The Best of Tomatoes: Top Varieties

Published on
April 22nd, 2026

There’s nothing quite like the taste of a homegrown tomato—warm from the sun, perfectly ripe, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re planting in a backyard garden, raised bed, or patio container, tomatoes are one of the most rewarding (and delicious!) crops to grow.


With just a little planning, the right soil, and plenty of sunshine, you’ll be well on your way to a season full of fresh slices, homemade salsa, and garden-fresh salads. Scroll down to discover the exciting tomato varieties we’ll be carrying this season and find the perfect fit for your garden. 🍅


Earl May Garden Center’s top-performing tomato varieties are carefully selected for Midwest growing success. From juicy slicers to sweet cherry tomatoes, we have compiled a list of the “Best Of” plants to bring delicious homegrown flavor to your table.

A clear glass bowl full of salsa, with a tortilla chip sticking in the top.

For Salsa

  • Roma
  • La Roma
  • San Marzano
  • Juliet
  • Amish Paste
Close up of a slice of ripe red tomato.

Giant Slicers

  • Big Beef
  • Beef Master
  • Whopper
Pile of small cherry tomatoes on a paper towel.

Cherry Tomato

  • Supersweet 100

Variety of heirloom tomatoes in a basket.

Heirloom

  • Brandywine Rine
  • Brandywine Pink
  • Mortgage Lifter
  • Black Krim
  • Cherokee Chocolate
Yellow, ripe tomatoes.

Low Acid

  • Pinks
  • Oranges
  • Yellows
  • Jet Star (Red)
Hands picking large tomato from a patio planter.

Patio Pot Tomatoes

  • May Patio Slicer
  • Patio
  • Husky Red
  • Jet Star
  • Bush Celebrity