For centuries they were considered poisonous and thus avoided. Today they are the mainstay of most vegetable gardens. Perhaps it was the invention of the sandwich and the realization that most sandwiches could be improved with a slice of tomato that turned the tide; but I doubt it.

Regardless, the seed catalogs offer an almost endless selection of tomato varieties and many of us have already identified our own favorite. I suggest trying a new one every now and then.

Heirloom varieties have regained popularity with many people. They come in many colors and shapes for that matter. These varieties have existed for a century or so and long before hybridization became a factor in plant breeding. Of these my favorite heirlooms is Brandywine.

Many attribute superior flavor to the old varieties, but my tastes aren't that refined I guess. I'm too modern in my expectations. Somehow a slice of many of these don't look like what I expect a tomato to look like. Perhaps my enthusiasm is further diminished by their problems. They have little or no disease resistance.

As a small child I remember dad growing tomatoes by the acre. I also remember a year before chemicals that blight totally destroyed an eight acre field. I read a recent article on heirlooms that suggested planting a few of the new hybrids as insurance.

Today's tomatoes come in lots of sizes and colors from cherries to large juicy selections. The midsized varieties are generally firmer. Yellow and pink varieties are generally lower in acid. Plum or Italian types are generally very meaty and most often used for sauces.

If you want a large one, look for the word beef or boy in its name. I suggest three that I have planted regularly in the midsized range. They are Jet Setter, Supersonic and a relatively new one called Celebrity. Grape tomatoes have become popular for salads.

By now many of us have added at least one large plant and several smaller ones to our garden. We may stake the big one to hurry the season. My guess is that staking and sucker removal will advance the season but slightly reduce the total yield from that plant.

With today's disease resistance the chief problem we often face is deformity on the bottom or blossom end of the tomato. This is often a combination of calcium or moisture imbalances. Tomatoes like a mid range Ph. between 6.5 and 7.0 and a regular supply of moisture. Mulching with grass clippings can help here.

Another point is to behave yourself with the fertilizer bucket. Plants that receive excessive nitrogen often make worthy additions to a jungle environment but offer very few if any fruits.

If you get many plants, tell your neighbors to get ready. A few plants, a little care and you will soon have tomatoes for the whole neighborhood.