Every gardening season, we face the same delicious dilemma: which tomatoes should claim precious space in this year's garden? During my recent trip to Home Depot's garden center, I was amazed by how their selection has evolved into a treasure trove of varieties that go far beyond basic red slicers.
After years of growing tomatoes and learning what works (and what doesn't), I can tell you that the sheer variety available might surprise even experienced gardeners. Before you commit to this year's tomato lineup, take a look at these standout options that could change your entire approach to homegrown tomatoes.
Plant-Ready Tomatoes - The Smart Gardener's Shortcut
This impressive display at Home Depot's Bonnie Plants section shows exactly why plant-ready tomatoes have become the go-to choice for smart gardeners who want results without the hassle. Instead of starting from seed and waiting months, these robust transplants let you skip straight to the fun part and be harvesting fresh tomatoes in just 60-90 days.
Each plant has already been professionally grown under optimal conditions, giving you a significant head start on the season and virtually guaranteeing success even for beginners. You can see exactly what you're getting with healthy root systems and vigorous growth that takes the guesswork out of plant selection.
Husky Cherry Red - The Container Garden Champion ($9.98)
Sometimes the best treasures come in compact packages, and this cherry tomato variety proves that point beautifully. At $9.98, you're getting a plant that's specifically bred to thrive in containers while delivering those sweet, bite-sized tomatoes we all crave for snacking. What makes Husky Cherry Red special is how this dwarf variety gives new gardeners confidence and experienced ones convenience.
I love recommending this one to apartment dwellers since it stays naturally compact without sacrificing flavor, and the sturdy stems handle fruit clusters without always needing extensive staking.
Yellow Pear - The Prolific Producer ($4.98)
Yellow Pear is an indeterminate cherry variety that delivers exactly what its name promises: tiny, golden, pear-shaped fruits with a mild, sweet flavor. At just $4.98, you're getting a plant that becomes incredibly productive once established, often overwhelming gardeners with daily handfuls of these unique little tomatoes by midsummer.
The vines can get quite tall and will need sturdy support along with regular pruning to keep them manageable. What I love about this variety is how it balances being forgiving for beginners while still offering something visually interesting for experienced gardeners. They're great for tossing into salads or snacking straight off the vine.
Park's Whopper Improved - The Sandwich King ($4.98)
When you want tomatoes that can actually fill a sandwich bun, Park's Whopper Improved delivers exactly what its name promises. This indeterminate variety produces massive, meaty fruits that are famous for their exceptional flavor and impressive size. At $4.98, you're investing in a plant that takes its time to mature but rewards patience with tomatoes that can easily weigh over a pound each.
The "improved" designation means better disease resistance compared to the original Park's Whopper, making it more reliable for home gardeners dealing with common tomato troubles. Just be prepared to provide strong support since these heavy fruits can snap branches if you're not careful!
Red Beefsteak - The Classic Giant ($9.98)
There's a reason beefsteak tomatoes have been the gold standard for home gardeners for decades, and this Red Beefsteak variety shows you exactly why. For under ten bucks, you're getting an indeterminate plant that produces those massive, meaty red tomatoes that make store-bought varieties look like toys in comparison. The thick, meaty flesh and classic tomato flavor make these excellent for slicing thick for sandwiches or using as the star ingredient in caprese salads.
The plants do get quite large and will need robust support, but the payoff comes when you're harvesting tomatoes that can easily fill your entire palm. If you've never grown your own beefsteaks before, this classic variety is an excellent place to start.
Bush Early Girl - The Impatient Gardener's Friend ($9.98)
If waiting for tomatoes feels like torture, Bush Early Girl might just save your sanity. This determinate variety lives up to its name by cranking out ripe, red slicing tomatoes way earlier than most other plants, often giving you your first harvest when everyone else's are still just flowering. The compact bush stays pretty manageable, making it great for smaller spaces or pots, and at $9.98 it's a bargain when you're munching homegrown tomatoes weeks before your neighbors.
The plants don't get crazy tall and won't need much staking, though tossing a cage around them keeps things neat. This is one of those varieties that makes new gardeners feel like rock stars because you get results fast.
Rutgers - The Heritage Hero ($4.98)
Sometimes the old varieties really are the best, and Rutgers proves that point beautifully. This determinate tomato has been a garden staple since the 1930s, earning its reputation as a reliable canning and slicing favorite that just keeps delivering year after year. For less than five bucks, you're getting a piece of American garden history that produces large, thick-walled red fruits with that classic tomato flavor our grandparents remember. The plants stay reasonably compact but are incredibly productive, often surprising first-time growers with just how many tomatoes they can pump out.
Better Boy - The All-Around Superstar ($4.98)
There's a reason Better Boy has earned the title of "America's favorite tomato," and once you grow it, you'll understand the hype. This indeterminate variety combines vigorous, strong vines that keep producing until frost with consistently delicious medium to large red fruits. The price of under five dollars feels almost too good for what you're getting, especially considering how reliable this variety is across different growing conditions.
What sets Better Boy apart is its combination of disease resistance, productivity, and that classic tomato flavor that works for everything from sandwiches to sauces. The plants do get tall and will need solid support, but they reward that investment with months of steady harvest.
Grape (Tami G) - The Snacking Machine ($4.98)
Meet the tomato that's basically nature's candy in plant form. Grape tomatoes like Tami G produce sweet-tasting red fruits shaped exactly like grapes, growing in long clusters of 10-18 tomatoes that make harvesting feel like picking tiny bunches of treasure. This indeterminate variety keeps cranking out those addictive little bites all season long, and at $4.98, you're getting incredible value for a plant that'll keep your snack bowl full for months.
