Get Adventurous in the Garden: Because Basic is Boring

Look, we love a good classic red tomato, but if you’re only growing the same old varieties year after year, you’re missing out on a whole world of flavor. Gardening is meant to be an adventure, not a routine! This year, it’s time to throw caution to the wind, get a little wild, and plant some unexpected showstoppers. Trust me—your taste buds will thank you.

Tomatoes: More Than Just Red and Round

from left, Cosmic Eclipse, Barry's Crazy Cherry, and Dr. Wyche's Yellow Tomato (photos from wildboarfarms.com and rareseeds.com)

Did you know that not all tomatoes taste the same? Some are sweet, some are tangy, and some have a creamy, almost velvety texture that makes them perfect for slicing. Enter Dr. Wyche’s Yellow Tomato—rich, low-acid, and with a smooth, almost tropical flavor that makes every bite feel like summer. Then there’s Barry’s Crazy Cherry, a prolific little overachiever that grows in massive clusters of tiny, sunshine-colored jewels. Need drama in your garden? Say hello to Cosmic Eclipse Tomatoes—deep red and purple with stunning variegation, like a sunset in tomato form. They’re not just gorgeous; they pack a balanced, complex flavor that works in everything from fresh salads to roasted sauces.

Peppers: A Little Heat Never Hurt Nobody (Or Did It?)

from left, Nadapenos, Fresno, and Aji Cristal peppers. (Aji Cristal photo from rareseeds.com)

Sure, bell peppers are fine, but why not spice things up? If you love the flavor of jalapeños but not the heat, Nadapeños are your new best friend. All the classic pepper goodness, none of the burn—perfect for stuffing, roasting, or making mild salsas. If you do like a little kick, let’s talk about Fresno Peppers—slightly spicier than a jalapeño but with a fruitier depth that takes sauces and salsas to the next level. Feeling extra bold? Try Aji Cristal Peppers, a citrusy, medium-heat variety from South America that will have you rethinking everything you knew about spice. They’re bright, flavorful, and perfect for fresh hot sauces.

Why Settle for the Same Old When You Can Grow Something Exciting?

If you’re going to put in the effort to grow your own food, make it fun. Try new varieties, mix up your flavors, and give your garden some personality. Whether it’s the sunset-colored beauty of Cosmic Eclipse, the mild heat of a Fresno pepper, or the citrusy surprise of Aji Cristal, there’s a world of flavor waiting for you. So go ahead—get a little adventurous. Your garden (and your taste buds) will be all the better for it.