1004: Growing Epic Tomatoes with Craig LeHoullier

In this Episode Craig LeHoullier shares his lifelong journey from childhood gardening memories to becoming a renowned heirloom tomato grower, seed saver, and plant breeder. He explains the differences between heirloom, open-pollinated, and hybrid tomatoes and why preserving tomato genetics matters for future gardeners. Craig discusses the Dwarf Tomato Breeding Project, the story behind Cherokee Purple, growing tomatoes in containers and straw bales, and the importance of learning directly from your plants. He encourages gardeners to get their hands dirty, experiment, save seeds, and enjoy gardening as a lifelong journey.

Our Guest: Craig is a North Carolina-based gardener, author, and plant breeder known for his deep expertise in heirloom tomatoes. With a PhD in chemistry from Dartmouth and a 25-year career in pharmaceuticals, he later shifted full-time into gardening and seed saving. Craig is a longtime advisor to Seed Savers Exchange, and is credited with helping popularize varieties like Cherokee Purple tomatoes. He co-leads the Dwarf Tomato Breeding Project and authored Epic Tomatoes, a widely respected guide for home growers.

Key Topics & EntitiesCraig LeHoullier and his 40-year gardening journeyHeirloom, hybrid, and open-pollinated tomatoesSeed Savers ExchangeTomato seed saving and preservationThe Dwarf Tomato Breeding ProjectCherokee Purple tomatoTomato breeding and geneticsEpic TomatoesStraw bale gardeningContainer tomato growingVictory Seed CompanyGardening misinformation and experimentationFood systems and food desertsGardening as community building

Key Questions AnsweredWhat makes a tomato an heirloom?

Craig defines an heirloom as a genetically stable variety that can be passed down through saved seed, with age and a meaningful history or story associated with it.

What is the difference between heirloom and open-pollinated tomatoes?

All heirlooms are open-pollinated, but not every open-pollinated tomato is an heirloom. Craig uses 1949, when Burpee's Big Boy was introduced, as a useful guidepost for distinguishing older heirlooms from newer open-pollinated varieties.

Why are hybrid tomatoes valuable?

Hybrids can combine desirable traits such as disease resistance, heat tolerance, growth habits, and productivity. Craig emphasizes that there are excellent hybrids, heirlooms, and open-pollinated varieties.

How did the Dwarf Tomato Breeding Project begin?

Craig and Patrina began crossing large, flavorful heirlooms with dwarf tomato varieties to creat