The cool thing about grape tomatoes is how they bridge the gap between cherry tomatoes and larger varieties, they're meatier than cherries but still perfect for popping in your mouth. The plants are vigorous growers that will need good support, but they reward you with clusters that are almost too pretty to pick.
Bonnie Original - The Time-Tested Classic ($4.98)
Sometimes you just want a straightforward, no-nonsense tomato that delivers exactly what you expect, and Bonnie Original fits that bill beautifully. This indeterminate variety has been helping gardeners succeed for years with medium-sized red fruits that balance good flavor with consistent production throughout the growing season. The plants develop strong, vigorous growth and handle typical garden challenges without requiring constant attention or special care.
Under five dollars gets you a variety that's been proven in countless home gardens, making it especially appealing to new gardeners who want something dependable for their first tomato-growing experience. I often recommend this variety to gardeners who prefer tried-and-true options over the latest specialty varieties.
Juliet - The Reliable Producer ($4.98)
Juliet earned its spot as an All-America Selections winner for good reason—this Roma grape tomato is a reliable powerhouse. Its indeterminate vines produce loads of small, flavorful red fruits perfect for snacking, cooking, or preserving. Known for outstanding disease resistance and heat tolerance, Juliet keeps going strong when other varieties fade.
At under five dollars, it's a tough, ultra-productive plant that even surprises first-time growers with its bounty. A top pick for gardeners who want dependable, no-fuss results.
Chocolate Sprinkles - The Unique Beauty ($5.98)
Chocolate Sprinkles produces small, round fruits with distinctive dark striping that looks exactly like chocolate sprinkles scattered across each tomato. This indeterminate variety from the Harvest Select line delivers both visual appeal and surprisingly complex flavor, with a sweetness that's balanced by subtle earthy notes.
The price reflects the specialty nature of this variety, but you're getting something truly special that stands out from typical cherry varieties. The plants are vigorous producers that keep cranking out these eye-catching fruits all season long, making them perfect conversation starters when you want to impress guests with something they've never seen before.
Stellar - The Premium Performer ($5.98)
Stellar lives up to its name with consistently outstanding performance that makes it a standout in the Harvest Select lineup. This indeterminate slicing variety produces beautiful, uniform red fruits with excellent flavor and the kind of reliability that experienced gardeners appreciate. The plants demonstrate strong disease resistance and vigorous growth, making them ideal for gardeners who want dependable results without constant fussing.
While the price point is slightly higher than basic varieties, the quality and consistent production justify the investment for serious tomato growers. The fruits are perfect for fresh slicing and hold up well in various weather conditions, making this variety particularly valuable in unpredictable climates.
Lemon Boy - The Sunny Alternative ($4.98)
Bright yellow fruits that practically glow in the garden make this indeterminate variety a standout choice for gardeners who want something beyond traditional red tomatoes. The mild, sweet flavor has lower acidity than most varieties, making it especially appealing for those sensitive to acidic foods or anyone looking for a gentler tomato taste. Under five dollars gets you a reliable performer with excellent disease resistance that keeps producing sunny yellow fruits all season long.
The cheerful color adds fantastic visual interest to salads and dishes, while the consistent yields make this variety dependable even during challenging weather conditions.
Growing From Seed - The Patient Gardener's Reward
This Burpee Organics seed section at Home Depot showcases why many experienced gardeners swear by starting their tomatoes from scratch. Growing from seed opens up a world of variety options that you'll never find as transplants, including rare heirlooms, specialty colors, and unique flavors that make your garden truly one-of-a-kind.
The cost savings are substantial: one packet of seeds can produce dozens of plants for the price of a single transplant, making it perfect for gardeners who want to fill large spaces or try multiple varieties without breaking the budget.
Red Cherry Heirloom Seeds - The Heritage Choice ($2.98)
Back to the Roots delivers authentic heirloom genetics with these USDA Organic Red Cherry tomato seeds that connect you to gardening traditions passed down through generations. Unlike hybrid varieties, these heirloom seeds produce plants whose fruits you can save for next year's garden, creating a sustainable cycle that many dedicated gardeners cherish.
The cherry tomatoes they produce carry flavors and characteristics that have been carefully maintained through generations of careful seed saving.
Yellow Pear Seeds - The Organic Option ($2.79)
Yellow Pear from certified organic Burpee seeds gives you the chance to grow those distinctive pear-shaped cherry tomatoes from scratch. Under three bucks gets you enough seeds to fill your garden with prolific indeterminate vines that produce tiny golden fruits all season long. The USDA Organic certification means you're starting with clean genetics, and growing from seed lets you experience the full satisfaction of nurturing these unique tomatoes from germination to harvest.
Honeycomb Hybrid Seeds - The Golden Beauty ($2.49)
Honeycomb Hybrid brings gorgeous golden-orange coloring to your tomato collection with fruits that practically glow in the garden. This Burpee variety produces medium-sized round tomatoes with sweet, mild flavor and that stunning sunset hue that makes every harvest feel special.
Just under two-fifty gets you exceptional value when you want to add some color variety without breaking the budget. The hybrid vigor means you'll get consistent performance and reliable yields, while the unique coloring makes these tomatoes ideal for creating visually striking dishes or preserves.
Your Tomato Adventure Starts Now
The choice between plant-ready tomatoes and starting from seed ultimately comes down to your gardening style, available time, and sense of adventure. Home Depot has given you plenty of options to create an incredible harvest this season, from space-saving container varieties to flavor-packed heirlooms that'll elevate every meal. Each variety we've explored offers something unique, and you're well-equipped to grow tomatoes that'll make this your most delicious gardening season yet.