Hokianga Heirloom Tomatoes
Epic Tomatoes — Recommended Tomato Growing Book (NZ)
Heirloom-focused tips on varieties, seed saving, pruning, and troubleshooting.
If there’s one book I reach for again and again, it’s Epic Tomatoes by Craig LeHoullier — clear, practical, and full of heirloom wisdom. When I’m choosing varieties, diagnosing odd leaf curl, or planning flavours for the season, this is the book on my bench.
Why this book
- Straight-talk, gardener-to-gardener advice (no fluff, great photos).
- Heirloom focus: history, seed-saving, and what actually performs.
- Field-tested tips for pruning, staking, spacing, flavour, and yield.
What you'll learn
- How to match varieties to climate, flavour, and purpose (fresh eating vs bottling).
- Seed starting and strong seedling habits (light, air movement, timing).
- Training systems and pruning choices that won’t fail in wind.
- Soil prep, watering rhythm, blossom set, cracking, and catfacing.
- Simple troubleshooting for common diseases and pests.
- Heirloom histories you’ll want to pass on with your seed.
Who it's for
New growers who want a trusted roadmap, and experienced gardeners who want deeper heirloom knowledge—all in one practical book.
This book helped me level up. Craig calls Cherokee Purple his top beefsteak—and I agree it’s special. Epic Tomatoes will sharpen your instincts and your harvest.
Disclosure: I may earn a small commission if you purchase via my link—at no extra cost to you.
Mini FAQ:
Useful for NZ conditions? Yes. The principles travel well; I adapt them to Hokianga and share local notes across my site.
Good for beginners? Absolutely—clear steps and strong photos.
Help with heirloom choices? Yes. It’s my shortcut to better selection each season.
