If you ask me what single plant every new gardener should try to grow, my answer is always the same: tomatoes. There is simply nothing that compares to the flavor of a truly fresh, sun-warmed tomato picked right off the vine. It’s a transformative taste that will ruin you for bland, grocery store tomatoes forever.

Growing them yourself is an incredibly rewarding experience, and it’s much easier than you might think. If you're on the fence about starting a garden, here are five reasons why tomatoes are the perfect place to begin your journey.

1. The Incredible Flavor

 

Let's start with the obvious. The taste of a homegrown tomato is a revelation. Commercial tomatoes are picked green and gassed to turn red, sacrificing flavor for shelf life. A tomato ripened on the vine is packed with sugars and complex flavors that are simply unmatched.

 

2. A Variety for Every Taste and Space

 

The world of tomatoes is vast and exciting. You aren't limited to the standard red globe. There are thousands of varieties to explore:

  • Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and snackable, perfect for salads and kids. (Try: Sun Gold, Sweet Million)
  • Paste Tomatoes: Meaty and dense, ideal for making sauces. (Try: Roma, San Marzano)
  • Slicing Tomatoes: Large, juicy, and perfect for sandwiches. (Try: Brandywine, Cherokee Purple)
  • Container Varieties: Many types are bred specifically to thrive in pots on a patio or balcony. (Try: 'Patio Princess', 'Bush Early Girl')

 

3. Huge Payoff for Your Effort

 

Few plants are as productive as a healthy tomato plant. Even a single, well-cared-for plant can yield 10-20 pounds of fruit over the season, providing you with fresh produce for months from a very small footprint.

 

4. They Teach You Essential Gardening Skills

 

Growing tomatoes is like a "Gardening 101" course in a single plant. You’ll learn fundamental skills that apply to the rest of your garden, such as:

  • The importance of good soil and sunlight.
  • Proper watering techniques.
  • The basics of staking and pruning.
  • How to spot and deal with common pests.

 

5. The Joy of Sharing

 

By mid-August, you will almost certainly have more tomatoes than you know what to do with. There is a special kind of joy that comes from sharing your abundance with friends, family, and neighbors. A bag of fresh tomatoes is one of the best gifts summer has to offer.

If you've been thinking about starting a garden, I encourage you to start with just one tomato plant. It’s a small investment that pays off with delicious flavor and a huge sense of accomplishment.