how to grow the tastiest tomato (is it nature or nurture?); plus plan to come visit

I'm raking as fast as I can, in anticipation of my garden-visiting days that begin barely a month hence. I'm also sowing seeds -- specifically, this week, my tomatoes. To that end:

in pursuit of the best tomato flavor? how to get there

Is it nature (as in genetics) or nurture (as in where and how you raise it) that makes for a tasty tomato? I asked a university breeder and geneticist, and a seed farmer and breeder, each with decades of expertise: How can we grow the best tomato?

open days begin may 10 (plus plant sales, lectures)

Will I see you May 10 (or June 7, August 16, September 20) when my Columbia County, New York, garden is open for visiting? As extra incentive, there's a giant plant sale by Broken Arrow Nursery on tap each day, plus an 11 AM guest lecturer. First up: Lee Reich, on "Weed-Less Gardening." Details and lecture tickets.

miss it last time? 2 book giveaways

Margaret Roach
A Way to Garden