Garden Detective

While we're on the topic, and in the wake of The Great Long Island Tomato Challenge of 2007, I would be remiss if I
didn’t use this opportunity to provide a little coaching for next summer’s competition.

Though not necessarily new introductions, tomatoes with greatest size potential include Radiator Charlie’s Mortgage Lifter, which I found available at Southern Exposure Seed Exchange (southernexposure.com; 540-894-9480) and the Dutchman, seen at Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company (rareseeds.com; 417-924-8917).

Naturally, any of the giant Belgium or red Beefsteaks could qualify as contenders, and Burpee’s exclusive Supersteak hybrid looks good, though I didn’t have much luck last year with their highly-touted Porterhouse Beefsteak.

I can't promise any of these will rival Vincenzo Domingo's beast of an "Ugly" tomato last year (left), but I think you're up to the challenge. I know I am.

If you have any other suggestions, post them, and let us know which variety provided you with the biggest tomatoes last year.