saving. In addition, he tells the history of the tomato and relates the stories of well-known varieties, such as Brandywine and the not-so-well-known, such as Mexico Midget. LeHoullier recommends 250 of his favorite tomatoes, ranging from red to black, large to small, and sweet to tart. He also includes a section addressing the most basic questions about tomato growing and a problem-solving section to help gardeners figure out what might be troubling their plants and fruit. VERDICT Well written and easy to follow with gorgeous color photos and charts for comparing different varieties, this is a must-have for anyone who grows tomatoes, whether novice or expert. Always upbeat and friendly, the book is full of LeHoullier's experience and advice; after you read it a supermarket tomato will never taste good again.--Stefanie Hollmichel, Univ. of St. Thomas Law Lib., Minneapolis

Copyright 2014 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 15, 2014
Enter the epicstomatoes, that is. LeHoullier readily admits to his garden obsession, detailing his switch from nursery-produced transplants to self-started seedlings and his risky but deliberate change from hybrids to heirlooms and nonhybrids. He eventually grew 1,000-plus tomato varieties over a decade. Here he showcases the ten tastiest, including the Nepal, the heirloom that converted him from hybrids. LeHoullier covers the origins and anatomy of today's tomato, planning and planting, maintenance, harvesting, seed saving for future plantings, and breeding your own varieties. He also provides a troubleshooting guide for dealing with pests, diseases, and other issues, accompanied by such useful sidebars as Tomato Seed Longevity. The many charming illustrations and color photos include images of vintage seed packets and ads, and the appendix offers lists of resources and sources, all immensely useful for growers of America's most popular home crop.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)