GROWING NOTES

Prepare soil well with aged manure or compost. Plant several inches deeper than seedlings were growing in containers. Provide strong stakes or tall wire cages at planting time. Mulch to provide even moisture retention; don’t overwater once fruit begins to ripen.

HARVEST AND USE

For best flavor, pick these beauties fully red-ripe and don’t store them in the refrigerator. These big, juicy beefsteak tomatoes are memorable in sandwiches or simply slice and enjoy with a pinch of salt and drizzle of good olive oil.