A black plum heirloom tomato plant just beginning to fruit a couple summers back.

As you’ve doubtless surmised, I’m absolutely passionate about my heirloom tomatoes. What began as a lark and later became a hobby, has blossomed into a full-on obsession. So, when a friend drew my attention to the CNN Web site’s “recession gardens” report, I figured now was the perfect time to pull out my soapbox and extol the virtues of home-grown tomatoes.

The gist of the CNN article is that the recession (and possibly First Lady Michelle Obama) is encouraging an increasing number of Americans to make use of their personal green space to grow produce as a way to reduce grocery spending. (See my Blogroll at right for a link to this story.)

If this is a trend you’d like to embrace, heirloom tomatoes could be the perfect starter for your edible garden. I grow at least four or five pots of these tasty treats on my city balcony each season. Not only do they supply my dinner table throughout the summer, but there are plenty left over to share with my friends and neighbors.

Since I garden in containers, I only select cherry, grape or small plum varieties. I tried a full-size tomato my first year and got poor results. So, unless you’re planting in the ground, follow my lead. (There are also some small heirlooms cultivated specifically for containers that should work, too.)

There are two heirloom tomatoes that have been so successful for me I grow them every year. They are sun-sugar hybrid and black plum. When ripe the sun-sugar cherry is a bright yellow-orange and has a light, sweet flavor. The black plum is a dark red when mature and has a richer, more robust flavor. Both are incredibly prolific. As for the remainder of my choices, I usually mix it up, trying new varieties each year — either because I like the description or because I simply like the way they look. (Heirlooms come in a wide variety of colors — red, yellow, orange, green, black, pink, white. … And some even have stripes.)

In addition to the sun-sugar and black plum, I ordered eight packets of other heirloom tomato seeds this year. (Actually, I  accidentally ordered a ninth packet that produces 2-pound tomatoes! It’ll make a nice gift for one of my friends with a yard.) From the eight, I have to decide on three to join my faves in my garden this summer.

And I better do it quick: I’m slated to start my seeds this weekend.