It’s fresh produce growing season for most of the Western Hemisphere right now, and even the most reluctant gardener is willing to put out a few patio pots to grow tomatoes.  How come?  For starters, those pale, watered down supermarket tomatoes are bred for longevity, not flavor.  Second, tomatoes are easy to grow organically and conventionally produced tomatoes do have pesticide residue.  No tomato tastes as good as fresh locally-grown tomatoes .  Whether you’re growing 15 varieties of heirloom tomato plants in your back yard or buying a bushel from the local farmer’s market, here are some tips for growing and preserving those sweet summertime fruits. Continue reading →