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

Pick these luscious old fashioned tomatoes fully ripe and eat promptly as they don’t hold well after harvest. Show off their flavors and gorgeous colors by slicing all three onto a big platter to surround with sprigs of fresh basil and top with a sprinkle of fruity olive oil.