Southwood | Plant A Row For The Hungry

Plant A Row For The Hungry

During our Plant a Row for the Hungry event, which runs March 23 and March 24, purchase a Southwood Grown tomato plant for only $2 and we’ll donate 100% of the proceeds to the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma. The need is great, and $2 provides the equivalent of 8 meals for individuals and families throughout Green Country.

*Prices will be adjusted from $3.49 to $2.00 on Saturday, March 23rd.

You can also donate directly to the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma here:

Indeterminate Tomatoes

Indeterminate tomatoes are a type of tomato plant that continues to grow and produce fruit throughout the growing season. These plants can reach heights of up to 10 feet or more and require staking or caging for support. Indeterminate tomatoes produce fruit on lateral branches, and new flowers and fruit can form as the plant grows. Indeterminate tomatoes are often preferred by gardeners who want a continuous harvest throughout the season, rather than a large harvest at one time.

Determinate Tomatoes

A determinate tomato is a type of tomato plant that grows to a predetermined size and then sets all of its fruit within a short period, typically a few weeks. Once the plant has set all of its fruit, it will stop growing, and the tomatoes will ripen at approximately the same time. Determinate tomatoes are often preferred by gardeners who want a large harvest at one time for processing, canning, or freezing. They are also useful for those with limited garden space, as they tend to be more compact than indeterminate varieties.

TOMATO TYPES AVAILABLE

BEEFSTEAK
The beefsteak tomato is a late season delight that is both impressive and tempting. It is the epitome of tomato perfection that one can only dream of. While some of these tomatoes are authentic in appearance and weigh less than a pound, others from the same family can weigh well over two pounds. These tomatoes are usually uneven, ribbed, bumpy, and flattened, and they come in all colors of the vegetable spectrum. Some even have stripes and blue shoulders. The beefsteak tomato is a well-known symbol of the heirloom collection. To support them, you will need a sturdy stake or cage, and some patience, as they won’t be ready until later in the summer. However, once they are ripe, they can be enjoyed on their own with just a pinch of salt.

SLICERS (Globes)
Just picture perfectly sliced tomatoes adorning your burger or adding flavor to your salad, paired with creamy burrata or nestled in your BLT. Although any tomato could be used for these purposes, the symmetrical and stunning round slices of slicer tomatoes are sure to impress on the plate. Slicer tomatoes come in a range of sizes, from six ounces to over a pound, some of which can be considered “family-sized.” The traditional slicer tomatoes used by chefs are usually red, but there are many other delicious and colorful options worth exploring. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

CHERRIES
The bright little orbs on huge trusses bring such delight and sweetness that they become an irresistible snack for many of us on the way to the kitchen. However, in reality, they are just as valuable in the kitchen as their larger counterparts. These tomatoes contain the highest sugar content of all tomato varieties, making them ideal for sweetening sauces and stews. This class of tomatoes comes in a variety of vibrant colors, including stripes and blue blushes. Some plants are stout, while others can trail on indefinitely, producing an abundant harvest over an extended season. Their versatility makes them suitable for use in a wide range of culinary applications!

ROMA or PASTE
The role of these tomatoes is clear. They have a thick-walled structure, few seeds, a dry flesh, and a thick skin, which makes them incredibly easy to process and perfect for use in sauces, pastes, or other stewed tomato recipes. These tomatoes come in a range of shapes, from smooth and cylindrical to odd and pointed. While San Marzano and Roma are the classic varieties, many others now match their production and practicality. Most roma-types are determinate, meaning they are designed to ripen all at once, allowing you to harvest a large batch and use them in your favorite recipes, such as sauces, soups, or other culinary creations.

Heirloom
These are old-fashioned favorites — likely the ones your grandparents grew. The term heirloom is generally used to refer to any tomato that hasn’t been hybridized or cross-pollinated for at least 40 years.