Herb Faire: New Heirloom Offerings

by Joanne Ranck-Dirks

Some of the tomato crop from 2016

Every year, we conduct a few tomato trials of heirloom varieties that are new to us.  Our volunteers evaluate the tomatoes and if the tomato doesn't get a strong "yes" vote, we don't grow it again.  The winner from last year's trials is the Black Cherry tomato.  It is a plump and juicy heirloom cherry tomato with a dark purple color.  As a snacking tomato it is a nice mouthful; it looks great in salads and it is also a prolific producer.  Look for it this year in the Heirloom Seed Project's tent at the faire.

The Heirloom Seed Project Tent at the 2016 Herb & Garden Faire

Usually when we think of heirloom vegetables we think of tomatoes, but we also have other interesting and delicious heirloom vegetables.  The HSP will sell individual pots of Lemon and White cucumbers as ell as Patty Pan squash.  These have been known and grown in this area for more than 100 years.  Seeds for these will also be available in the Museum Store during the Herb & Garden Faire.  Because bean planting season comes just after the Herb & Garden Faire, folks may want to purchase beans seeds to plant.  Ornamental beans, such as Scarlet Runner beans and Hyacinth beans, can be purchased in the Landis Valley Museum Store.  Two new varieties of pole beans to try this year are Cardinal pole beans and Green Star pole beans.

Tomatoes are very popular but, because every garden is unique, we encourage you to try new plants in your own space this year.  Your perfect tomato may turn out to be a bean or a cucumber.  Both are great in salads, too.