Article: BETTER BOY TOMATO

      Better Boy Tomatoes are an indeterminate hybrid variety that are very commonly found at nurseries and anywhere else seedling are sold in the Spring and Summer. They're resistant to some varieties of wilt and nematodes {ref}. The fruit they bear is usually about the size of a small orange, very red, very juicy, and they work well for all sorts of culinary dishes.

     Start as seedlings 6 weeks before your last frost.
     Do not place outside until temperatures are at least 50 degrees F or better at night*.
     Space plants out at least 3 feet apart in the garden for optimum air circulation.
     Continue treating these as you would most other tomatoes.

* There is no point to rushing these in the Spring. Early planting will result in stunted growth. The warmer it is, the better they will do. Starting them later rather than earlier will likely result in plants that end up growing just as quickly to the same size, because they needed the extra warmth anyway. The rule of thumb is that with any tomato, you'd better off waiting for warmth rather than rushing things.

TOMATO SOUP
1 tbs olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
3 stalks of celery, finely chopped
1 carrot, shredded
4 tomatoes, chopped or 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried basil leaves, crumbled
3 cups of vegetable or chicken stock
Salt and pepper to taste

Heat the oil in a large pot.
Saute the onion, celery, and carrots until tender.
Add the tomatoes and basil.
Simmer over low heat until tomatoes are soft.
Transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor and carefully blend until smooth.
Return pureed mixture to cooking pot and combine with the stock.
Simmer uncovered, until soup is reduced to the desired consistency.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Makes 4 servings.