TOMATOES

From garden classics to modern marvels, Rob Smith surveys the wonderful world of one of summer's most popular crops

There's something undeniably cheerful about chatting over the garden fence, especially when the topic turns to a favourite of home-growers everywhere: tomatoes. Their tangy sweetness and juicy goodness are the epitome of summer, aren't they? Whether it's memories of sun-soaked Mediterranean holidays or laughter-filled lunches al fresco, tomatoes have a way of bringing joy to any occasion.

The varieties of tomatoes we can grow are astonishing - there's a type for every taste and purpose. Need a robust cooker or a handful of sweet cherries to nibble while you potter about in the greenhouse? You're spoilt for choice. Yet, among this abundance, there are those steadfast classics that have a special place in our hearts and gardens.

SOME OLD FAVOURITES

Take 'Gardener's Delight', for instance. This little cherry tomato is a name many of us have come to know and love. It's a shame, though, as it seems to have lost a bit of its former glory. If you've noticed it's not quite the taste sensation it used to be, you're not alone.

Sadly, it's not just us - it even lost its RHS FGM award. Perhaps it's time we looked for a fresh favourite? 'Moneymaker' is another household name, known for its reliable crop of standard red tomatoes. They might not be gourmet, but they're a dependable old friend in the tomato world, easy to grow and a familiar sight in any salad. Then there's 'Sungold F1', with its golden hue and a sweetness that's hard to beat - if you can get to them before they split or mould, that is.

For those with patio gardens, "Tumbling Tom Red' has been the go-to since "Tumbler' was discontinued in the UK. It's a breeze to grow in baskets or containers, but like most of its compact kin, it lacks the depth of flavour you get from vine tomatoes, making them nice to eat, but not amazing.