We grow certified organic and specialize in heirlooms - tomatoes, melons, pole beans and cowpeas. Most do just fine on our farm and our customers love them. It does take some educating of your customers to get them to understand that you are growing taste and quality and some things may not look just as they would in the local grocery store.Most people are now aware because of all the magazines etc. and they really appreciate the heirlooms and are willing to pay for them. Good luck -

I would check out the Garden State Heirloom Seed Society (www.historyyoucaneat.org), a seed saving organization that focuses on the needs of market growers.

They can help you decide on the best varieties for your area. Plus, if you join as a market grower, they actually provide free seed for you to trial.

Don't let the name fool you. They have members across the country.

psubrewno,

Last summer a woman at our farmer's market was selling the old variety of crookneck sqaush, the one with the warty skin. I talked to her about it because I love the taste of it and had not seen it for sale for as long as I can remember. The smooth ones and the straight necks don't have that flavor. She said she was growing it at the request of her customers. So there is one possibility for you.

BTW, it is difficult to know whether the seed you are buying is the warty type or the "improved". Check carefully.

Jim

Oops. Didn't realize I was in the tomato forum. Oh, well.

Jim

Huh??

Don't mind me. I'm just totally confused.

Jim