Big or small, tomatoes are one of life's simple pleasures. Their reds, yellows, and oranges bring color to the table. Round, oblong, and elliptical shapes are a feast for the eyes. The sweet, tangy flavors can send your taste buds into orbit. And these tiny ones, known as cherry tomatoes, are some of the best and easiest to grow.

More Than a Mouthful
So which one should you choose for your garden? Jason Powell, owner of Petals From the Past nursery in Jemison, Alabama, grows and sells a wide variety of tomato plants. He loves all the different selections of cherry tomatoes. Jason says, "So many flavors are available, from acid to sweet." It all comes down to taste.

So how will you know which one you prefer? If this is your first time, try growing three different types. 'Yellow Pear,' 'Supersweet 100,' and 'Sungold' will give you a nice range of flavors from mild to sweet to tangy. Then, the following year, plant a new selection. Trade with your friends. Just try them, because you will love them. Use the chart to determine which selections are right for you.

With such a wide range of flavors, these tomatoes are wonderful for snacking, but they are also great in salads and salsas. "Another bonus," declares Jason, "is that kids love eating them; they are not as overwhelming as sliced tomatoes."

Easy To Grow
Jason says it's important to select the right location for planting. Choose a sunny, well-drained, fertile spot. Soil with a pH that is slightly acid is ideal. If you plan to sow seeds, it will be around 65 days before your first harvest. Transplants will shorten that time by several weeks. If you are in the Upper South, wait until the danger of frost has passed before planting (around the middle of this month).